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23  WiST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


'9) 


CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


\ 


Tachnical  and  Oibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
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n    Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  da  couieur 


r~~\    Covers  damaged/ 


D 


D 
D 


D 
El 


D 


Couverture  endommagie 


Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverturr*  restaurie  et/ou  peiliculAe 


I      I    Cover  title  missing/ 


La  titre  de  '     jverture  manque 


ColournJ  rrtdps/ 

Cartes  g^ographiques  en  couieur 


Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couieur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noirel 


r~~|    Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 


D 


Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couieur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
Relii  avoc  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  causa  shadows  or  distortion 
along  i/iterior  margin/ 

La  re  liure  serree  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distorsion  l«  long  de  la  marge  intArieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
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have  been  omitterl  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajouties 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparais&ent  dans  ie  texte. 
mais,  lorsque  cela  Atait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
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Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppl^mentaires; 


L'Institut  a  microfilm^  Ie  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  iti  possible  de  se  procurer.  Las  details 
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point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  m^thode  normale  de  filrnage 
sont  indiqute  ci-dessous. 


The 
to  tl 


[~n    Coloured  pages/ 


Q 


Pages  de  couieur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagies 

Pages  restored  and/oi 

Pages  restaur^es  et/ou  pellicul^es 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxei 
Pages  dicoiories,  tacheties  ou  piqu^es 

Pages  detached/ 
Pages  ditachees 

Showthrough.' 
Transparence 

Quality  of  prir 

Quality  inigalo  da  I'impresseon 

Includes  supplementary  materii 
Comprend  du  materiel  supplementaire 

Only  edition  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 


I — I  Pages  damaged/ 

J      I  Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 

r~7|  Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 

r~l  Pages  detached/ 

r~7|  Showthrough/ 

I      I  Quality  of  print  varies/ 

r~~l  Includes  supplementary  material/ 

I      I  Only  edition  available/ 


The 
pos) 
of  tl 
film 


Grig 

begi 

the 

sior 

oth( 

first 

sior 

or  il 


The 
shal 
TIN 
whi 

Mai 
diff( 
enti 
beg 
righ 
reqi 
met 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  lOtalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  fnuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure. 
etc.,  ont  it6  filmies  d  nouveau  de  facon  it 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filmi  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqui  ci-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


26X 


30X 


j 

y 

12X 


16X 


2QX 


24X 


28X 


32X 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanAS 
to  the  generosity  of: 

National  Library  of  Canada 


L'exemplaire  filmi  fut  reproduit  grdce  d  la 
g6n6rositi  de: 

BibliothAque  nationale  du  Canada 


The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
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Las  images  suivantes  ont  6t6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  netteti  de  l'exemplaire  film6,  et  en 
conformity  avec  las  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
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sion,  or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprim6e  sont  fiimis  en  commenpant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  salon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  fiimis  en  commen^ant  par  la 
premidre  page  qui  comporte  uno  emprefnte 
d'impression  ou  d'itlustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  •^►(meaning  "CON- 
TINUED "),  or  the  symbol  y  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symboie  — ►  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN  ". 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  loft  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvcnt  Atre 
fllmte  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diffdrentti. 
Lorsque  le  doci  nent  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clichd,  il  est  film6  d  partir 
de  Tangle  sup6rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  ndcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  m^thode. 


1  2  3 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

from 


Xew  Haven,  Cciin 


Peter  Stiwvesaut ,  Mr  7/7.<^  of  the  Ihikli  (^ova-furs,  died  in  #<*«  idifc  ui  Ji!F,2.  lujed  SOy/'/irs 
Georvre  Cluiton.r/  Gtiwol  in  theRm'dutwwin-War.OoveTiior  cfNe»i7/''rl.- .Via- Brsident  of  tlu 
Ihiied  Shites. horn  in  C>range  Co.  in  W9:  died  in  \Vi-ishingtcn.4l>rd  20,4^:'.  ] 'liilij'  Sclmvler  JamV 
ijmshcd  (hi  a  livilum  imd  Gmetal  in  the  Ra'olldwn  born  mAlbrnw  inWM:  died  m  lo04.  JoLn 
.'\i[S\.U).l'hu'fJitsUcc  of  tilt  Vnilcd  States.  TcndtTd  important  riationol  seiW*'-'^:'l-ii'diitBei}ffi'>i.^^ 
in  /.S2'J,(/-/^//84,  IteWilt  (]vi\\.m)..difliminished  tlir liii  ]>uUir  -yniit S: emK'-]>rizc :ilS .^nudrr 
A' Gnrrnc r  of  ^JrifY(  rk  dird  iiilSyS,  n^;cd  c>9  vaitS.z 


i 


■>« 


yj^ 


i-  t,(.  A  ('  Y 


raj. 


iir 


IIISTOKICAL    GLEANINGS, 


OMPILED  AND  ARRANGED 


BT 


MRS.  C  ATlrARINA  V.  R.  BONNEY. 


'«     II  1    CrSTRATIOXS     AND     AUTOGB 


APH8, 


'■    '    ■•    ^  fU/  U  M  B  S  . 
-  *^K   I. 


1 


ALB4^'        A'    v.; 
tic  ^SILI..    /  HTATE  STREET. 


i*78. 


^ 


Peter  Sn 

-;  <•;■  ,*.'/.   . 

Crt'ort;*"  ' 

■    ,  /     '  '  J      .'^ 

UniUd  Sti 

(jnishcd  a 

.;v,7,,;       ■    ■ 

.lay.LLli./ 

:    •/  >/</A 

inJ.VMa  .       • 

■..;,.•..  ./'.•/ 

r 


ei:«'  I 


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LEGACY 


or 


HISTORICAL   GLEANINGS, 


COMPILED  AND  ARRANGED 


BT 


MRS.  CATHARINA  V.  R.  BONNEY. 


WITH     ILLirSTBATlOKS     AND     AUTOGRAPHS. 


IN    TWO    VOLUMES, 
VOLUME  I. 


J.  MUNSELL  82  STATE  STREET. 
1875. 


76754 


The  Lkgac 
tion  of  Rev. 
grapliical  Ske 
andlsha.  St. 
rennial  Stand 
De  Herr  Killii 
Vigilance  of  I 
Turnpike.  C( 
Belaer.  PoT^e 
Destruction  o 
Sanders.    Ord- 


CoiiONIAL  H 
Col.  Wendell. 
Same  to  Thomi 
Wibird.  Aunt 
Sanders.  Chrif 
Boston.  Destri 
Kay  to  same. 
Hundred.  Can 
Taken.  Captur 
to  Philip  Van  I 
Daniel  Hale,  t 
ence.    Christopl 


.     Surrender  o 

I  at  Ticonderoga. 

Wounded.      Sih 

Surrender  of  Bui 

Albany.     Great 

General  Gansevo. 

Frederick  Vissch 

I  man.    General  V 

selaer.    General 

I  from  Yale  Colleo- 

Iselaer.    Wedding 

jington's^oTi^eM 

Iselaer  to  George  ( 


General  Wah 
|Geu.  Wayne.  So; 
IWest.    Abstract  0 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

grapliical  Sketches.  GleaiuiW  fn'-t^  •  ^m"*^.':"?'"®^'  "^'^en  Popular  AirTn 
andl«ha.  St.  Nicholas's  DaT^^OraSeBov^  ^'^;^-  ?"  «r««t  ProgenSrs  thelsh 
rennial  Standard.    Santa  nRn«i?''   ^^^° ''^^  Ascendancy.   Dutchman-l  pl 

DeHerrKillianVanKssdrr.  v"K 5  11° '"\^"/^^    PatrS^of  1629 

Turnpika     Commerce  of  Early  Tim^     a?,;.i,  "t'"'"^  Sc&lped  on  Bethlehem 
selaer.    Porter  of  Attorney.    Indianron'iT,    w^^  ^^^'^-     Hendrick  Van  W 
Destruction  of  Schenectady.     STorial  Pal^ffP''*^n  «r"«  "^  J^^^^t  Priest 
Sanders.    Orders  to  Armori  128  SrsAgaQ^aL  Le?et,.^°^^^^      ^^'"^ 

CHAPTER  II. 

^oston.    Destruction  of  Tea.    General  8oJ?,V„i     I   ?>um^"  Rensselaer.    Affray  af 

;  Daniel  Hale.    Henrv  Glen  to  Se      F^^Vi     « *°  ?*™«-     Richard  Varick  to^m? 
lence.    Christopher  Yates  to  pTan  Re^nsSaJ/^'^^^-    ^^«^"'^«on  of  IndeS^ 

' ?4 

CAPTER  III. 

M^urrenaer  ot  Burgoyne's  Army.     Col    Niol,«ioo\r    H  ^istyne  Goes  as   a  Sdv 

selaer.  Wedding  InvitationroO  yea^s  f^ro  n'  ^^"^'^r'^rt  to  Philip  Van  Rens 
jington's  Bon  Hepon     Union  r.ii«„!:^^*^    .  ^a-'Cing  Assembly  in  1791      Wofi 

selaer  to  George^JLton"!!! . .    .  !^'  Committee  to  Gen.  Schuyl^;°  P  VanTens'- 

'  58 

CHAPTER  IV 


IV 


Contents. 


Van  Renssolaer.  Capt.  Turner  to  same.  Lieut.  N.  I.  VisBcher  to  same.  Rorrel 
Tr(K)p.  Gen.  WllkinBon  ToHts  tlie  Motal.  Warden  DeHtroyed.  An  OfiBot.  In- 
dians TroubloBome.  Battle  ot  tlio  Miami.  Indians  Routed.  Capt.  Van  Konsselaer 
Severely  Wounded.  Extract  of  Capt.  Campbell's  Will.  Little  Turtle.  Capt. 
Van  Kensselaer  to  Lieut.  Vissclier.  The  same  to  (ien  Wayne.  Several  Letters 
from  Otticors.  K.  K.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer.  Henry  Cuyler 
not  Dead. 89 


CHAPTER  V. 

European  Trip  in  1795:  Lieut.  Visscher  to  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer.  Fort 
Wayne.  Lieut.  Posey  to  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer.  Robert  S.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his 
Sister.  James  Cuyler  to  Capt.  Van  Ransselaer.  Lettei  from  Amsterdam.  Secre- 
tary of  War  to  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer.  Capt.  Webb  to  same.  Lieut.  Blue  to  same. 
West  Point  Letters.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Secretary  of  War.  Capt.  ^"an  Rens- 
selaer to  bis  Cousin.  Dutch  Letter.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Church.  Visit  to  Blenheim 
House.  Duke  of  Malborough.  Magnificent  Park.  Wedding  Invitation.  Maria 
Gansevoort.    Abraham  Hun.     Tea  Party, 109 


CHAPTER  VI. 

CuMRBRLAND  Line  :  Tender  Surveillance.  Marriage.  Marching  Orders.  In- 
teresting Route.  Letters  and  Diary  Down  the  Ohio  in  Flat  Boat.  Fort  Wash- 
ington. Lexington  Letter.  Gen.  Wilkinson  to  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer.  Knoxville. 
Cherokee  Indians  Dissatisfied.  Lieut.  Visscher  to  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer.  Richard 
Varick  to  Philip  Van  Rensselaer.  Secretary  of  War  to  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Letter  from  Fort  Niagara.     Major  of  Calvary, 180 

CHAPTER  VII. 

Troublous  Times  :  Death  of  General  Washington.  Mrs.  Adams's  Drawing 
Boom  Deferred.  Funeral  Procession  in  Albany.  General  Hamilton  to  Secretary 
of  War.  Same  to  Gen.  Wilkinson.  Governor  Jay  to  Secretary  of  War.  Gen. 
Wilkinson  to  Major  Van  Rensselaer.  Duel  in  West  Indies.  "  Shoot  him  on  the 
Spot."  Adjutant  General.  Death  of  General  Schuyler.  Judge  Van  Ness  to 
Sol.  Van  Rensselaer.  "  Liberty  and  Equality."  Political  Elements  in  Albany. 
E.  C  Genet's  Counter  Statement.  Federalist's  Meeting.  Republican  Meeting. 
Affray.  Gov.  Tayler  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer.  Statement  of  facts  by  Federal  Com- 
mittee  150 


CHAPTER  VIIL 

Speech  of  Hon.  Elisha  Williams  :  Elisha  Jenkins  vs.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  vs.  John  Tayler.  The  same  vs.  Charles  D.  Coopor.  The 
same  vs.  Francis  Bloodgood.  Awards  in  the  Several  Cases.  Elisha  Williams. 
Judge  Van  Ness  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer.  First  Steamboat.  Several  Letters 
from  Judge  Van  Ness.  Gov.  Morgan  Lewis  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer.  Several 
Letters.  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  the  Public.  Same  to  William  Simmons.  John 
P.  Van  Ness  to  Judge  Van  Ness.  Gen.  Van  Ness  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer.  Death 
of  (ieneral  Gansevoort 170 


CHAPTER  IX. 

Declaration  op  War  in  1813:  Maj.  Gen.  Siophen  Van  Reusselacr  in  Com- 
mand of  Forces.  Adj.  Gen.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer  as  Aid-decamp.  Departure  of 
General  and  Suite.  Entertainments.  John  Lovett  as  Secretary  and  Military  Aid. 
Interesting  Letters.  Sacketts  Harbor.  Ogdensburgh.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaei- to 
his  Wife.  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Governor  Tompkins.  Tour  of  Inspection. 
Queer  Night  Quarters.  Ofwego.  Niagara  Frontier.  Destitute  State  of  the  Array. 
Head  Quarters.     Gen.   Vv'^adsworth.     Armistice.    "  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer's 


Contents.  ^ 

Maj.  (ieu.  Dearborn                Muf^nJ^r  ot  HuII'h  Army.    Uen.  Van  HenHHclaer  to 
' 194 


CHAPTER  X. 
CniTtcvL  Situation  of  thb  U.  8.  Akmy 


fi«neral  Orders.    Gen. 


ssja"„%ri,™Ui^fr.^i'r'^L'°.&^^^^^^ 


Bcii-ntious  Scruples, 
mation.    Spicy  Letters. 
Abralmm   Van  Vecliten. 


Dearborn 

TT  „  ,„  ^''"-  ^*"  Rensselaer  to  (ien  "Dearborn"''  cv!^' 
U.  STr,K,ps  Should  not  be  "Hulled."  (^n  BrS'PrSl" 
-     Contemplated  Duel.     General  Orders.    M^^r  LovS  to 


s..laer  to  General  Bn;ck:-  C.^' vin  RrnsXe'r  to'^£^'  "'''^     'i^\  ^'»"  "^""^ 

Whistler.    Colonel  Van  l^lTaTr  SZ S  Leti^'EoT  CuvTe^' t*?-  ,  "^^ ' 

Rensselaen     Pnsoners  of  War.    Revoking  SentenS  orChl^iS'ajrr  LteTS 

818 


CHAPTER  XI. 


Jr^G^rs&Te^^^vrrnL^^^^^^      r"'?r  *"««-•  ^-  ««- 

nence."  Propose/councilTfOffl^^eS'Tetl    ifM^:'^^^^^ 

l^ife.    PrenaratinnH  tn  n,.,wa  ♦i.-.  o:. tT    .^"y'^\:.  '^o*- Van  Rensselar^r 


Last  


CHAPTER  XII. 

EnSuTrTiXlTdilr^oSlStr^^t^  RENSBE.AKH:  Lieut. Col. Scott. 
selaer.    Major  Lovett's  Interest  n^Lett^^  ^^''-  ^»°  ^^^ 

Exclianffe  of  Prisoners     aln  aP^o-  !   «"•    ^J"^'  ^"■'^  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife 
Van  KoLler  wa"s  \Vounded      S™  A^«°;  ^^"^  ««'^«««1^«'-     K«gret  that  CoT. 

•^' 260 

CHAPTER  XIII. 
(^.^vrRtSLaoJ'XVvSSirin?"  ''"'  ?r««^««=    J-«°binson  to 

Sir^«tftS^Ea^^^^ 

feou  awick.  R,jbert  Macomb  to  name.  Governor  Tomnklns  fli  v  ^°^<'°^0'^ 
laers  Letter.  Encounter  between  Mai  LoveU  and  Tien  k.^  "  ^?  ^^'^^^^ 
!  Co„,ress.     Lovett's  Letters  from  Wash^ngS.*^  Vrfu'ce^'oT  J^^S^^^^^^^^^^ 

CHAPTER  XIV. 


Peril  to  the  Capital.     Gen. 


,.r.,.^"  '^"'^'  Represent  a  Deaf  Man. 
Wiliimson  Ordered  North 


Enemy  Near. 
Gov.  Tompkins  to  Sol. 


of  New  York      Letters  ««"•  Armstronjr.    Enemy  at  Wasliinf^ton.    Defense 

'■■■ ao3 


I       vf 


11 


J. 


Contents. 


CHAl'TRU  XV. 

i^''r,;;:r:,,!i;;;\iirj,.!;;';::z,r",T'.':T"i,""i":  '-«• '-  >""  ^'«" 
ju.^„  v.*Ni"K,,  ;'riL:::;c.  rc'»X".:'z,:::':-.:r.'".5s^ 

CHAPTER  XVI. 
MrsHouRi  roMmoMTSK .  Ju-]«„  Van  New,  to  Sol.  Van  RenMflaop     Dr  V.„ 

K  ..^       Van   l{..,m„..la.,r.     hn.M.„,.l,n...«t  an.l   A,.,,uittal.     Falling  of  n.a.uleZr 

CHAPTER  XVII. 


AlTOINTMENT  OF   AlBANT  PoPT   MabTEH  :   Tv'bute  of  r    tnw 


Removal  of 
( ongresB. 

.  .     -.Ttnt'iiii'i  .         iri>iiiii    /IT     ivint/Aw     !Vi         i        it: 

Van  HensHt'laer. 
Van  HenHHclacr. 

^/;,","^^;r  '^l'I"''"^''*'^"st  ^^^istor.     "Billy  Winne  the  P...rnv'Pna7»     «    • 

of  Sol.  Van  RensHclaer.     .John  n    nw.i,iL.„    ""L.'.rxV'"y.\°«*-   .  Kc-Bignation 

Patterson  to  samo 

866 


Sol.  Van  Renssdaer  to  tl.e  Patroon.    Judge  McKnown  to  SoV 

in    ^-^l'^  ^ '"""  ••'*'  I  ''"ny  Post- "    RcBiffnation 
John  I).   Dickinson  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer.     Walt™ 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Gkn.  Stephen  Van  Renshelaek  Ei.k<'ted  to  Cn^nnvaa .  p„~         j 
aboin  Albany  Post  Office.     J„hn  D  Dick  ns.ln  to  Sol    V^^  «       ^?"''8Pon^™ce 

CHAPTER    XIX. 

Albany  Patroon  to  Sol.  Van  RensseLr  J  B  Stn  rA".  ^''"S^  ^''"  ^^ 
La  Fayette.  E.cort  to  Mas.aclulsetts  Li,  „.  it"' SprinTHote^T'?'/^ 
Gov.™or  Clint.,n'H  Vinit  to  Ohio  His  Enti;„siastir  Rece^T  SL^-Oe:- 
Sol  Van  Rensselaer  at  Detroit.  Speech  of  the  Mayor,  lien.  VaTEssefi 
411 

CHAPTER  XX. 

Erie  Canal  Celebration  :  Completion  of  Canal    Passarre  nf  Rr.nt=    n  i 
tion  from  Albany.     Celebration  in  New  York  Ci^  \^rtL%roSon      S 
mony    by   Governor   Clinton.     Grand   Canal   Ball      siverll    i  I?f  tt-  •. 

Queenston    Battle    Ground.       HoriXle   AssLsinaHon        vf.-.  ^"''Ti,    ^'^'\  ?,° 
Execution  of  Jesse  Strang.    Death  of  Lv^r  WiU  C^iutoZ"  F^d '"?'.  S 


South  Ameri 
[Oen.  Bolivar.  C 
of  Bogota,  8,220 1 
Arrival  at  Bogota 
I  Splendid  Rout  on 
Nay  the  Oala-dai 
J titnircase  Mounta 
I  of  Fusugazuga. 


,  South  Americ. 
J  Father.  Robbers 
Imeda.  Excursion 
■Placards.  Home 
I  Webster  to  Sol.  \ 
IMooro.  Distrust! 
I  Spanish  Goverim. 
IConsal  Et  Anolayr 
lOftee.  AnUngrat 
|oi  ben.  Harrison's 
IWeueral  Cordova,.. 


CONTRNTS. 


vi! 


t  to  Sol.  Van 
Haiim.  Dt-atli 
«*neral  Ord*  th. 
y.  Montproiu- 
iHwilaortoSol. 
wilaor  Elwt'Kl 
V.  Lewis  and 
823 


lor.  Dr.  Van 
)in  Governor 
(Ij^eMcKown 
{  Chandelier. 
iHt  MastorB." 
)1.  Van  KenH- 
ise.  <.!l(arlt'H 
844 


Removal  of 
:e  Van  Ness 
nton  to  Bol. 
i')wn  to  Sol. 
lensselaer  to 
Resijirnation 
ler.  Walter 
366 


respondence 
er.  Walter 
;ime.  Fire 
no  to  same, 
jetters  from 
■tes  Elected 
Van  Ueng- 
at  Albany. 
388 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


•itfhtened  Fronch- 


:''i'i.'P".  <'artlm„e„a.'''  l?ny  t,  'n/i'/lv's  Iv"  ^''^ ,»''•"'"-"«  Castle  ,Z^; 
tn-HoftheHolidayH.  Furtlu.r  1'^^  ,,«;  cfn^rm 'IV  ;„  '71''  **'■•""•'"•"•  ^'"-ti  v t 
of  Beauty.  Fore<*t  BiruH  HUnt  m  T  '-''•^"*'' ' '"ns-  MftliOMiiy  TreeR  rVovur. 
,«illa    <Varn.  Wei  Jr    Sl^^'^^^l^M^ll'V ^^^^^  Ba r ^ 

Van  Rensselaer  to  Lis  Son, *"'^-    ^  "l'».  'an  '»  Commotion,    (i,  n 

' 486 

CHAPTER  XXH. 

^'l!^^nlSZ''Z!:^Z^T''^^^  "--^-r  to  hi, 

at  Point  SaviniUa.     Contest  betweon  a  F    I  o^    '^'v^  Treaa.     F.«-? 

TigressKilltdbyaYoungNiS  Vi't  1  •'"'"  ^V"  ^n*^  ""'^rc,  TluJr 
with  a  Venomous  Snake.  LSrVfrom  N^  "iV""^  *'"  *''"  "  «">"»■  Adv<2r„ 
Jackson.  Phases  of  Society.  A  cS«nn-  fT"','";  ^''^  ^""^'ote  of  Gen 
Fenc.n«r Exercise.  Spaaisli  Funeral  SriS^^^u^^'^''  "^  ^''l*^-  ^^tf"^^' 
GeneraTtoGen.  Van  Rensselaer.  TiicmasP^M,-  ^"''"^un'iHy-  Post  Ma  r 
Strenuous  Efforts  to  Effect  Gen  vJhZLL'u  «"P"r««'J«8  Oen.  Harrison 
I  Judge  Spencer.    BarranqoiUa  Uttere    '"''«"'^«'-«  "♦"noval.     Gen.  Armstrong  to 

'     r.?i 

CHAPTER  XXni 
.too  .nd  PWr.  Van  CV«l."d  ',';'^,  Sh™™  7'  '^•"„;*""-    *a>v,„l  r,!v  „g 

I  ^n,u.  ,.d„.  Mounf^irri jx«ir'£„dtrr'.:dr"^^ 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

|oe?SivlrCo?oLKSelf'^«"r^''.=  ^^''  **  «-d«as.    New  Tariff  bv 
«<■  Bosrota.  8,320  Feet  AbovL  the  L  V'""^-  /'V,^*''"-    Picturesque  Va«ey     Sain 

Snfir/  fl^"^"'^-    UmS's^lSe/arn''S?'?S^^^  .^PpV»-«'^t'oun  '^ 
S'!  "f  "^  ,?°"t  on  J"ly  4th.    Maki  iTcalls     -iT^  A.  •°"^'  ^•""^  Welcome^ 

«.Ll'"!  «?l«-day-  Gambling  Unfver^  VisU  fo  nT'  f^r.^^iUance.  Sun- 
Terrific  Lookin^liole  Novel  £'"-*^„B"dge  of  Pandi. 
Fight, ^        ^-    -^ovel  Dinner  Party.     The  Belles 

499 

CHAPTER  XXV 

Ia«la.    EjcuisloM.    Loftv  Andes     £    ft;";  K""°°'"-     f«»l'ionable  Al " 
I  516 


htaircase  Mountain, 
of  Fusugazuga.    Bull 


NOTE. 


Legac 


Id  printing  the  correspondence  which  is  presented  in  the  following 
pages,  it  was  decided  to  give  each  writer  the  benefit  of  his  own  peculiarity 
of  style  in  every  respect,  as  well  in  orthography,  punctuation,  and  the 
use  of  capital  letters,  as  in  all  other  matters.  The  letters  are  faithful 
transcripts  of  the  originals,  and  the  reader  will  observe,  not  only  the 
great  extent  of  the  correspondence  and  the  wide  range  of  topics  embraced, 
but  also  the  abundance  of  new  facts  in  the  history  of  these  men  and  of 
the  times  in  which  they  lived,  here  brought  to  light. 


"Com 
And  tho 
Of  early 
For  Am( 
When  fi 
Yet, 'his 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleaning 


s. 


CHAPTER  I. 
The  Legacy-Why  Bequeathed. 

Of  early  campaigns' whfnSrr  KSSha^r'  ?^«'  ^''^^  «-«*  '• 
Vet.  ^S™^:i:^K"St!^^±^ -d  , 


NOTE. 


In  printing  the  correspondence  which  is  presented  in  the  following 
pages,  it  was  decided  to  give  each  writer  the  benefit  of  his  own  peculiarity 


ERRATA. 


I'rtgo    ■').  line  10  fnim  l\\c  bottoin.  Tor  become,  read  htcaine. 

IS.  line  1!)  Iruiii  the  top,  foi'  1847  read  174". 

:iT.  line  lil  from  tliu  top  omit  •"  and  Elizabtth  Sclluyler.^' 

71.  line  li  IV(jm  tlie  bottom,  I'of  caiiiu,  read  come. 

!)I.  line  11  IVom  tlie  top,  !or  Henry  li.  Van  Reii8i<elaer,  read  Iknvij  K. 
lO-'i.  Stli  line  from  bottom  is  omitted  "more  t/ian  'M  years  before"  and  slionld  read. 

instead  of  the  tmider  ajj;e.  at  (liat  tender  a}i;e. 
lOii,  line  !l  from  tlie  bottom,  for  run  down,  read  sun  dawn. 
ll'.l.  line  ti  Ironi  the  bottom  for  78,  read  SO  years, 
l.sd.  line  -ii  from  the  l)ottom,  for  on  advocate  read  an  advocate. 
IHt>.  line  17  from  bottom,  for  siippassiiij;  read  niirpamiig. 
!,S8.  line  tl  from  the  toj)  for  militarv  poet,  read  mili/ary  jmst. 

I.S4,  line  1(1  from  the  bottom,  for  IStiS  read  1H()S. 

1H8,  line  111  from  the  top,  for  was  erected,  read  were  erected. 

1',!."),  line  17  from  the  top,  for  moved  on.  read  moved  to. 

mil.  line  17  from  the  top.  for  Heiidedict  read  lientdict. 

■Jll.  line  !l  from  the  top.  for  liiichephalns  vmul  Jiucei>halii/<. 

iid,  line  ti:)  Irom  the  toj),  lor  I  hope,  read  I  have. 

•i'H),  line  10 from  the  bottom,  for  hnman  man.  lead  h.itmani-  man. 

•i:>i.  line  -w  from  the  top  the  wohl  "of"  is  omitted. 

•^liO.  line  1  at  the  lop.  for  and  lake,  read  to  lake. 

■  ion.  line  -M  from  top.  for  llie.  read  lie  nobly  re-instated. 

:ilS.  lim'  1  frcnn  the  to]),  for  to  the  seenrinjr.  read  to  the  serutiiuj . 

:!-^),  line  •J4  from  the  bottom,  for  ISlilread  1814. 

'■Vi\.  line  11  from  the  top.  for  Wood  read  Wool. 

.•W4,  line  •i'^.  for  party,  read  imrt. 

■Vi'i.  line  4  Irom  the  top  for  their  epidemic,  rcMid  thuf  epidemic. 

:i:i8,  line  i-i  from  the  top,  lor  Morrell.  read  .Uonell. 

.138.  line  il  from  top  lor  Uohert  rea(l  Alljert. 

:!!H).  line  .'JO  from  the  bottom,  foria-ji.  read  1822. 

:ill-.!,  line  -i  from  the  top.  for  that  the  one.  lead  than  t1u>,  one. 

I.'il,  line  ilfroin  the  botlom.  for  .\lilen  Trimble,  read  Allen  TrimlUe. 

14.'),  line  17  from  the  top,  for  There  read  Vlieae. 

4")ti,  line  2  from  the  to]),  for  knew,  read  knon:. 

\~'i.  line  2  from  the  top,  for  Mompo,  read  .Monipox. 

\~:..  line  ID  trom  the  bntt'im  "  to  the  "  •-  omitted  (to  the  contra)';/). 

IV>.  line  !l  from  the  top,  for  so  beaiitifnl  read  no  boimtifnl 

487,  line  22  I'nMii  the  botlom.  fir  Hones  read  Hone. 

302,  line  2  from  the  lop,  for  morning  to,  read  moridnrj  too. 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


CHAPTER  I. 

The  Legacy- Wuy  Bequeathed. 

As  brigla  viR  onrotiov  or  b     '^  ^°^''  '  memories  cling. 
In  Japan,  quJint  and  m/JtTc^Tb^FS^e'rTE^^^^ 

^uerreotyped,  n.ost  certainly,  on  /our  mfnd  let  the  T  I'"''"'  *'"i:  '''  ^'• 
Ho  me,  comprise  a  chronicle  of  the  carefS  Iv  hn  tV^  f°^  ^°"  bequeath 
iventful  life,  interwoven  with   th.    rln  /  "^  '"cidents  in  your  truly 

•oble  Dutch  patriarchrbaTk^ottt^^^^^^^^  ^^  «-  -os^ 

^"S;S  r:2^!j^r^^^  lady   i„  .he 

'fover  half  a  century  i7  hoarv  and  .  n"  /  ^"''S^^''^'^""^  ^idow, 
l-ave  been  thinking  ove  S  wearv  l  ^1  \"'"'""  '  ^'^''^  decadence  I 
acquiesce  ?  ""         '         "°  """"'^  ^'^''«'  ^^r  expressed  desire,  shall 

ani  benefiting  the  <^^Z^I^:rC!^Si:S'''  '\'^^^f^-^  to- 
o.ne  measure  the  ends  for  which  he  ts  crated '''  "  "'"  ''  ^"'^''^^ 

^-^1^';^^.:;^^?  d:!;;tcS!r:;  t  ^^^  --^--^ 

["CO  in  social  life,  than  creat  m-iffPrl  nf  '''^  °^  ^''^"^^'"  ""Port- 

ei'avior  in  trifles  is  prXtive  o     the  Trr."?""''"''''  '"^^  P'^^^'"^' 

t^ic  pleasure  and  pain"      Now  as  we  ^..^''1    "'"'""S  "^'  ^^^'''^^  '»"d 

h 7— L_!ll  _^ow  as  we  are  fuMyppsted  as  to  our  duty 

I    ''Ib-'huldhim  (Cai.t.  Solomon  Vnn  R«„c,=H""-^  ^       7, 

Kb.  atill  smiling  with  com?lacency/'r^lfSlj,S^^^^^^^      «-'-g  from  his 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


in  the  premises,  we  are  also  impressed  most  forcibly  with  the  reminder 
of  these  potent  "  Three  sugn;estions  : 

"  First.  Go  to  no  place  where  you  cannot  ask  God  to  go  with  you. 

"  Second.  Engage  in  no  business  which  you  cannot  ask  God  to  bless. 

"  Third.  Indulge  in  no  pleasure  for  which  you  cannot  return  thanks  to 
God." 

Therefore,  as  we  propose  keeping  these  instructions  in  view,  we  will 
modestly  yield  to  pressing  entreaties  and  strive,  as  a  graphic  narrator,  to 
portray  "our  past"  in  a  tableau  vivant. 

"  Autobiographies  are  not  often  very  popular,  but  when  supplemented 
by  personal  recollections  may  possibly  be  productive  of  benefit  to  others ;" 
and  realizing  that  all  your  sympathies  will  be  enlisted,  and  harmonize 
with  the  incitement  which  finally  determined  me  to  comply  with  your 
flattering  persuasions,  I  have  cheerfully  undertaken  the  pleasing  task. 
Fearing  I  may  not  be  specially  well  qualified  for  this  work  of  delineation 
and  cosmography,  must  trust  to  your  partial  indulgence  to  excuse  any 
flagrant  imperfections  in  not  wielding  skillfully  the  events  portrayed. 

"The  ancients  emulously  encouraged  one  another,  by  the  remembrance 
of  the  heroic  deeds  of  their  ancestors,  to  vigilance  in  peaceful  times,  and 
to  intrepidity  in  the  hour  of  danger.  Every  thing  among  the  Greeks 
conduced  to  plant  in  their  hearts  the  most  heroic  courage,  by  the  remem- 
brance of  their  ancestors,  whose  principles  and  sentiments  were  the  spur 
to  the  noblest  actions.  The  lowest  Greeks  were  exalted  to  a  level  with 
their  greatest  chiefs  by  a  glorious  death;  their  memory  was  renewed  by 
tlie  most  solemn  oflPering  to  the  latest  posterity,  and  their  images  were 
placed  next  to  those  of  the  Gods." 

The  same  clannish  pride,  produced  by  the  remembrance  of  the  hero- 
ism and  valor  of  our  ancestors,  makes  it  a  precious  privilege  to  a  daughter 
of  the  Van  Rensselaer  family  to  record,  the  "  ways  and  means "  or 
devious  paths,  by  which  its  members,  (together  with  the  greater  part 
of  other  illustrious  personages,  to  whom  allusion  is  necessarily  made  from 
the  intimate  linking  and  intwining  of  co-existent  events,)  have  passed  to, 
"  That  undiscovered  country,  from  whose  bourn  no  traveler  returns," 
where  "  Immortality  is  their  birthright  and  inheritance."  With  increased 
avidity  and  some  degree  of  anxiety  we  shall  "  await  the  public  verdict 
upon  this  work, "  and  although  laid  open  to,  we  would  wish  to  disarm 
criticism  by  frankly  confessing  we  do  not  expect  our  first  and  last  essay 
in  "  book  making  "  to  be  faultless,  far  from  it.  In  1831  my  brother 
Rensselaer  Van  Rensselaer,  under  the  signature  of  (Jlio,  arranged  some 
numbers  of  autographical  sketches  at  the  instance  of  an  advertisement  in 
the  Albany  Daily  Advertiser,  published  by  a  Committee  of  the  Albany 
Institute  appointed  for  the  purpose  of  collecting  materials  for  a  contemplated 
history  of  Albany.  The  communications  seem  to  have  been  satisfactory 
from  the  following  notice  which  soon  after  appeared:  "  The  Committee 
of  the  Albany  Institute,  who  are  preparing  a  history  of  the  city,  acknow- 
ledge the  receipt  of  some  very  valuable  papers  from  an  unknown  corres- 
pondent, to  whom  tliey  tender  their  thanks,  with  the  hope  that  the  residue 
of  the  information  therein  promised  may  be  forwarded  as  early  as  possible.- 
C.  R.  Wkusteii,  CICn." 

Clio  requested,   if  it  would    not  be   infringing  upon   any  of  their  es- 


nien."    What  the 


regulations,  after  the  publication,  to  have  his  original  etfusions 


tablished 

rciurricd  entire  to  him.     This  was  aocordin 

are  now  in  my  possession  and 


interwoven  in 


dune,  uiid   Lho.se  sLuLelies 
this  record  of  historical 


I^EGAcy  OF  Historical  Gleanings.  3 

one's  own  native  country  i.  a  broad  beatrhthway  fo^^e'ry  t  iv d^^^' 


Our  wishes  are  presentments  of  our  capabilities."  P^«^»^tions,  for 

ia  1  i's'gvS  n    r"''^  7^''^-'^'  ''^  ''""'^'-  e-^Periences  when  en^a^ed 

mssoV  hf  V  ^'^'•''*^  "''•'"°*  '^^  P'^'-^O"^  «»d  things.  Ti  us  from 
a  mass  of  bioj,.raph.cal  matter  we  also  will  select  the  whole  or  mrts  of 
^ers  penned  by  notable  persons  and  others  who  are  ninll  y  grouped 
tlln  1"  '  '""^'fPl'"'^  ^'th  a  i'ew  extracts  of  home  letters,  which  portrav 

iJo  I  i"f.'  1.'^'  '""^^  '"^"^  8'^"'»  '-^'^^^  desultor;  Turv  yT  he 
political  field  at  that  period.    As  all  our  needed  Prefatory  is  containod    ! 

Di  dZT  R^  'Y^l'^^""^  ^^--"g  a  first  cousin  of  the  anci/n    and  v  ritab  e 

fv        V.    ^'"?kerbocker,  will  start  as  so  authoritatively  reouester'  b.ok 

om  the  beo,„„i„.''  i„  historic  gleanings.     Our  grolt  p^og    trs     1  e 

sh  and  Isha   were  created  perfect  in  the  image  of  God   tLu't   2  un 
fortunately  atter  a  time  the  Isha  become  a  '^Vomaa's  S^Tnnvp^; 

be    reat'S  T^'t':"'  '''''  f  '^^^^^^^^^^  The'i?  deseeXn 
race     thpM  1^  Mongolian,  or  yellow  race;  the  Africar>,  or  black 

iSJnffK    ^^•''''  ^T"  ''''''  ""^  the  American,  or  red  race -"So 
lineage  of  these  IS  worthy  of  the  parent  stock.  «"  race,     tlio 

sinl  r/"'  -^  r.'  "  '*'''^"  ^^'■'^'"^  ^°ot8."  ^iftei-  many  Ion-  strides    we 
iiallfind,  verified  from  the  most  authentic  sonmes  H.-./tClc-  -  irfh^flt 


iof  IJoIland, 


our  "  ladder  leindt;  "  Mother" England  and 


'•™ce  (.ho  oi,ivai,„„„,  „„„a  „p'  f^i^^i^^i.s^^^iz:;:  szz 


4 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


the  notable  Ish  and  mT      ^'"'''''''"'  ''^'''^  P^^igree  dates  buck  from 

from    Heaven    "countCLvrial'"^^;^"'""^  ?""^^*'  ^^  '^  «'- 

journey  "into   a  far   conmy-    T     .v,     .  "•'"  P"'^    ""cientry,  took  their 
Pili-rim  fathers'   sllt   .1    ^"      .  •  ^^l^'y'^'S   exigences  of  our  noble 

the^de^ot  d  bTnd    I'SnTttlr'fi,  r  "^r'  "'  ^'-^   ^••^«'"  ^^^  "^ 
cemetery  where  the  en toXd    t  1  'T?"  'P"'  '"^  ^'"^  ^^^^^^  ^ill 

leaves     Thi  M.vfl^  en  onibed  dead  reposed  beneath  the  .ray  autumnal 

ber  ?lst      '  A^riiros^^^^^^^^  V'^^l ''"  Plymouth  ^ro^ek   Cen  I 

wilderness  cLvodMT.TL"'''"  ^"^^ '^''^  «"  ^''  «'de  lay  a  vast 
Atlantic,  ye  the?r  tru  t  in  rXl  '"'"^''  ""u^'  ''^'^'''  ^«"«'l  ^^e  broad 
shores/''Th    irvivo^s  "Lmi^T^^  "."^'^"''^'^  °"  *''«««  inhospitable 

«phere  anu  goMeTrnli^E  Tc  illhff '^^1?;^  "  ^^'^  ^"^^  "^"^°- 
who  records  their  prosper7tv  as  flllvrf  ^1  .,  ^H  P'^''^"*  "'*"'*'or 
of  their  noontide  meridhn  •  Zh  ^  17  '°  ^j"'°"'  ^"""'h  ^'^^  «Plendor 
totter  to  decav  who  "athpr's  1  .?'''Pf,  *  "•''  ^''^^'  '"emorials  is  they 
rot;  and  wlo'piou  ly^at  lel^^^^^^^^^  as  they 

of  his  work  an^d  ri^: ii'isL::^^  x^tz:^^^^^^^^ 

to  all  succeed  no-  aires      Tn.looH  „„^  *  ,  •    "''^ansmit  their  renown 

deiinctiou.  of  .he  f^^artrafliln::  "  ""  °°"'"'°  "■""""  ""'^  ''-"""I 

of  the  Dutchman,  was  alwavs  to  »«  r  All      ^"'\''''"-  ""=  P-'roo  saint 

a-idfrom  immediLlv  abLp  X'^       and  graced  the  head  of  the  room ; 

a  large  artifi  al  sun  ^hot  Jb,  ^  jts'T  "^"-^  '^  '^''  ''''"''^^^  P^^^i'l*^"' 
"  The  standards  of  1  vinous  2i^^  ™on  rays  with  a  fine  effect 
corps,  interspersed  wi  h  "  "  n  r  "?  nd  on"''  "'  n'  ^'"  ""'''^''^ 
pamtings  we^e  really  exceediu"  y    ?    !"lel  kT"m  ""'^^'P"  "^  ^^"-^ 

On  the  tables,  upo'n  the  walls.Ind  X  'J  he^e  Hn^'tirnorT^n 
emblems  were  arranged  with  -ood  MsfP      rl?         .  ^^  "^^"^'^  ^""^"S^ 

choicest  flowers  to  beauti  V  and  P-Si"  ,S°"'^"^^^°"es  contributed  their 
fragrance  around.  ''  A  nume'^^f  ^  ''''  ^'"''/"^  ^l^^*^  '^^'^  ^^-^-^^ 
entertainment  at  s;ven?cirrodpjrP'"^,  T'  ^7]'  ''  '  sumptuous 
with  pleasing  recollections  of  trhi^rv^Tfhp'"^ 'T'"^.'  were  mTngled 
and  of  t,.eir  ancestors  who  settled  b  thi^good  L3 ''  "'  ""'  ^'"^  ''''''' 
is  Sn^:t  o^EV^^tfelS^;  -^fy  when  a  good  dinner 

style  and  decorous  mSe    ft  tt  n^.M  ^^'^^"^  ^•l' i»  ^  very  superior 
«'  wassel  days."     "  An  T,„  ]   "/^^^^^^^e  ^nd  worthy  burghers  of  tho..o 
aays.  An  aouudant  dinuer  and  good  living  ^as  from  tin- 


Legacy  of  IIisroRicAL  Gleanings. 


immemorial  a  fundamental  nnrf  „Pii- 

hearted  shy  Dutclnuan  whoClpe'rvTus  5""  "P'"  ^^"^^^  '^^  ^^^h 
The  entire  affhir  was  ■ihv.,vrn    ''"P^'^VO"^  ^o  innovations." 

«eemed  to  be  lackinron  i^'lfT'l'^^'''^  "'^"^'^"^'^  «"««««'^-    Nothin. 

ol.hnoh:^,     O..J    -.1.''^     •'  .K^'^^^h  KruUetiees.  hnnl  «lr,r.    ».._.    -^     ,       .' 


there   were   al.o   n,i  .  '^'^  '"""."^'   «.'»ffi«g 


-,,.„,    „„^,    uiner   primitive   ]iiTiipi«o        a*   ;-."•'"">  '•'-«'  e/t   /coj^r/ 
as  a  matter   of   course   there   wrA„l  ^-^ .^^'^   "^"""^l   stuffin^^ 

sturgeon  or  Albany  beef  p  ckled  a  d  boilo7"'^'  '^  ^°'-«'^'»  ^'^hesl 
pigeons  pastry  and  dainties  of  all  fclnl  Si '"'"'^  T''''''  ^"'•kevs, 
chenshod  the  pious  thought  that  thlT'.  "^J'^^.'-f  P^cted  sires  "  tended^ 

J  mneSourceofbeneficenfe  towhonlev^ero     '^f'  ^"J'^^"'^"^«  *«  ^^' 
actions    and   gratitude    was\ow  upn tlT' ^T^^^ 
invoked  a  blessing  and  then  tho  "^,  "PP?'^"^^*-    ,  The  venerated  Dominie 
k  the  splendid  banquet    ctdtlX"'"^'""  ''^'^"-^d  the  mer 
hnoughconstitutesafiast/'  TiSf  vaasf  177"  '"'^''"'    "  ™°'-°   ^han 
^0 l.c.ous,   the  to:.sts   patriotic,    the  fine    "bltd    r"""  '''''"'°''  ^'^^  ^''"^ 
nl.ven.ng  all  contributing  to  their  nieasntr      ,^'''"°"'-«'»f?   "^usic    most 
ock  of  sp  een.     Abraharn  Van  Vecl  ten    F  .        "^.r'"'^''^"  *«  ^«»t  ««y 
resided  with   his  usual  urbanity  and   .-  1^' P^'"'  of  the  society, 
'ere  was,  in  this  just  asseSe  f  tlZ'^TT'''''   "^'^^>  ^o 
'erionty  and  pre-eminence  even  with  V'if .f'^"?'*^^"'"^"'  O''  his  su- 
"oving  the  cloth,  «  Standing  toas^  and  vol     ?""^  '"'"P^^"'     '^ft^r  re- 
,'nong  which  :  «y  the  president  'hu   ''^'""'^er  toasts"  were  given 
■e  cradle  of  civi/and  rEous  'iber^v  l?'^  '^  ■'^"'i  «^"»^  fatherfand 
I-e  toasts  were  choice  and  jlZ  '^'''^  '^^^""'^  '^'^  Atlantic."     Ma^y  of 

,  ,  ?^;St  ::^t.;^5^£^  :?^  J^^>-e  of  the  brave.^ 
'eh^nd^find  good  roads.  ^  ^"'"'^  ""^  «'^''dren ;  long  may  he  tra- 

ByotrrarSottnV^^^^^^ 
h^posterity).  -"  ^"^»''h  and  prosperity  to  St.  Nicholas  and 

*ro.fgts'!,f  eola'nttinitv  W^  "T'T'i  ^""^^^^^  *«  each  other  by  the 

lell  stuffed  with   the  fvalv^ut  iohntl  T"''^^  '"  ^^'^  ™»«h  loved  pipe 
K  the  vapor  with  anTm^:  L   fht   sent  if  '■''"'^^'^^^y^^^oked  ;  pXg 

f  ^-n^uiii^'iVrdfcE^rm'^r '  '^  r  •;  ^''^  '-^^--e  S::  :•; 

^,  orange  c'olored  c^ck  d"'  ^    a  b^d'e  o7th ''''  "'^'^  ^'^^-^-tisfaetio 

Hati,„,  ,f  ,,^,.^  Orange  hte  a  gratef dr!.''.?  °^  ^"^  ^"^'*  «»"" 
Na  hers;  anda  just  estinuUeoftheiC^^^^^^^  of  their  Dutch 

('!'  the  noble  achieveuieutsof  ^nlno    -       ^^  ?''^^°'°"  ^'""^'«-  to^^t',.. 
Noa  while  '■'  ''^  ''°  ^"^"»"->'  ^hioh  can  never  be^sufficiently 

'X^u  ^™»P«  banner  as  of  „ld, 

Th!  '?'•"'' !"  "''^"y  "^  flapping  fold 
1  he  patriot  heart  to  draw  "  ' 


6 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


_  Then,  too,  the  good  St.  Nicholas  was  not  oblivious  of  the  "  little  ones" 
either  at  the  Anniversary  Festival  or  the  merry  Christmas  time. 
'"Twp.3  the  night  before  Cliristmas,  when  all  thro'  the  houso 
Not  a  creature  was  Htirring,  not. even  a  mouse  ; 
The  Htcskin^js  were  huniLf  by  the  chimney  with  care, 
In  hopes  tiiat  St.  Nicholas  soon  would  be  there; 
The  children  were  nestled   all  snup  in  their  beds, 
While  visions  of  sugar-plums  danced  through  their  heads." 

His  coveted  gifts  were  always  found  in  the  well  filled  hose  hung  up 
so  conspicuously  in  the  chimney  corner,  making  many  little  hearts  joyous 
beyoDd  expression  at  the  stirring  sight  before  them. 

"  They  laujjlied  and  they  cried  in  their  innocent  glee. 

And  shouted  for  papa  to  comi;  quick  and  see 

What  presen.3  Old  Santa  Claus  brought  in  the  night." 

But  woe  to  the  luckless  children  who  had  been  disobedient  or  naughty, 
for  a  proper  punishment  and  salutary  mortification  was  sure  to  await  them 
as  a  reminder  in  the  shape  of  a  trim  little  birchen  rod  ;  piece  of  hard  black 
coal  nicely  enveloped  in  paper;  or  a  pig's  tail  dried,  ensconced  under  the 
truly  choice  dainties !  What  a  flush  of  crimson  suffuses  the  astonished 
countenance,  what  a  throb  of  subdued  anguish  shakes  the  sensitive  and 
conscious  little  one  chilled  by  the  failure,  herself  the  chief  accuser  in  her 
credulous  simplicity  and  giving  voice  and  pathos  to  the  intensity  of  deep 
regret,  that  the  good  Santa  Claus  should  have  known  her  fault.  This  is 
not  an  ideal  sorrow  but  a  trying  experience  of  dreamy  yearning  to  the 
trustful  child  as  her  heart  fluttered  with  this  trying  disappointment !  Sad 
that  the  time-honored  festival  of  St.  Nicholas  should  have  fallen  into  such 
disrepute,  for  we  ever  took  pleasure  in  it,  and  felt  a  proper  pride  that  our 
forefathers  hailed  from  the  "  Vaderland." 

In  the  early  part  of  the  seventeenth  century —  September  1609  — 
Henry  Hudson,  while  exploring  the  river  which  now  bears  his  name,  ran  his 
vessel  aground  on  the  south  point  of  the  "  middle  ground  "  opposite  the 
present  cify  of  Hudson.  ]{ut  being  unwilling  to  leave  his  task  unfinished, 
he  manned  some  small  boats  and  with  them  continued  the  expedition  up 
as  far  as  where  the  city  of  Albany  now  stands.  Here  he  found  a  large 
number  of  Indians  engaged  at  fishing,  and  from  the  circumstances  called 
It  the  t-utjck,  the  fishnet  or  the  fishing  place,  also  from  the  crescent  form 
of  the  bay.  From  this  he  dropped  down  to  the  south  point  of  Van  Rens- 
selaer island  and  bivouacked  for  the  night,  In  the  morning  the  party  were 
very  much  alarmed  at  finding  themselves  surrounded  by  a  number  of 
'  the  tawny  sons  of  the  forest,"  but  the  pacific  deportment  of  these  un- 
expected and  certainly  unwelcome  visitors,  allayed  their  apprehensions. 
With  an  almost  reckless  hardihood  the  whites  accompanied  them  through 
the  ford  by  which  they  had  gained  the  ishnd  and  landed  at  the  foot  of 
tliat  classic  mount  of  legendary  story,  Kiddenhoo<jhtrn  or  treasure  hill  of 
Captain  Kidd,  the  pirate  and  freebooter.  "The'hills  were  then  covered 
with  the  pine,  the  maple,  the  oak  and  the  elm.  The  wild-vine  clambered 
m  rich  luxuriance  on  the  forest  trees,  and  threw  its  graceful  festoons  from 
the  mossy  banks  of  I'.ie  river.  The  slender  deer  bounded  undisturbed 
through  the  tangled  thickets  or  bent  his  an  tiered  head  to  drink  from  the 
Jimpid  streams  that  crossed  his  path.  The  beaver  sported  unmolested 
in  the  bright  waters  and  slept  in  conscious  security  on  the  low  grounds." 
Alter  gazing  at  the  beautiful  prospect,  the  yellow  haze  on  the  near  eleva- 
tions, and  listening  to  the  musical   birds  they  proceeded  again   by  land 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  7 

not  very  much  accoiun  .shed  Tho  (1..1..V  .J  tl^  "|-i'""r,  or  a  cae/c,  but 
v,,..*.,       1.1  ■  "<(' i.iiiuu.     xneaeiiiyoi  tlie  adventurous  pym  nrinf/ 

party  on  tins  second  v  s  t  to  the  future  Jtc  of  V  ,rf  ,.  "  "™"'^  exploring 
the  trufl  T)iifol,  i^„;  i  i  "/"" '"'^"™  site  ot  rurt  Urungo  and  homo  of 
tne  tiue  iJutch  Knickerbockers,  subsequently  Albany    was  not  of  lomt 

NrATsSm'^'.  ^Ti"  'V  r'r''  ^^'^^  ^'  ''^^^^  id  t  s 

land       Th!  fi    ;  "'•''''^  '"'""^  '■^''^''^'^  *''«  name  of  New  Nether- 

HudsSo  ZVTrT  :T'''!''''1^   ^«'«"^  ^^«  ^^'-blished  along 

d  rect  viPwL  -         ^^  '*"'  '  I'rivileged  West  India  Company/  with  I 

s    tit  fmm  hTT'u      ^^  ''"'"^^''  '^  ''''^'''  during  this  y^ar  were 
sent  out  from  Holland,  who  were  most  heartily  welcomed  bv  the  fpw  nrl 
v.ous   inhabitants.     Before    these  arrived    the  old  s^ourners  had  b^een" 
wo  years  without  the  necessary  supplies,  and  had  beeJ  obliged  to  cut  un 
l.e  sails  of  their  boats  for  the  clothing  absolutely  required      Their  voka 

totlSr^elittf'  "'"'  '"".  ?'-'  ^°^^"-'"  -eh  an'^Llatod  s   ua't  on 
''in  16"q  fif    company,  and  they  hailed  with  delight  the  new  arrivals  " 
m  lbJ9,  the  company  adopted  a  charter  of  '  Liberties  and  exomnHnna 

t\CT:rrT  '''  P"^"^'^  ^°^-'d-'«'  who  stuld  plant  CO  OH 
n  x\ew  Netherland  or  import  thither  any  neat  cattle.' "     "The  terms  of 

encouragement  to  tho.se  who  should  send  out  settlers  were  -reat  Such 
a«  should  undertake  to  plant  a  colony  of  fifty  soul  upward  of  fifteen 
CiShTTor' ll'^  acknowledged  Pa/roon«,  l  nam^'  deS^trntomet  S." 
s^rtLtfirmt^miS'^"'  "^""^•"     "  ''''^  ^^-  ^'-^"^-d  ^0 

RFNsLSrthi"  '^''^^'f\^y^-^'y  dates  from  De  Heer  Killian  Van 
'  H?l       i  '  ^^"^.P^^^'l  and  diamond  merchant  of  Amsterdam  in  Holland 

nnt/^-.f  n'^"''''"""'"  '^'  ^""''^  West  India  Company  and  Tter." 
n  med  with  others,  to  engage  in  colonization  and  thereby^to  avail  him  ef 
0  the  peculiar  privileges  and  munificent  provisions  extended  under  the 
charter.  He  selected  in  1630,  throu-h  Wouter  Van  Twil W  J.  .! 
an  agent,  a  princely  tract  of  iLnd  at  I^rrS^^e  cons  sTi'  oVtrt^S 
IBles  broad  and  twenty-four  miles  long  on  both  sides  of  thfl/uSn 
Is  domain  was  granted  to  Killian  Van  liensselaer  by  patent  from  the 


?M 


f     1 


8 


LE(iACY  OF  Historical  Gleanings. 


Pli'in  people,  as  may  be  inferred  from   the  caution  uttered  bv  Sir  Votnr 

capituhuion  and  ti::  pc^^^e "  o  dei^i";:!;;;::::^  ^;:  ^^i  ""-t^« 

most  libcrul   terms  to  tbo  vanfruishorr^ot.t'  i'    ^^' "P""  ^'''^ 

Auion<-  our  f/.  iU  „     '""".*^  Andros,  governor  of  all  the  territories  here. 

to"  h  1  e^rp;rat^n  o  ZZ'TlT  '^"^  ^"  '^"P^'  ^"^  '^  «»«  y-r";.! ,: 
bears  date  J u W  2 2  1G8G  %  '  "^i^''"  ^'•'"''"^J  document  of  which 
Ilensseh.ers  a  corrcessiou  of  thot  f    7!"  '",""""  I'""hased  from  the  Van 

under  the  gunr^fThrfbrt  for  n  n     V     T'  V^'''  ^'""^  '^'"''^'^  «l'«^"y 
From  Fort  Frederick   wh k-h  .f  ?",     °  ^^^  "'"  *^^*^''  prowling  Indians 

street   it  oxt  ntd    i^  t        fo/rof  aT'  ^",  r'^"P  -^'^  P''^^'^"*  «'"'« 
the  fort  was  the  apex   down    to  th J  T    '^'"''">'';!'    t''«"Sle.    of  which 

the  base  line  of  th^tri^mI^,s  d '7^  '\''T^-  "'°""  '^'^''''^ 

ened    with   palisades    indoso^  th  '       I'l  ''^f'^  ^•'"'^  ^"^"^^  strength- 

church  whic'^i  it  btVav^^^^^^^  °"  *»>«   0"ly 

at  the  foot  of  State  see  aid  w.?t^h"'"^  f?'"'^''^'  .  '"^'"'^  edifice  stood 
been  erected.  On  Zarvwtloht  TT'^  ''""''^  °^  ^'"'"''^'^P  '^'■''  ^^'^ 
Donnnie  Johannes  MegrpTn  is  „  L^-  fl^^T  'f  ''T'"  """^"^' 
pu^iev^shipwascon^rSct:3^:an^t:ff;ir!^il  L^:?^^;S^ 

m  vTlysTnrie:;th:t\';;''"''n^^r  f  ^"-^  bore  there  were^o 
and  were  tak  n  by  th    [  i    ,  ?  1^;!' "''  >,;^!  '^"1!^  'r*^  ''"^"P'^''^  ^«  '^^^^ 

Dutch  was  eaual  Ctluet'a  ^  f  ol  e  '^  ^'^f  nif  ^  '^  '^"^°'^  ^^  '^^ 
pipe.      The  trade  of  fh^    fn,„  ■       '       ,      "'*"-'  "'  '^^<''"  '^  tobacco 

though  a,4uL  was  lis  ,n        ^'JV'""'''   ^'^""^    ^^'^'^     '''<^   Indian., 

was  a%erfect  pSSV   "h     LT'  ThTc^elk^^'S  '""  ^^'^J^  ''"""'^^ 
f  "1  liuncers.     ine  creeks  and  rivers  abounded  ia 


illSTORlCAL   GlKANINOS. 


9 


''^'•;  piko  nn.I  sfiir.roon  worn  ,i       i 

'"■'■"  ■•'  ;^">«  Vigilant  i„  .naiMfui,, h      "•       ^  '"   ^^"'""i""'^  "Ppcar   to  h„vo 

^  '•<•  .leN,„,lo.l  by  block 'houses  a,        L  J   i   ""'"■'    '''"^'^  "'"^'"^  viHuKO 
At  .„.|ua  watch  was  ke,.t,  cuh'     ./ArT     '   V'?''"  ''»l«'i   for  n.u.skotr}. 

!  "'/•"■''«  "f  urgent  need.     Th  «?»   ,1 ''''  "'  ""^''"^'y  ^»  ^-'"'"ou  assistance 

I ;;'  7';'«wutch.     CVrtai,.  a "•  -r      I  I'Tr"' ^'''^'^  '^'  P""--^'  t''«  name 

vani  for  use  in  case  of  hVo      rf    ^       i'"'^'''''''''  ^^i-"  providod   in    each 

''••""/v.;ll.s,  and  .luri„,Mt     ufan     ll'n      '!;''''^''^"^  *''"'^  ^"'cr     apply 

;"""">•  iron,  actual  attl.ck  ly  t  e   ^^    ''r''^  ""J''^'*^"'  P«'^ce,  and'im^ 

rWud,  wore  daily  „„.4jr'lH3  f^rslh^ri^^  at  the  improvements 
0  the  soil  thought  it  pru  lent  to  e fe 't  f  /« '  ^''^^--priHin.  cultivators 
t he  r  ./mr..y.,  as  „  1  J,  of"  efu '  n  ?  ^'^'■"^"*'""«  i"  the  vicinity  of 
If  t  ose,  is  still  visible  undo  1^011  .'T?  ""''^-  '^'^°  ««"^^'-  «f  «"« 
P'!''"ly  road  to  Cherry-JIill  i,  t  1  ,° L  7^''  ^'■'^°  ^  ^''''  rods  north  of  the 
he,  one  mile  south  of  the' vne'S^^^^^  V^''  ^^'^''''^^em  turn! 

P  earl  stree.s.     (Alas  f;,r  thoTe  anci'n  T  "*,  "','  ''«'-"'^'-  «f  «t^to  and 

;:  •"'  ""•'  '7«t  desirable  ol/apTX  ^^"'l^^''  '^''  ^'^^'^''^'"^  ""•"■ 
'Y    '"ou.^  the  thin^^s  that  wrrenll:  T^'  ?''.  "«'"^'e  cellar,  in   ls75 
ho  boaeon  lights  of  other  day'' )     T  '  T     \f  'V  ^'''  ^^'^  «upersed  d 
/ere  wont  to  asse.nblo  with  thdr  f      •    '  '!""''  *''*-'  "ci^'hboring  farmers 
'.".'"  ;f  tbey  would  issuntl     /''';•'  "^r'""  *^°  ^-"^^^  '^•-•,  ""d 
'«"  .the  city.     Notwithstandi       tli    '    •:• ''  'f'"'"'^  ^f'^'''  ^^ops,  'or  to 
eea.s,on  guard  against  the    u  ki^,  "  n  '""'"'"  ^''^^  ««»ld  not  5n  every 
'«••«  through  the^neadow  in  ou  sHon    L''''.f  ■     ^^'  ^'"^^'^  ^rook  mean^ 
ok  place  at  the  period  men  12"    ^  ■".   '^'  '°^"«  "f  ^  tragedy  which 
^'-'-'e  worthy   citizens  on      eJavTn^.T''^'"  ha'f  gunshot  of  the  fort 
'«'■«  pounced  upon  by  a  p"irtv  of  sfv        ^1  f  "'^'   ^"■'•^'  ^^  the    Sabbat 
'ver  the  brook/murdered^r„d^cilne>rp'''"  M  "'''^'"»  *'>«  ^^^^ic  bridge 
«et,on,  and  U.e  murderers^  ^d     J!   w'  ^""'°"^  P"''''^*^  *^« 
xvenl  occurrences  of  a  similar  nttnr.  .n  u    r'"^\  *'   ''''^"J  '»  s^ifety. 
ear  the  castellated  buildirn  on  tl  e  Pr    1  ^uT  "^""*  the  same  period 

fe'lr't  ^;^rs;'"^  ?  ?^5--Erivli:?^^-^f 

•^--o^S^Sr^-^|;-en^^  or  seawant, 

I  I  ?\''/'^'-««  to  the  stiv^  F  ut  ,  ;  •^'"'''^^^''^^'^^konedb; 
I  >cuats  of  the  Indian  women  made  of  ^  i  "''''"  "^^'^'^  ^^  «i^-  The 
I  h  ese  various  kinds  of  s^ir^l  c^W  I  "'  T'  '^"'^^'^'^  ornamented 
pl  'irtistic   designs.      These   d  l^I^  '''^'  '""^  wrought  into  curious 

^■•'■•^•"-7  of  the  present  dr  tZlVT"  ""T}  '^'"^''^^  ^^''^rs  in  the 
;  ^'^'i"o  as  trimming.  T  fe  TndiTnrf  ^"'^  '"'"  ^"*^''^"  "'°"^'J,  hence 
^'"-7,  and  it  was  i„  "onn  ,  r  ,7  "'  "  ^"""  ''^''-'"J  ^nnw  n-oM Urpm 

-^^"-^  on  all  oeeasi^  of^llS^^^,-  ^^^^  ^^atter 


10 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


nnt  part  in  the  economy  of  the  Indian  nntionH.  With  the  wampum  the 
l)utch  bou;,'ht  tho  bi-.ivcr  skins,  door  hides,  nrid  other  peltries  of  the  red 
hunters;  und  sold  them  blanliets,  duffels,  arms  and  ammunition,  iiettles, 
axoH,  etc.  The  extensive  traffic  in  lif|nors  v;us  a  constant  source  cd" 
trouhio  to  tlie  hical  authorities,  and  re;>ulaiions  for  its  sale  were  constantly 
miKhi  and  apparently  as  persistently  evaded.  The  barter  with  the  In- 
dians who  came  to  tiio  city  to  sell  their  peltries  was  carried  on  in  certain 
houses  set  apart  for  the  purpose,  and  all  eitizens  were  forbidden,  under 
severe  penalties,  to  entice  tho  Indians  into  their  houses  to  make  secret 
barjiaiiiH  with  tlicm.  Traders  wlio  went  into  tlie  Indian  country  ^o  buy, 
could  only  do  so  after  obtaining  a  license.  Tlieso  rc^julations  were  un- 
doubtedly necessary.  The  city  was  an  exposed  i'ronticr  town,  liable  to  at- 
tack from  Canada,  and  constantly  subject  to  surpri.so  by  tlio  neijjhborini,' 
Indians,  if  they  cho.so  to  assume  a  liostilo  attitude.  In  its  familiar,  social 
aspects,  Albany  continued  in  all  respeets  a  J)utch  town  till  la;  j  into 
the  last  century.  Even  a  few  years  prior  to  tho  revolution,  the  hirgi' 
majority  of  its  inhabitants  spoke  only  the  Dutch  lanj^uage.  The  court 
records  were  kept  in  the  same  tongue  for  many  years  after 'iie  En<i;lish 
took  possession." 

Jnremias,  son  of  Do  Ileer  Killian  Van  Ilen.sselaer,  was  the  proprietor 
of  Rensselaerwyck  ;  he  died  in  lti74  leavinj;  two  dauj^htersand  two  sons; 
KllUav,  born  Auf^ust  24,  1()G:3,  and  Ifentfiirk  born  at  Greenbush.  October 
23,  1(jG7.  The  oldest  son,  Killian,  being  the  lineal  descendant  of  Jeremiiis 
and  consequently  Ltrd'of  tho  Manor  of  liensselaerwyck,  was  married 
October  15,  17U1,  to  3Iaria  Van  Cortlandt ;  from  this  branch  General 
Stephen  Van  Rensselaer  descended.  "  Killian  conveyed  to  his  younger 
brother  Ilendrick,  on  the  first  day  of  June,  1704,  the  Claveraek  or  Lower 
Manor,  together  with  1500  acres  from  ihe  upper  manor,  including  Greeu- 
bush,  running  back  one  mile,  together  with  an  island  in  the  Ilud.son  river." 

The  Nfio  York  Church  licconl  says  :  "  Married  May,  l(j«9,  Ilendrick 
Van  Renssehicr  —  young  man  of  Rensselaerwyck  to  Catrina  Van  Rrugh  — 
young  woman."  Her  baptism  was  also  found,  "daughter  of  Johannes 
Pieterse  Van  Brugh  and  Katrina  Roeloffsen  ;  "  the  godmother  was  Judith 
Bayard.  Catharine  Roeloffsen  was  a  daughter  of  the  celebrated  Anneke 
Jans  and  xloloff  Jansen  Van  Maestorlandt.  She  married  Johannes  Van 
Brugh  and  their  daughter  Catrina  was  the  wife  of  Ilendrick  Van  Rensse- 
laer. The  second  son  of  Ilendrick  was  Col.  Kiliaen  who  i/etrout  md 
(married)  Arriaantie  Schuyler,  ho  had  four  zoons  and  three  (Io(ytin 
Major  Gen.  Jleiuj/  K.  (jelm-en  (born)  <hn  25  July.  1744;  (jc.troitt  md\ 
Alida  Bratt,  September  19,  1764.  Philip  born  1747;  married  Maria] 
Sanders  Feb.  15,  17G8.  Nicholas  born  1754.  married  KIsie  Van  Buren. 
Killian  K.  born  17G;J,  married  Marg.  eua  SanJers.  Catharine  married 
William  II.  Ludlow.  P^lsio  married  Abv;i!iam  i\ansing.  Mc.ia  married 
Leonard  Gansevoort.  Col.  Kiliaen  \  mi  Keusadaer  w  : .  chairman  of  the  | 
general  Committee  of  Safety. 

Power  of  Aftornei/  to  Ahrm.  A.  Lansing  Dee.  1784  by  P.  V.  It,  K.  K.   V.  R.\ 
Mehs  V.  II.  &  Ilenrti  K.  Van  Iteusselaer  respecting  the  estate  of  their  Father, 
Col.  Kiliaen  Van  liensselaer. 


Know  all  Men  by  these    Presents  that  We:    Henry  K.  Van 
eelaer,    Philip    Van    Rensselaer,    Nicholas  Van    Rensselaer,   Killir 
Van  Rens,selaer  and  Leonard  Gansevoort  Juur.  do 
us  thereunto  moving  hereby  nomiuute,  constitute 
A.  Lansing  of  the  City  of  Albany,  Merchant,  our  true  and  lawful  Attor- 


Re  lis- 
iau  J\. 
r  divers  good  Causes  j 
id  appoint  Abraham 


ney  for  ns  —  an 

ness  relation  to 

bring  Suit*)  in  o 

l>obiH  duo  to  th» 

Person  or  Persoi 

Acts  and  Thing 

ratify  and  conlir 

In  Witness  w 

twenty-seventh  I 

seven  hundred  & 


Sealed  &,  deliven 

A  melancholy  (I 

as  found  in  its  ap 

theintelleetual  poi 

rations,  in  the  qui 

yearly  counted  th( 

My  maternal  gn 

and  wife  of  Philij 

daughter  of  John 

descendants  of  Rev 

Kngland,   1556,  di 

ill  the  same  prison 

liini  if  he  would  re 

the  stake  sayin"- : 

Oneof  hisdescend'a 

when  I  read  this  lai 

to  both  of  us  a  con 

Sanders.'      Cranme 

"If,'  to   tho   doctrin 

"Queen   Mary,  hov 

cantation  should  avi 

his  errors  in  churc 

Jeclaring  his  deep  re 

as  the  flames  encircl 

blazing  fire  till  it  wa.< 

VVhen  it  dropped  off 

o'ed    with  perfect   c 

together  where  there 

sous  of  Rev.  Lawre 

great  distress,  escape 

point  of  refuge  to  the 

fufugees,  there  found 

^'•ive  churches  and  fi 

swamps,  was  the  fear 

jvoild."      And  from 

Kottordam,  or  any  pa 

tills  unifjuo  and  higl 

wuuderers  were  kiudli 


Leoacy  of  Historical  QiE^mma. 


brin,-  Suit,  in  our  Na»  „  Vil  .,  '?"  ^"  .'^""-"I'ior  docoaHod  to 
l>ol.M  duo  to  the  H-  id  Site  a  d  totv  aU  '''V'l  '\  '^''''"''''  ^«  "«"  '"  «» 
J'erson  or  Persons  who  have    Zcu,^     '   ■'"''  !^'^'''  "«  '»"■«  '>»«  t'>  '^ny 

Acts  and  Thinj^s  to  bo  d  oe  re L^  ^^^  H ^^^  "**'''"""  ^'''^'^ 

rutity  and  confirm.  *  '"  '''«  «'"*^  Business  wo  do  hereby 

--on  hundred  ,  ^hty.rouf  ^^  ""  '^^"  X.t^K.  ^"^ll^::.;!;^ "' 

f-  Van  UKNPSEr.AKii,         ' 
Midi's  V.  Kknssklaer, 
K.  K.  Van  Kkns  klaeh 

Sealed  cjk  delivered  la  the  Presence  ^^  ,  ^^"^^^"^  «AN«i'-    .ur,  Jr. 
^/«Jry   Kjh  lieimdacr,  1784.      '{ 

descendants  of  llev  Lawronnn  '^.w  /        i  ^^"'''*"  ^-  Van  llensseiaer,  were 
Kn,Ia„d,   155G,  du     !!'    .     ro    n"o7  "^  "f "'^^  "^^"^^^^"'^  "^^  ^'-«"'ry 
i"  tbe  same  prison  with  Arelbishnn  r    ^^  ^'  '^^'"■^'     "'^  ^««  ^'«"fi"ed 

the  .stake  saying  :  M^W  Z  Tr,  "  ^"'^  ,'^''^^'"'  '^'''i  ^'"J>'-''«od 
OneofhisdeLndant  ,v;Z:  T  "^  (^^f!  welcome  everlrUln.,  life  P 
when  I  read  this  iS  dWn!  off..-;  IT'  *'''  "^  ^'"^  "*" devotional  dij^nity, 
to  both  of  us  a  comLof/  L et  r  %^  unwavenng  faith,  from  one,  vvhofs 
.Sanders.'  Cranm  |  Vin  S: oUru^ at  T^r^  "^T  '"''^'^^"^  ''^^- 
'nf,'to    the    doctrine  of  the    mnT/^  '' ''f '°^ '^  P"P^ 

"Queen  Mary,  howevt  with  tlr^''''«  r'^  ""^  ''>'^  -''••''  Preseneo." 
cantation  should  avail  hi'mToh?.  kP!'^!'""'"'''  <l'^t^rm,ned  his  re- 
'"«  errors  in  church  betLt'S^'  ^  T'''''  required  to  aeknowledKe 

declaring  his  deep, etretWsi'ninP^f!'  '"'P'"''''^  ^'^'^  '^^^^^""'^  ^y 
a.s  the  flames  encire  ej  his  bo^  J!  T  Y^^l'  ^^ ''^"  '«^  *«  execution^ 
hla=cing  fire  till  it  wa  ut  el  en  .s,  i  '^'"^  "'''  '"^  '''"''^  '>=^nd  in  the 
,  When  it  dronned^ff  h!  ?|  "  ""'"^"/"•^^  «^y>">?:  '  Tim  hand  has  offended' 
i'iied  with  pol^ct  CO  po  re'- Til:  f^"^"'^"•^^  of  eountenaie-  l,; 
together  where  there  wasnnn.nrr'  ^''"  ^^'^  ^"'-'"'^^  ^'^•'^  ««""  again 
sous  Of  Rev.  W'Mr%     f  ^'^^.^orrow  or  pain.     The  widow  and  two 

great  distres  ,  teTned  to   R  .fr'"'.  '"""^t;''f,'^  ^'■'*^'-  '^'  "martyrdom,  L 

,  point  of  refug^rsi, :,  ^^  <;^t;""  iV"^"''  '7  "?"^^'  p™^-^-" 

I  .rorugees,  there  found  a  scnh     u.d tf  A         f '^r'^f  ^"^  *'^"«'-  "^"''ken 

,  ^  ave  churches  and  free^eoo le   ht  t^l     T '  Y ''"'f  ^^""^»<^'  ^'^'^  her 

swamps,  was  the  fear  ess^defendpr  ^w  7^^  '^^'P'''  ^^'^°^'  ^^"'l-l^^'-^  ^nd 

r"ld."      And  Lm    he  momen     .      l-   '^"°'  •''^  '^"'^  «^"  *"^«  P-'o'^^tant 
I  Rotterdam,  or  ,  ^'"^^f  ^^",'?«"^  ^  f ''Sious  victim  planted  his  foot  in 

ffauderers  were  kiudiv  rl,!?  ^i    P  ^^^  '"  *'"^^  '^''^en  of  rest  the 

were  kindly  received,  entertained,  and  ultimately  settled. 


12 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


After  residing  in   Holland   about  ninety  years,  a  descendant  named 
Elsie  Sanders  with  her  iwo  children  came  to  New  York,  one  moved  south 
and  the  other  son  married  into  the  family  of  Captain  Alexander  Glen  of 
Schenectady.     "  In  17G5,  by  Lha  purchase  of  t^^e  interest  of  both  John 
Glen  of  Albany,  and  John  Glen  jr.,  of  Schenectady,  for  £4000,  Johannss 
Sanders  became  sole  owner  of  the  Glen  estate  in   the  present  town  of 
Glenville."     Whenever  the  original  patentees  of  the  surrounding  soil, 
branched  out  into  the  wilderness  from  Fort  Orange  to  cultivate  their 
estates,  a  fortification  was  invariably  erected,  sufficiently  convenient  to  their 
dwellings  for  refuge,  and  strong  enough  to  protect  them  from  the  dreaded 
visits  of  their  savage  foe.     The  first  ejitablishment  of  this  kind  "  over-the- 
pines,"  flourished  so  rapidly,  that  it  was  soon  dignified  with  the  name  of 
Dovp  (literally,  the  "  city  at  the  end  of  the  pine  woods  ").     On  each  side 
of  its  beautiful  river —  the  Mohawk  —  numberless  other  ones  soon  like- 
wise rose,  though  on  a  smaller  scale,  and  became  the  frequent  resort  of 
those  friendly  Indians  who  wished  to  dispose  of  peltry,  to  procure  neces- 
saries, to  conclude  treaties,  or,  perhaps,  to  celebrate  their  pagan  orgies. 
"  These  Mohawk  Indians,  were  the  Spartans  of  North  America,  the  head 
nation  of  the  Iroquois  confederacy,  the  chivalrous  knights-errant  of  the 
western  world.     The  chase  was  mere  pastime  ;  war  and  its  surroundings 
was  their  element.     The  redress  of  real  or  imaginary  wrongs  to  them- 
selves or  others,  was  pleasure  to  these  high  strung  knights  ;  and  when  duty 
called,  from  the  three  castles  on  the  silvery  Mohawk,  their  warriors  issued 
forth.     They  went,  zealously  bent  upon   errands  of  mercy,   generosity, 
plunder,  murder,  no  matter  what,  so  long  as  glory  awaited  them,  and  the 
terror  of  their  name  ensured  a  safe  passage  and  hospitable  entertainment 
from  the  Mohawk  valley  to  their  barbarian  enemies,  the  Chippewas  and 
other  nations  from  the  north,  or  from  the  Mohawk  valley  to  the  lands  of 
the   deftiut  and  unprincipled  (Jherokees   and   Seminoles  of  the   south. 
Alexander   the  Great  was  never  more  venturesome,   in    his  desperate 
marches  into  unknown  lands,  than  these  wily  sons  of  the  forest.     Evea 
since  Scotia  was  settled,  these  knightly  warriors  visited  North  Carolina 
on  an  errand  of  mercy,  punished  the  Cherokces  by  an  overwhelming  defeat, 
rescued  the  Tuscarora  Indians,  who  had  been  nearly  extirjiatcd  Ly  them  — 
and  strange  magnanimity —  returned  with  all  the  survivors  to  their  own 
valley,  and  adopted  them  as  the  sixth  tribe  iu  the  great  Iroquois  coni'ed- 
eracy  ;  nor  is  that  a  tithe  of  their  powers,  for  three  weeks  the  Mohawks 
held  Montreal  in  full  possession,  control  and  plunder.     Such  were  *lie 
Mohawks  of  Scotia's  early  days,  and  always  devoted  friends  to  the  Dutch ; 
but,  they  were  barbarous  after  all,  and  the  whole  white  population  were 
too  sparse,  weak  and  timid,  to  interfere  with  the  chivalric  customs  of  these 
noble  knights  of  the  tomahawk,  blundcrbu.ss,  bow  and  arrow.     There  is 
a  hillock  not  far  from  the  present  Scotia  house,  where,  after  their  return 
from  warlike  or  plundering  expeditions,  they  were  wont  to  sacrifice  their 
victims;  even  so  late  as  the  time  of  Colonel  Jacob  Glen,  a   Mohegan 
Indian   was  burned   on   the  spot.     This  surely   was  revolting,  but  the 
monarchs  of  the  valley,  owners  of  the  soil,  willed  it  .so,  and  nothing  was 
left  to  civilization,  but  to  mitigate  or  ameliorate.     And  this  the  Christian 
pioneers  accomplished,  when  possible,  and  many  acts  of  kindness,  which 
according  to  the  accounts  of  the  French  themselves,  were  rendered  by  the 
Glens  of  Scotia  to  parties  cantursd  by  {ho.  Mnbnwks," 

At  the  time  of  the  destruction  of  Schenectady  by  the  French  and  In- 
dians, on  February  8,  KiOO,  the  Glen  family,  then  residing  at  Scotia,  in 
Glenville,  were  all  preserved  because  of  previous  kindness  to  French 


captives.     Aboi 

down  of  a  beat 

house  at  Scotia 

ref  iiicd  from  oi 

or  the  Scotia  fli 

riginal  power  tl; 

of  the  soil.       'J 

'  having  captured 

taincd  extreme 

protestants  aftei 

priest  with  oth 

catholic  party  t( 

under  their  Grea 

French   to  desti 

llie  Indians  brou 

safely  locked  in 

intended  to  have 

he  was  put  to  dc 

philanthropic  Ca 

eii'ect   his  rescue 

formidable  visitor! 

friends,  and  ho  fel 

was  aware  of  thecc 

and  superstition, 

formidable  object 

prisoner  is  a  priest 

could  go  through;! 

what  then  r"' '  H 

Great  Spirit  wouK 

blame  him.     A'b 

viae  nolcmnltij  (triv 

[in  the  cellar,'  ke'ep 

[they  might  do  so. 

'inan,  their  destinec 

in  quest  of  furthei 

ai.so  suggested  at  a 

yhateiirlij  in    the  n 

Albany  with  peas,  i 

hiovenients  contenij 

(campaign,  got  their 

p-houtcd    and    .sang, 

exhausted  nature  ^]'i 

|tlie  imprisoned  one 

Igiued.      This    lull, 

hvatehed,  the  prison 

jpnest  placed  on  a  w 

jbung-hole  to  breathe 

pgro  men  was  soon 

Jiis  was  supposed,  pea 

Jf'ie  city,  on  delivery 

|{"  '1  sloop  to  New  Y, 

lie  reported   himself 

|c;ii.ture  and  t!  j  oxtr 

The  morning  came 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  jg 

l.ou.e  at  Scotia  was  still  standin'S  ?! .  "  ^  ^'f  ^  ongmal  lar<;e   stone 

ref  ,„ed  iron,  one  oftheir  ruuS  ^^  eSifff^  "^  ^^^''''^  ^"'^'^'^  j»«t 
or  the  Scotia  flats,  just  befo/e  AJ  .  5  e,P:t  XnT'  Montreal  encased 
n^mal  power  they  claimed  clear  ru'hf  f  ^ '^^"^«"«°;  In  that  day  of  abo- 
of  the  Ll.  Tlfe  par  ;  w  r  „  f  h^?h  .t^t."/^^  °!''»'"^'  '"'''^■''^''^-^ 
having  captured  a  llL.nCatLlic  Jesuit  n^^^^  '^'''°'?  ""'^  ^'•'""'Ph, 

tained  extreme  antipathy.     The  ,~y,?' '^''"^  they  enterl 

Protestants  after  their  own  t'horilV""A  '^!  ^^'^'''^'  ^^'"o 
priest  with  others  had  pr^Cd  Infon  /  h  ^f '^  ™;  «nd  this 
catholic  party  to  remove^into  S.ada  ethtv  of  wh  'T'^  ^""'^  ««  ^ 
under  their  Great  Aonier  chief  of  ^oT^"^^  '^''°'"  ^™'"  the  north, 
Trench   to  destroy  Sehenectudv     ''^/j'^^l^^'^' ^^^^""'■"ed  in  1690  with  the 

.he  Indians  brou^t  the    '    ttfv'e  to    W 'n     ^'  ''"'''■  '''  '^  ^'^^  ^='y«. 
safely  locked  in  his  cellar  duHn-   their '^Eencl"'  ''''^"^■''."'IS  ''«  "'iyl't  bJ 
intended  to  have  a  jubilee,  in  t  rt  a^    ^^td  otVersa?.     ""■  T'\''  "''^ 
he  was  put  to  death   by  a   .rrand  rn-.^Hnlf     1  ■      ^^^  '"""^^^ties,  before 
philanthropic  Cant   Glen  '  ,AV7  ,  /         ^^    T '^'^'''  P'""«  sacrifice.     The 
effect  his  Lscuo'i^    t  cLld  be  dontwitr  1"'  '^''''  ^"*  ^^^^'---'ned  to 
fonnidable  visitors)  with  inimitldTo"  ot"r    s^dd  thf  .f^H  'T''  ''  '"^ 
friends,  and  ho  felt  pleasure  at  all  movTt\vZT  u-     ^/'^awks  were  his 
wasaware  of  the  confidence  the  IndE  ae  dfn  hin    T  '^T\  .^'^'-  ^^'^^ 
aud  superstition,  he  therefore  raise.   H«;         ^' ''  '"  "^  ^'''^"'  ^'edulity 
formidable  objection  :  "  111^  4         ntt'iZlr''  ^^^'^^ -'-''- A  an  J 
prisoner  is  a  priest,  and  priests  cn-T^rtLlT   ?J        *  ■"  '•*^«PO"-^'bility,  the 
could  o,  through  a'ny  key  hole    S^V;  e  tt',  ri    l"'"*  ^''''  ''  "'^''^  »'"»  "« ^ 
what  then  T     He  further  remV.frfu  ,7  ^''r'"'"'' ^^  ihemornin.^ 

Grei,t  Spirit  would  "it  i^Tett  u  ""^  '"^"'^'"^  ^'"^^  '-»'  tirj 
blame  him.  i\r«  y  ,,,  ^X  ;«  ,.,7;  ^,''"  \^'  «  ''''P^:  •■^"^  then  tliey  would 
yi.^r  .o/rmniny  (givin-  the  Ind  ans  t"o  I  \  .T  ''""^  ''^  P-'^P^'^ed  z..V/, 
i"  the  cellar:  keepin'::  the  kev  t  em..I  ^'^  ^^  '?"'*'  '^'''^  *'^«  P''i-^^"<^'' 
they  might  do  so^^hi  lein'^s.  s  :;TJ  '  '"°V't'  '^''"  ^esf^-nsible, 
1""'.,  their  destined  vieti.r^i  locked  ^T''""^,'^'  '^''  ^'-etched  clergy-' 
in  quest  of  further  p  u,  derTavin  .  tl  "1  "  "f''\  ""^  ^^'«  ^"'i''"'«  left 
ai.so  suggested  at  a  pCperi\L   i,^^  !^ ''*'''  ']'""'■     M""-  G^en  had 

Albany  with  peas,  to  brin^  back  sn  t  .n  ?!^'        ^^^'""'^  ''"^   '''«  '^'-^^^   to 
n)ovements  cc^itemplated  ^  The  noWL  m:  ,  !  J'f   '   "'  '"^P'^'"'^   '''^' 
ejunpaign,  got  their  rum  from  S     eneS  Th  n  l""'?  T^'^f^'  '■'^"^•-  ^ 
hhouted    and    sang,    until    the'wcesmf/h. 

lexhausted  nature  Wnd  e.J  /L";/.;"  .^^rinto^st  ''  .'""'"'"-  ^''"" 
the  imprisoned  one  was  sufferin/rdeo  1  of  "'\'  "P'^'  '"'^P^^^  '  «hile 
8>ned.      This    lull.    Cant     Gle  "  hifwH  i;'"    ;'«'""^   ^""''^y  J»'=^- 

,«-atched,  the  prison  doo    was  onened  wi  /'"t  ^'""^"''    ^'''^'^'«    j'-vi"^^ 

V'est  placed  on  a  wa-^on  In  a  ho"sbP  1  '",f  »P''«'f«  k^J,  and  the  captive 
bung-hole  to  breathe  tC:.!  ndti  '  Jo  o  d  tt  "'H  '''  ^"^'  ""'^  ''- 
kgro  men  was  soon  passin"  close  bv    it'ln  r  -^'^  "'""*'"  ^^•'"'  '^^'^ 

--  .apposed,  peaf  fbr  ^e  TSbaJ:;!  k^^"  ^l!!!:"'!"^"^  -"f-'-^. 


Ith 

lia  a  sloop  to  New  York,  and 
•eported   himself  to  the 


lL°"«!;^^yf"'"'-'--.<^;.o; 


lien   safely  arrived   lu 


lie  r 


Iro 


in  thei 


len  to  friends   h 


CO  sailed  to  Quebec.  On  h 


10  wa«  t:i! 


:c'U 


Fl'tiiie  and  t!j  oxtr 
Th 


vernor  general   of  ( 


eine  kindness  of  Capt.  Alexander  (Jl 


anada,   telling  of  h 


'«  arrival 


IS 


'0  morning  came  and  the  Mohawks  liav 


en 


I'lg  an  important  mission  ou 


I 


14 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


hand,  rose  oarlier  than  usual  and  came  for  their  victim  t/)  immolate  pro- 
vious  to  their  departure.    They  found  the  cellar  closed,  hat  tUe  prirnt  Hown 
liie  Hhouts  wore  awful  and  the  a},'onics  of  disapoiiited  justice  »!mphj  tim. 
bolnal ;  but  when   the  captain  appeared,  he  only  said  to  his  friends   "/ 
told  ijnu  w,  I  told  you  so.     rnrsfs  are  wizzards ;  "  and  they  reluctantly 
responded   that  Condac  (his   Indian  name)  was  ri-ht.      Publicity    after 
such  a  joke  on  warriors,  was  impolitic,  nor  was  it  ever  known  that  any  of 
the  IMohawks  of  that  generation  discovered  the  deception;  but  this  kind 
act  bore  abundant  and  blessed  IVuit  to  the  (Jleu  family.     Subsequently 
dunn-  King  William's  war,  or  the  seven  years'  war,  Count  Frontenac 
governor  of  Canada  sent  out  several  parties  against  the  English  colonies' 
Uno  expedition,  consisting  of  Frenchmen  and  Indian  allies,  was  dispatched 
lor  fechnioctady  with  express  directions  not  to  injure  or  molest  Captain  Glen 
ot  Scotia,  or  any  of  his  relations,  in  consideration  of  his  humane  conduct 
am    to  spareall  his  property.     The  people  of  Schenectady,  thou-h  they 
had  been  intormed  of  the  designs  of  the  enemy,  were  in  the  greatest  se- 
(rurity;  judging  it  impracticable  for  any  men  to  march  several  imndred 
niiles.  111  the  depth  of  winter,  through  the  deep  snow,  bearing  their  pro- 
visions on   their  backs.     After  two  and   twenty  days'   march,  the  enemy 
arrived  near  Schenectady,  and  were   reduced  to  such   strait.«<,  that  they 
had  thoughts  of  surrendering   themselves  prisoners  of  war.     ]}ut   their 
scouts   who  were   a  day  or   two   in  the  village   entirely  unsuspected,  re- 
turned with   such   encouraging  accounts  of  the  absolute  security  of  the 
people,    that   the  enemy  determined   on   the  attack.     They   entered   on 
Saturday  night,  February  8th,   KiDO,  about  eleven  o'clock,  at  the  gates 
which  were  lound  uiishut ;  and  that  every  bouse  mi-ht  be  invested  at  the 
same  time,  divided  into  small  parties  of  six  or  ^i^.\m  men.     'Vha  inhabit- 
ants were  in  a  profound  sleep,  and  unalarmed  till  their  doors  were  broken 
open.     Never  wore  people  in   a   more  wretched   consternation,     before 
they  were   risen   from  their  beds,   the  enemy  entered  their   houses,  and 
began   the  perpetration  of  the  most  inhuman   barbarities,  with  the  most 
dreadful  slaughter  of  the  citizens.     "  No  tongue,"  says  (Colonel  Schuyler 
''can  express  the  cruelties  that  were  committed.     The  whole  villa<'e  was 
instantly  in   a  blaze.      Women  with  child   ripped  open,  and  their   i"ufants 
cast  into  the  flames,  or  dashed  against  the  posts  of  the  doors.    Sixty-three 
persons  were   massacred   at  the  midnight  hour;   the  Dutch  church   and 
sixty-three  houses  were  burnt  to  ashes,  the  whole  place  destroyed  with  the 
exception  ot  live  houses  left  standing,  and  no  more.     Tv.onty-seven  men 
and   boys  capaide  of  walking  were  carried   prisoners   to  Canada.     A  few 
persons  fled  naked  towards  Albany,  through  a  deep  snow  which  fell  that 
night  in  a  terrible   storm  ;  and  twenty-five  of  these  fugitives,  lost  their 
limbs  ill  the  flight,  through  the  severity  of  the  frost." 

"  Symon  Jacobse  Schermerhorn  rode  to  Albany  by  way  of  Niskayune  to 
carry  the  sad  intelligence  ol  the  massacre,  although  shot  through  the  thi-di 
and  his  horse  wounded.  His  son  Johannes  together  with  his  three  ne-M-o"es 
were  killed  on  that  fatal  night.  The  naws  of  this  dreadlul  ti-rgedy 
reached  Albany  about  break  of  day,  and  universal  dread  seized  the 
inhabitants  ol  the  city.  A  party  of  hor,se  was  immediately  dispatched 
to  Schenectady,  but  the  enemy,  in  the  meantime,  pillaged  the  town  of 
Schenectady  and  then  went  ofl"  with  the  plunder  and  about  forty  of  their 
best  horses.  The  little  garrison  at  Scotia  witnes.sed  the  conflagration  and 
took  every  precaution  to  make  g.,od  their  defence  against  the  attack  they 
anticipated  on  themselves.  Belbre  leaving  the  village,  a  French  oilieer 
summoned  Captain  Glen  to  a  council,  upon  the  shore  oi'  the  river,  with  the 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  jg 

tender  of  personal  safety.  He  «t  Un^fj.  a  .  -,  , 
.Meat  satisfaction  of  havf„.  fi  W  cm  £  ?rl7".  ""'I  ^T"'  ^"^  ^'^^  ^'>« 
to  I>im,  statinfr  the  instructions  ^S  )  '^l  "" -^  '''"^'^^^'^  '^^'ivorod 
emnuy  <Ieparted  n.akin.  ^oJd  L  p  o  nit  H  ''^  ''''■""  ^'"""'"'  ""^  ^''« 
'■■"•  Ail  these  destitme^,nes  terrZid  J  T,  '."■'"7  ^'^""''^  ^«  ^""« 
^iur.nf,  the  ren.ainder  of  that  Lcred  n Tv  Iv  "    ^  '''"'«^"*^>-"»«  ^-^"n 

«.uch  by  good  will.  Jan.es  W  J  S  Ts?  T' V  ""•  v  ^^'  '""^  f^''^'"'-'d 
-other,  Catharine  Sanders,  was  a  o  a7mx  dl'.t  oS  "^ '^'  "^^^'  ^•-- 
ders,  has  a  large  and  valuable  n.eiuoriarnaintin  ,    ,  '^"wrence  San- 

P.sen.n,  C.pt.  Alexander  Glen  rec^ilirX:;^^- 

^}f^^:^^1l^r^'^j::^:ltr^  -d  powe.and  reflects 
the  old  Scotia  Mansion,  1  have  of^en  felt  ^^^  u  ^u"?;  ^  ''^'"  ^'"^i-'S 
a.s  I  saw  the  deep  inden  ation Tom  A^  fih'^-     >-'  ■  "■''''  "'^''  "'^^ 

^'i'  tl;e  stairs,  as'it  was  th  ow  r^^Judhn'  \'''k1  "  ^'''^  ^"'"■^^-• 
""Other,  as  he  fled  up  the  stairs  for%  lotion  '1^^  '^  "  "^""'"'''^  ^'^^ 
iniT  Mrs.  Sanders,  who  at  the  nioiuerKf  '•  l'"'^  ^""^  "^-"-  ^rain- 
inovod  a  sad  circumstance  butT.  nr  '  t  ^'l'-""  '^"^"-  ^^  "'i^l't  have 
tlu.-s :  ;  Shortly  after  tr'comnecl'it'^';'  "'^?f  "r""  ^^  -'^-"d 
soon  after  the  n.arriape  of' JuZe  J^u  "  nl  l^'volutionary  war,  and 

wife  lived  at  Scotia,  wliile  his  fUthl t  f«  -^  '!'  V  ^ ' '  ^"  ""^' »"«  you"f? 
At  this  time  the  Mohawks  idit'wii'Sirri''V;  ''^"'"  ^'"^  "'-«-»• 
alists,  had  removed  to  VtinuU    Ik  .,    ''"  J»'>n80"  and  other  lov- 

still  resided  at  sT llli,"lt' U.IT '^  T^^  den.oralized  body  of  hZ 
old  heraldry,  and  te  mere  vie    n{    7  ,  f '  ""  "'^  escutcheon  of  the" 
The  Oneidal;  siding  llT^::^Z:l/t'MT' ^'1^'  ""«^  -"' 
anjong  the  farmers,  and  often   located  t  tl  3^^^  "^^  ''^'  "'''  '""^'J' 
oldScotm  house.     It  was  on  such  1  •      *')*'  ^^'"^  kitchens  of  the 

quarreling,  one  of  theurs.  w?ckcd  that  he"''"'  'n^  '^^  ^"^"''^^^  Graves 
he  other  with  a  tomahawk  up  7fli' .  .t If  .al^s  '"  h^  «f"»t  Nj^k,  chased 
fortunately  missed  both  Mrs.  .Sande  s  and  hi"  T  .  ^^^f'^'j^  i"«trument 
One.das  fidelity  of  intention  by  the  deen  -tsh  in'^."'  ^t  '^''"'^  '^'^ 
a  lair  drew  much  attention  at  the  thne  hL^  M  >  '^  ^' "'^'''-  ^'''^^ 
the  savage  to  be  punished,  and  t  .i  Tncid  1  m  .'^^  '''i'^  "^^  ^'l^vv 
pioneers  of  this  beautiful  and  romantio  v  I  '""^""^^^.^  that  the  early 
trange  associates."  »omantic   valley   sometimes  had  rather 

{ieJl^Sd^X'il^Lf S:;:^;;;;^^  f  rth  the  horrid  erue,- 

I'ehruary,  the  which  I  did  compose  1  'tni'hf  ''t'  "^  ""^  ^'^^  «^'  '^«t 
and  am  now  writing,  the  morn  1,^-  TV  "  i"  ^''"  **P'^^'»^  «*'  «ne  hour; 
this  interesting  reirc\,faZ;;i;yV'  ^^'^'   ^""'^   ^^^^^    1690,"   give.^ 


Anduithac.,m|,a„ieofho;se 
1  jjullDjied  away. 

!  "^Win'm';;  ^"""'^  ^^>«  ^'••'^"''h  were  gone 
l.ul    th..ir«-r..atb..„t.ve;  ^ 

And  th.nth.3,r  trail  wo  did -pursue, 
!     A.s  was  our  trill!  dutye 


And  killed  twenty-tivo  • 
1  liey  took  scarce  oue  afive. 

"Andherelendtholongbaiia,!, 

I  wii    ;     "•''  y""  J"^"t  have  ri'dde  • 
I  wish  that  u  may  stay  on  earth 
Long  after  I  am  dead  » 


Wn  i     1     ,,      .    .  '«  "'"  r  1  am  den 

I      '^  e  trnlv  "reiniVfl  *i,„f  „,  . 

I  thedescendants^f'^.   ^.r  .^'Ij^-^-^-V^-i  ^eel  proud 


of  Dutchmen,"  for  with 


I  nients  and  wonderful  acts  of  b 


latitude  and 


that 


we  are 


h  ancestry,  enga<'ed 


groat  cfjuanimity 


in  chivalric  ach 


'-ver,i„ae,™diT,,r«;;-'™™~^- 


u've- 
os. 


16 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


with  the  liberty  to  worship  God.  We  perceive  that  the  shadows  have  all 
passed  away,  and  the  liuiiiuous  track  they  have  left  behind  them,  has  lost 
none  of  its  brilliancy.  Filial  affection  incites  iiie  to  record,  as  a  just  ini;- 
morial  of  their  innate  heroism,  virtue  and  intellij^ence,  that  amidst  all  the 
various  trying?  vicissitudes  of  "  soul  stirrinji  times,"  they  have  undoubtedly 
deserved  the  hij^hest  plaudits  of  honor  and  respect. 

In  this  chronicle  of  past  days,  the  brave  deeds  and  calm  fortitude  dis- 
played by  our  "  honored  dead,"  in  their  heroic  achievements  and  trying 
exigencies  of  almost  daily  occurrence,  you  cannot  but  notice  that  their 
services  were  of  a  marked  character.     Also  in  what  a  very  remarkable 
manner  God  smiled  upon,  and  prospered  our  army  and  fleet;  emancipating 
from  thralMom  those  who  were  willing  to  encounter  the  troubles  incident 
to  that  fearful  struggle,  thus  proving  the  American  people  would  "never 
consent  to  a  semblance  of  monarchical  government  but  only  to  be  governed 
by  just  law."     A  generation  and  more  has  passed  away  since  those  thrilling 
events  midst  scenes  of  peril  during  the  revolutionary  war,  and  war  with 
England ;  and  thousands  who  could  boast  of  a  venerable  aggregate  of 
years,  and  were  cognizant  of  the  very  important  services  rendered  by  our 
"  loved  ones,"  have  also  become  tenants  of  the  silent  tomb.     "  It  is  time 
that  the  reminiscences  of  the  pioneers  were  gathered  together,  before  the 
last  of  them  shall  have  passed  away,  for  one  by  one  the  landmarks  are 
falling  and  the  records  of  memory  are  fast  being  obliterated,  leaving  little 
enough  to  be  gleaned  at  the  present  time.     Much  that  transpired  in  the 
American  revolution  -n  the  great  struggle  with  England  for  American 
nationality  when  the  halter  and  not  the  laurel  was  the  promised  meed  of 
patriotic  daring,  are  already  lost  and  forgotten  in  the  quiet  graves  of  their 
authors.     Time  is  leaving  sad  and  mournful  testimonies  of  the  havoc 
which  death  is  making  in  the  old  generation.     Much  valuable  information 
relating  to   the   '  time-yellowed  documents  '   and  early  chronicles  of  old 
Albany  and  its  ancient  families  could  only  be  obtained  from  '  those  honored 
relics   of  the  past,'  and  with   their  decease   will  inevitably  perish  every 
memorial,  tradition,  reminiscence,  and  important  historic  facts  connected 
in  a  tender  veneration  with  the  colonial  chronicles  of  the  country  and  the 
ancestral  records  of  families."     Therefore  "  let  us  garner  up  our  notices  of 
past  ages,  and   preserve  them  in   the  archives  of  the  country  :  we  shall 
please  and  instruct  ourselves  by  so  doing,  and  make  posterity  lastingly 
indebted  to  us  for  the  deed."     These  details,  however,  even  when  "  penned 
under  the  most  favorable  auspices,"  are  not  always  satisfactory.     "  What 
pleases  one  will  not  always  please  another,  and  that  which  some  readers 
would  be  most  desirous  to  retain  would  possibly  bt  the  first  rejected  by 
others;  portions  may  be  too  prolix  tosuitfastidioustastes."  But"  UcijmtHms 
710)1  est  diqnUtnulum,"  so  we  will  decidedly  give  the  precedency  to  a  few 
antiquated  family  letters,  a  relic  of  the  "  genuine  Knickerbockers,"  they 
will  serve  to  reunite  the  thread  of  generations,  which  has  been  deeply 
buried  in  the  rubbish  of  years.     I  prefer  to  transcribe  the  literal  speci- 
mens out  of  a  host  of  correspondence  —  so  intensely  intercistiiig  as  to  be 
difficult  to  make  a  selection  —  without  correction  though  frequently  abbio- 
viated.     Since  that  time  orthography  has  undergone^  great  revisions  and 
superfluous  letters  have  been  discarded.      Dividing  sentences  by  points  or 
pauses  was  but  little  understood,  while  capital  letters  were  constantly  in- 
troduced to  make  the  meaning  more  effective,  yet  in  a  couple  of  centuries, 
our  present  lexicons  may  seem   very   antiquated,  and  our  orthograpliy 
quite  as  obsolete. 

The  venerable  patriarch  on  our  maternal  side,  Robert  Sanders,  was 


, '^"  '"'  wii  nvo  ga 

watt.  Kecd  by  me,  Joh 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


17 


born  in  Schenectady  July  15th  170^     it 

to  Elizabeth  Schuyler  dau<.hter'  oVoor  P  """'  T"'^'^  '^^"""7  10,  1747 
of  Albany.  Colonel  Pete  Schuvle  r  w^f?  ^T'''^'''  ^^e  fir.t'uuyor' 
1  h.l.p  Schuyler.  He  was  called  ji"  J  b,^t  r'^r'''''^''''^'''  «^'  ^«»- 
which  they  could  not  pronounce  •  ''h t  i.H^  "*^""''  "'«''^'»J  ^i' J^'^ter, 

whatever  he  recommended   or^is.Jl^i^^^'^rr.^'-f'^^"' was  so  great 
;u.os  ot  unusual  danger,  or  cases    n  wE  J'oth  Fn  r  'r'f.  ^'"^        ^'^ 
tions  were  interested,  Peter  Schuyler  whn  1  »'"''  ^'"^  ''>«  ^''ve  na- 

and  great  moderation,  conduc    d'counciswlSh"  T\'^f''''^^-'^''^'-^^^ 
"  L.eut  Robert  Sanders,  a  member  of  the  Albanl  P      ^"^!'"'  "*  ^^^^""y- 
official  body  m  the  province,  was  coriander  orjiVi""^"'''"'  '^''  ^"='^««^ 
and  rue  knowledge  oflndiancharacterhVd  P. n   ^  ^     "^  ^'";''''  Hs  sagacity 
Sanders  was  one  of  those  hi-.hly  trus  ^d  .1;         ^""  *'  ''^^^  °ffi«°-   l^^bert 
speed  to  Onondaga,  that  erpeil  I're  ,E?£''?r'  ^'^'^  "''  P«^^-ble 
Indmn  s  General  Council  at  Ononda'i^hatflh       '""'u   '"  ^'^''^ '»  ^he 
to  treat  and  speak  with  all  sorts  of  ^eon  '    and  ^'"^  ''  ?'  P''^^^^^  house 
peace  or  cession  with  the  French   S  bV  ^n  t  f"  '"''"  ''"^^  '«  '"''^ke 
du.gn  to  make  a  breach  in  the  s  iVer  covenanu.?^  ^Vf  ^'''''^'  ^^o 
years  been  kept  inyiolable  with  the  11?       "''''"'  '^^''^'^  has  so  many 
companied  Lieut.  Sanders  "Mr  SanTrt'"''     ^"^«»*  ^^'^'•»«li«e  ac! 
man  had  broader  sympathies,  or  coufd  hTvP  k'  '  "'''"  Philanthropist;  no 
terestsof  his  distracted  country'    H  s  enerl      "  T'  '^'"'"'''^  '«  ^'^^  in. 
justment  of  abstruse  points,  together  vkh  hh  ll'r     l'°'  ""^  •'"^'<^'»»«  «d- 
in  the  labors  of  his  eyery  day  life.     J^lZyl!    '"^^^^."f  "^^f  vity,  was  seen 
I  and  we  reverence  him  for  his  efforf,  H    7         ^'"''  '''at  gave  him  birth 
,     "  December,  1069  llober    sTn  ,  '^'^'.f  ^'^e  interests  of  the  laid  ' 

dollars]  for  the  use'of  te  g'eattn':;^^  '^  f '-"  C^b- "-r 

Wendell.  I„  April,  1682,  llob  rfsande  s's  ^^1''  '"'^T'''''  Maria 
9cans  Canary  wine  for  sacramental  use  in  fh.  ,7^P^»^  ^6  gilders  for 
G.  Schaats.  The  acting  deacon  in  (m  f  f.  "'''  ''^urch  of  Dominie 
In  1693  Hendrick  Vao^Itrn Saer  otlatd  a,T"  "?f  ^^'^'-  S«t"jler. 
sadv^or  collection  bag."  Sentembfr  in  17^^ '^'"'^  round  the  kerk 
:,Tl''l'-  fi-'  child^as  SS^L'  ,h i     !'  S^.l"i-->  Journal 


If    I        n     'y^"""-     j^Jio  jasc  iservii 

lor  Her  funeral  in  the  Old  Church  mi»  ™  "on""  "'"  '"'"'''''i  cii«i  was 
Sept.  1805."  A  funeral  appear  dn^'reHtp.T.-^Vf^'  ^  '"""ths  i„ 
puiture  of  the  dead;  it  wLthe  cus  nm  /  ^f ''^"''  '^an  the  solemn  se- 

apractice  which  continued  nvo'uef.^  nVT"^^  refreshments  at  funl 
as  1825.  J^oekjes  (small  sweeSes  T  ""'^- 'f  ^'"'■«'  ^"^  ^^en  as  late 
lar«e  baskets.  %iL  wa.^'caS  out  hail?  ^"''".^  V"".'"^  ^'  «"«h  timest 
?o  home  from  a  funeral  drunk.  TreV^.s^oufhrir  ^  '^'^''^^  '''^  ^"=^"7  woulS 
an  s  were  sparsedlysettled  over  a  lar-  e  erdto.  v  ""7  -^'^^Vh^'^.  i's  iuhabit- 
Idistance  to  attend  funerals  '  Smokimr  '.'''"'•''^^'and  many  had  to  go  a  creat 

[nsbabit  as  the  following  ordtt^afcoT'Drclultifr^L:  f'''"^ 

•' Monday,  27th  31ay,  I770. 


'Sir: 


jJellL's  Fonda,  '"'' wii  pioase  to  charge  me.    To  31ai'r 

8 


18 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


"  It  is  notorious  that  men  did  not  always  write  their  own  names  correctly 
in  these  early  times  and  they  knew  nothing  in  reference  to  philology." 

An  Order  given  128  years  since  to  return  the  money  advanced  hy  Robert  Sanders. 

Exchange  for  £91.  3.  4  sterling.  l^ostr     17  day  Dec,  1747. 

At  Thirty  days  Sight  (or  as  soon  aj  Money  '.hall  be  raised  IJy  the  Par- 
lianientto  nay  the  Officers  &  Soldiers  raised  for  the  'Late  Intended 
i]xpedition  against  Canada.')  Be  Pleased  to  pay  this  my  Fourth  Bill 
(first,  Second  &  Third  of  the  same  Tenor  and  Date  not  Paid)  Unto  Messrs 
Storke  &  Champion,  or  order  the  sum  of  Ninety-one  Pounds,  Three 
Shillings,  &  four  pence.  Subject  to  the  usual  Stoppage  or  Deduction 
made  at  the  pay  office,  Value  lleceived  of  Hobeht  Sanders,  it  Being 
my  full  pay  as  an  Ensign  of  foot  in  Col.  Joseph  Dwights  Regiment  for 
the  Expedition  afores^  as  certificate  on  the  other  side  may  more  fully 
appear. 

To  The  Right  IIonW«--  the  Stephen  Kinu. 

Paymaster  General  of  his  Majesties  Forces. 
Colony  of  New  England, 
Pursuant  to  Ilis  Majesty's  Commands,  signified  to  us  dated  the  30th 
July,  1847,  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  Troops  raised  for  the  Lnte  In- 
tended Expedition  cnjainst  Canada,  and  settling  the  Pay  due  to  tneoi. 
We  do  hereby  Certify  the  Right  Honorable  the  Paymaster  General  of 
His  Majesty's  Forces,  That  Stephen  King  Gentlem"  was  an  Ensign  of 
Foot  in  Colonel  Joseph  Dwight's  Regiment,  raised  within  the  Province 
of  the  Massachusets  Bay  for  the  said  Expedition  ;  and,  that  there  is  due 
to  him  for  his  Pay  ninety-one  pounds,  three  shillings  &  four  pence  Sterg 
for  which  we  have  given  him  this  Certificate,  till  Money  shall  be  raised 
by  Parliament  for  pnying  of  the  Officers  and  Soldiers  levied  for  the  said 
Expedition,  and  defraying  all  other  Expenses  thereof :  Which  Certificate 
is  to  Entitle  him  to  the  full  Sum  above  Specified.  Subject  to  the  Usual 
Stoppages  or  Deductions  made. 

Given  under  Our  Hands  this  17th  day  of  November,  1747. 

(Wen)  Shirley.  ^^^^-  Knowles. 


In  Apr'l  1748  the  war  was  ended  by  the  treaty  of  peace  sign( 
la-Chapelle  "  by  which  restitution  was  made,  on  both  sides,  of 


led  at  Aix- 
,  of  all  places! 
taken  during  the  hostilities,  and  the  colony  enjoyed  a  period  of  general 
tranquillity.     The  inhabitants  vigorously  pursued  the  arts  of  peace,  and 
by  industry,  economy  and  enterprise,  repaired,  in  a  great  measure,  the! 
losses  sustained  in  the  preceding  war.     But  no  sooner  was  peace  con- 
cluded, than  the  English  parliament  resumed  the  plan  of  taxin"  the  colo- 
nies; and  to  justify  their  attempts,  said,  that  the  money  to  be  r;i  -^cd  was! 
that  the  colonies  might  erect  fortifications,  raise  troops,  etc.,  with  power! 
to  draw  on  the  British  treasury  to  defray  the  expense  of  the  same,  theichkX 
idtimatelij  to  he  reimbursed  hy  a  tax  from  the  mother  country  on  the  colonial 
This  plan  was  objected  to  by  the  sagacious  Franklin  who  said  the  Ame-I 
rieans  would  never  submit  to  a  tax  that  would  render  them  servile.     h\ 
17r)0,  the  entries  at  New  York  were  two  hundred  and  thirty-two,  and  thel 
clearances  two  hundred  and  eighty-six.     Above  six  thousand  tons  of  pio[ 
vii-.ions,  chiefly  flour,  were  expurted,  besides  large  quantities  of  <'rain,  bull 
unforrusritply  tho  flour  for  the  present  wcmed  to  rank  among  the  wuitiii 
less  treasures  owing  to  stringent  restraints." 


"  Peace  was 

made  encroachi; 

succeeded.     Tin 

the  natives  and  I 

which  soon  broli 

were  undertaken 

ful-     In  1755,  ( 

iu  penetrating  tli 

a  total   defeat  an 

flight  under  the 

and  other  equallj 

America  exposed 

Fort  Edward  was 

a  military  post  ol 

I-yiuan  in  honor  ( 

September  8th,  t\ 

tlie  provincial  tro 

diuns  under  ITendi 

diaiisand  Indians. 

Iparties.     Hendricl 

,'■'"!:' Tut  these  t 

one,  and  you  will  h 

sticks  saved  the  pa 

[June  9,  1756,  wai 

called  the  Seven  J 

[money  to  carry  on 

We  select  the  fo 

counts,  together  wi 

sire,  RoBEBT  Sand 

[items  of  this  early  ] 

,    "  Kecd  this  Gth  J 

pino  Boards  for  the 


;s  correctly 
ilology." 

srt  Sanders. 

n.,  1747. 

y  the  Par- 
1  Intended 
ourth  Bill 
nto  Messrs 
ids,  Three 
Deduction 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


'  t, 


19 


^enry  G.  Bogart  to  Rohert  Sanders. 

""i^ur  Thirty-two  Barrels  ml^T^^  ''"^^'"'  ''  ^^^°'^^'  ^^^^• 
with.l  receiv'dprCapt  Tl  oma?H^  P'«««'d  to  address  me 

come  toa  Deplorable  Marke U  L'      -    ^^^      ^'"    ^"^  ''  acquaintyou  a^o 
of  my  first  Cargo  on  hJ/,tZZ7rtZf'^^^^^^^^^ 
fear  will  be  oblig'd  to  Stav  HpI  .K     u-^^^  ""^  Markett  risin-  so  thaf  T 

"  Humble  Servfc, 
"  Fine  Flour  1 7s  6d  to  on.  n  .  "  ^^^^^^  ^-  I^ooaut. 

"  ^'  ^^'-  ^^'^'''  Senders,  Esq.  I„  Albany." 

I     ''^^''•''^  «^as  of  short  duration      Th<>   Fr«     u 

Nade  encroachments  upon  the  En-^lith  nn,  •  P°'''''°^  Canada  and 
succeeded.  They  took'pains  to  s^  fhTSTv"^  '""^"^J  '"'"ncs 
the  natives  and  by  their  measures  elliZ  !  f  ^['""^^.'^'P  and  assistance  of 
wh.ch  soon  broke  forth  in  open  war    ^The^rJr^ '"  tl>e  English  nation 

were  undertaken  in  America'ngai::;\hf^^^^^^^^^^^^ 

im-     in  1755,  (Jenera    Braddonk  n,..r»K  j        •  "^'  ^^""s  not  success- 

lu  penetrating  through  the  tildeteTs  he  f  1?^"?''  ^''''  ^«  Quesne,  but 
a  total   defeat  and  ht^  was  klUeT   A.Jfo^^^^^ 

fl'ght  under  the  conduct  of  Col    Geor<.ewfl  ^^ '/''"?' ^^''^  S'^ved   by 
and  other  equally  disastrous  en terS  ,!^t  l'°1.°"-,.  J'^'^  '^^  «««ee««^ 
F  ;r.n    'T'''^   "^  'J^^  depredatCsof  both V",^'''^^^"'«'"«»ts   in 
tort  Edward  was  built  this  tear  and  fiOnO.       '^e  French  and  Indians 
a  military  post  of  considerabL  imnorJln^      T '^"'^^^       ^^ere;  it  was 
Lyman  in  honor  of  General  Lym^w?"^  '"'^  ""''  ^t  first  called  iS 
epteiuber  8th,  the  eelebrateX  ^of  2^"*'"^'^  '''  ''''''^<^^-     On 
the  provincial  troops  under  Majo    Gen    Tn       '°'^'.  ^"^  ^'^"^'^t  between 
Juns  under  Ilendrick,  the  Mol  twk Thieflin'''",'  '"'M  '^^  ^  ^^^y  of  In 
Jdians  and  Indians.    Gen   John*  n     *^'^'^"^'"'  'ind  a  body  of  French  C-m^ 
parties.     Hcndrick  took'th    r2Ss"SVr'^^'^?  hi'forces Tnt  ^Ce" 
C  '       "'  '''"^^  ^"^'^^''^r,  and  you  ih  '  tSTlf  them  together,  said    o 
0      and  you  will  break  th^u  eai^yV  'Ke  hS^s      "^'//'^^  ''''^•"  «»«  by 
|j  ae  TT-'^  P^''^^'  ^"^  *be  Indian  warrtr   HenT^"^  Hendrick's 

-.ey  to  carry  on  TwL  Vut^ttS"  t"^'"'  -PP'-^rmea  a"d^ 
J    We  select  the  following  record  of  fn       i       T  """^  ^J'owed." 
Icounts,  together  with  e^rract    from  letter^'l'^'^^^  ^"^"'^^  the  military  ac- 
I  re,  RoBEHT  Sanders,  bein-  110  v!         m   ™^  '"aternal  great  .4„d 
litems  .f ...  .„_...  ..     '  .be-,   m^yeai.  old;  they  contain ^ntereC 


iD    ^     1  . •'  *"="'^"  ana  indian  w 


lpin(3  Boards 


"'"^-•„^'JKLS:^Ss7!rtJ5^:'» 


'  i>ANi  Hill 


P'  M( 


20 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


11" 
11 1  > 


Mobert  tfc  Richard  Rmj  to  Robert  Sanders. 
"  Dear  Sir.  "  New  York  Jany.  25,  1757. 

''Your  always  asreable  favour  of  the  12  Instant  pr :  Mr.  Tenbroeck  we 
Duly  Kecd  as  also  one  hundred  pounds  in  Cash  which  you  sent  dowo 
pr :  him  for  which  we  have  given  him  a  Receipt  and  have  Credited  you 
therefore :  we  have  not  been  able  yet  to  find  a  bill  Exch  :  of  £3G-  or  i:40. 
bterf,' :  or  should  have  purchased  it  to  send  to  Mr.  Bonbonous  as  you  de- 
sired  :  we  have  now  in  the  harbour  Capt :  Garrisons'  .Snow  and  a  packet 
who  will  both  Sail  for  London  in  about  three  weeks:  in  which  time  We 
shall  endeavour  to  get  such  a  bill :  but  if  it  should  fail  :  shall  then  send 
one  ot  A50-  hter  g  as  we  Cji  j  always  have  them  of  that  Sum  :  unless  you 
should  in  the  mean-time  order  the  Contrary  that  fifty  pound  would  be 
more  than  you  would  Chuse :  but  we  think  ten  pound  more  Could  not  be 
T'^V    in  ^^"^  ^^^"^  of  wine  formerly  mentioned  to  you  we  have  Boughf 
at  i.L6:  10:  pr:  pipe  and  we  lioaly  think  them  as  good  as  them  sent 
you  last  fall,  observe  what  you  Say  in  llespect  to  your  Pork:  and  that, 
you  would  not  have  «ough.  it  had  you  known  of  the  prohibition  laid  on 
provis:  from  home  which  we  well  believe:  and  are  Sorry  yov  medled  i 
with  it_:  we  gave  you  Notice  of  the  prohibition  as  soon  as  we  knew  it: 
but  as  jt  IS  now  so  it  Can't  be  helped:  and  as  you  now  give  us  order  toi 
barter  sd:  pork  for  Rum  &c :  you  may  depend  on  our  best  endeavour 
therewith:  the  same  as  though  you  were  here  yourself  to  do  it:  unless 
you  should  order  it  to  Antigua  as  we  Recommended  you  in  our  lust  pr: 
the  post ;  at  present  here  is  little  or  no  business  done,  no  provisions  bought  j 
or  sold  :  that  Cannot  at  present  Inform   you  of  any  price,  observe  what 
you  Say  in  Regard  to  Mr.  Spencer  :  JJepend  when  anv  thing  Can  be  done 
in  that  Affair  shall   take  Care  not  to  neglect  it :  are  'Very  Sorry  to  hear 
yourlnither   [Harent  Sanders]  and  my  Elsie's   Father  Continues  poorly 
LRichard   Ray  married  Elsie  Sanders"!  hope  the  Lord  will  support  him  in 
us  Sickness  and  give  him  an  Easy  and  happy  change  :  the  letters  Inclos'J 
for  Mr.  li  ranks  etc.,  shall  be  duly  forwarded.     As  your  Brother  John  and 
you  have  a  great  many  goods  with  us  in  Store  :  please  to  let  us  know  by 
who  you  would  have  them  sent  in  the  Spring.     We  are  now  to  Inform i 
you  that  a  few  days  ago  we  have  unexpectedly  Ingaged  in  Common  with 
be?cn   Merchants  to   purchase  a  Vessel  for  a  Certain   Voyage  and  have  I 
agreed  to  put  on  board  ^5U0  :  ster:g  Cargo  each  owner  ;  the   Vessjl  is 
already  bought:  this   Resolution  we  Could  not  have  so  Suddenly  under-, 
taken  had  it  not  been  for  a  dependance  on  you  for  great  part  of  the  money : 
and  this  dependance  we  fixed  on  you  from  yours  of  the  7th  Sepf :  which 
Accompanied  your  Chest  now  in  our  house  :  in  which  you  Say  was  a  lar-e 
feum  of  Money  and  desired  us  to  put  some  out  to  good  hands  at  6  per'-: 
as  such  we  sha.l  now  want  from  you  Eight  hundred  pounds  Currency  say 
Abm:  —  :—  bo  we  desire  you  will  send   down  the  key  of  S'l  Chest  bv 
the  Return  of  the  post :  and  we  will  joyntly  give  and  send  you  our  obli- 
gation  for  the  above  Sum:  and  will   Re-ay  you  the  money  any  time  ou 
three  months  Notice.     You  may  Depend  vour  Money  is  quite  Safe  in  our 
hands  :  as  we  are  determined  to  Insure  our  whole  Interest  as  Such  large  Sums 
are  frequently  let  out  here  at  5  p  ci  ;  pr  ;  Annum:  we  leave  that  to  you  to 
say  whether  it  must  be  5  or  6  pc  :  hope  you  wi'l  not  Disappoint  us  in 
sending  the  key  by  the  post :  as  we  have  made  Intire  dependance  on  youf 
tor  the  money,  if  you  should  be   any  ways   Doubtful  we  Can   give  yuu 
further  Security.  &       .? 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  2I 

18  tukon  by  the  frcnch  :  lueky^v'^u  nor  wn  T  ^  '^'  '"i"  ^^''  '"«'■«'•""*« 
liave  within  iew  duys  nast  LS  ?  .,  ^'^  """^  ""'^^^  «^>"'»'d-  We 
Iroh.nd  with  ab.:S  E  each  ont'st  '^^  ^""^1^^^'  «'''?«  ^'"O"' 
powder  and  the  Sutherland  ^^ofWarr'o°■  So'r  ""'^'/'^^''-t  ^'^'' 
Difficulty  got  in  the  harbour  th  ou  ^h  the  ll  aL^'!"-  "^''^  "^'^  '  ^''■'' 
afrround  and  in  danger  of  bein-  los  •  TJr  ^"'"^'  ''^"«'"'^'  *''"«« 

Men  of  Warr  and  «ome  S^ore^hln  T.i  "'T  '''''"•^P^'-ts  :  2  Move 

pected:  the  Soldier^tLt  Je  Ar.?  d  '''""  *"  ''";  ^ame  fleet  daily  ex- 
and  are  all  hearty  welltoki^..^  M  •.  "aKts^'  ""^  ll"  ^'^''"^'^'"^^  •' 
feail  a  few  weeks  after  these  with  <>  or  <  M  ,  .  /  ""^'th^r  fleet  was  to 
of  men  of  Warr  :  it  appear,  fin  nth  .  ^V  '""^  ^^''^^^^  ""^  -  Number 
to  Strike  a  blow  :  butlC   th      "u  ^a   ^^lolh^  ^'^  Jetern.ined 

wont  do  „,ueh  :  every  thi  .1  seJn^^o  ho  i^"  "T  \\''  ''  ^'  ^^'^^  they 
cresy  :  Lord  Loudon  is  •'.  fe  to  J3„  t..!'  f;""'^"?^^*^  ''«'•«  with  great  Se- 
th'.t  these  transport  SMpfare  to  "  h  rl  ni'%^"'"'''''''^  ^^'^'''''^  »'«'•« 
the  Soldiers  elswere  :  wlmt  all  this  wi  ^P""-  '"'^  ^'"^"  ^''-"^Port 

last  I  wrote  you  I  was     ndii,  K       '"■"  """^ '"  =  time  will  tell  :  in  my 

health  :  we  Coneludrad    re  Sth."'  ' ''^"f,  «"J  vve  are  all  in  good 
S'  :  Your  Affect^ :  k|,1" e„  °''''"''  ^^'^-'"'^  *»  Self  and  iamily. 

"  ^«  ^"^^rt  Sanders  Esq^ :  Merchant  in  Albany/' "'  ^  ^^  ^'^'"''  ^'^^• 

N:t;;tS  in  ns:!;:  r  xt;:  ^''^';^"  ^'^^  ^^-^^^'^  ^-s  m 

of  no  energy  of  ehara  t  r  !nd  Ihv  !«"  •  °^,^""S'!:'^'-  "'^  w««  a  man 
nnhtary  leader.  He  was  recalled  .iLTr  ,  a  '"^  '"  '^'^  requisites  for  a 
l>u>ing  this  year  August  9   1 757   fho"      f '"'''^:.^^-^Pointed  in  his  place." 

ti>o  fearful  nissaere  by  the td  ans'  creat^T  "'.:  1  ^  "'  '^^^"•■='°'  "^'^  "" ^ 
ern  states.     "  The  Viinoh  l  i       ..     ''^''^  sensation  in  all  the  north 

his  character."  -^  ^^'^  "^J  ^"^  *'  'eft  a  deep  stain  upon 

Hoberi  Sanders  to  likhard  Wibird. 
"Dear  Sir:  „  y]^.        t 

h^ed  to  Trouble  you  to  convev  Z  r?  1^  ""7,'  '"^  ^'^^*  ^  '^"^  «^'"i"  ob- 
ei-gefor£117fG:!rsri    Vo^Ge^^^^^^^  ^^«1«  Bill  ^of  Ex- 

vanced  him  to  Enable  his  Re.riu,e„t  t '"a,  ,  I  ^''^'' "'""^-^  ^3^  ">«  Ad- 
Orders  to  him  on  the  4th  S  ^L  tt^obl  l"ed  t'"^"?  1  ^  Generals 
Hoop  not  yet  heard  of,  tho'  this  Evenin'  \  rrjVlF  t  '^'^  ^  ^"^'  *  his 
«ire  you  to  get  Sd.  George  Jeftey'IS  iJu  fv  ^  '""'"^  '^''''^'^'^  ^^- 
or  my  Order  in  London  Ibr  the "'d^'lt?,  sed  Bi?  t  JP  ^  P"^'^'*^  ^'^  ^^ 

;::::iUis^:;f?;Cs^^^^^^^ 

to  rJn  a  ihu^T"..:' M^^ST^ 


'tifli 


-Mi  M 


22 


Leqacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


"  My  Wifo  Joins  me  in  lovo  to  Mad'm  Wibird,  be  pleased  to  accept  the 
same  yourself  from  your  uffectioaato  Kinsman  &  most  Obodt. 

"  Ilble.  Servant, 
"  The  Hon'ble  Rich'd  Wibird."  "  Robert  SANDEas. 

Richard  Wibird  was  "one  of  the  Commissioners  from  New  Hampshire, 
appointed  to  nicet  in  the  grand  council  or  convention,  to  be  held  iu 
Albiiny  Juno  19,  1754.  It  was  composed  of  committees  from  the  several 
colonial  assemblies  for  a  renewal  of  treaties  with  the  Six  Nations."  The 
forces  that  left  ].iake  George  were  for  the  expedition  against  Carillon 
(Ticonderoga)  and  Crown  Point;  they  met  the  enemy  but  the  engagement 
resulted  in  the  total  defeat  of  General  Abcrcrombie,  before  Ticonderoga 
on  July  8,  17r)8,  and  the  death  of  Lord  IIowo.  "  When  the  preparations 
were  making  for  the  assault,  the  troops  were  marched  from  Albany  in 
detachments  j)ast  the  Flats.  The  road  was  in  front  of  the  house  and 
followed  the  margin  of  the  river.  Kach  detachment  quartered  for  a  night 
on  the  common  or  in  the  offices.  The  Flats  was  a  fertile  and  beautiful 
plain  on  the  banks  of  the  river,  the  residence  of  Colonel  Schuyler's  widow. 
iMadam,  or  as  she  was  called  Aunt  Schuyler,  was  distinguished  by  her 
dignity  and  many  virtues,  and  her  hospitality  during  many  years  to  the 
officers  of  the  JJritish  armies  sent  to  contend  with  the  French  on  the 
northern  frontier.  She  was  the  friend  and  benefactress  of  the  army. 
Lord  Howe  slept  at  this  celebrated  mansion  when  on  his  way  to  Ticon- 
deroga. Only  a  few  diiy.s  after  Lord  Howe's  departure,  in  the  afternoon, 
a  man  was  seen  coming  on  horseback  from  the  north,  galloping  violently, 
without  his  hat.  The  man  rode  express  and  galloped  on,  crying  out  that 
Lord  Howe  was  killed.  It  was  too  true;  two  thousand  men  were  killed, 
wounded  or  taken  on  this  disastrous  day.  General  Abcrcrombie  saw  the 
fruitless  waste  of  blood  that  was  every  hour  increasing  and  after  the  troops 
had  been  standing  four  hours  under  a  constant  discharge  of  cannon  and 
musketry,  he  ordered  a  retreat.  On  the  next  day,  those  most  dangerously 
wounded  were  sent  forward  in  boats  and  reached  the  Flats  before  evening. 
Aunt  Schuyler  had  her  barn  instantly  fitted  up  into  a  temporary  hospital, 
and  a  room  in  her  house  allotted  for  the  surgeon  who  attended  the 
patients.  She  tore  up  her  sheets  and  table-linen  for  bandages;  and  she 
together  with  her  nieces  were  constantly  employed  in  attending  and 
cheering  the  wounded,  while  all  her  domestics  were  busied  in  preparing 
food  and  every  thing  necessary  for  those  unhappy  suflorers.  One  of  the 
officers  swore  in  a  vehement  manner,  that  he  was  sure  there  would  be  a 
place  reserved  for  Madam  in  Heaven,  even  though  no  other  woman 
should  be  there." 

Robert  Sanders  to  Sir  WilUmn  Johnson. 
"  Honoured  Sir :  .  "  Albany  July  27th,  1758. 

"  I  hope  this  will  find  you  with  all  yours  in  Perfect  health  &  yourself 
some  what  at  your  Ease  after  a  Tedious  Journey.  I  Embrace  this  opp'v 
to  send  you  here  in  your  Acco'  Cur'  with  me,  whereby  you  will  find  I 
chargd  you  for  the  freight  of  your  goods  Brought  up  &  down  by  Cup' 
Jacob  Van  lienthuysen  in  the  years  of  1754:  1755  &  1756  which  fell  to 
my  Share  when  we  Settled  &  Broke  otF  Sijoping  In  Conjunction,  the 
Acco'  of  the  particulars  thereof  I  am  not  able  to  send  you  Now,  as  he 
has  The  Sloop  Hook  with  him  to  Collect  some  small  Debts  in  at  New  York, 
But  will  send  them  you  as  soon  as  he  comes  up,  which  wont  be  Long  E 
believe.     Hy  the  Bailance  of  the  Inciosed  Acco'  is  due   to  me  from  you 


Leo.cy  of  Historical  Gleamnos.  «. 

X130  :  4  :  10*  for  y!<-u  gum  T  J).u: 

to  l;e  Kxa,ni„;d  .t  if  free "  oV  ^  j;"',^^;-^^      New.  wC  please  order 
iouUn-mky  with  one  in  y  Ji„ok    n.rFsM  ?  "'"''"'  '^  '«  ^^  ^oted   in 

-U  .  ,ou  ana  all  .our^  ..,,«  ^.  t^r^iil^ri;  nl^'^l^-^X^- 

"  ^'  ^^""^  ^"end  &  am  Ke.spectfully 

S'J^'mo.st  Hum.  Serv 

"  To  Sir  W-n  Johnson  Bar'." 

0"  a  large  traffic  with  them  sunnlvin  ,i,  '"'^/^""''  '»nf,'uaj,e  he  carr^o.I 
return  beaver  and  other  Sr'^i'tlonn  T'''^  ^"°'^'''  «"d  ^eeelvfr  „ 
Krand  meet.n-,.  of  the  Six  Na   ons  at  On^  .         ''  '"  '^^"^'  ''«  attended  a 

^"^  ^^'^  «^'  -'^T' ' "  ^heir  x:::^ZeZj:^:!:t. "  ^^-^^"^  ^uh 

Jiobert  Sanders  to  Thomas  Iluhhard. 
"  Sir : 

"  I  have  reed  your  VMoorr^.A  r  "  ^^^'"'^''  ^'^P'"  ^8,  1758. 

r  Ke.jue«t  theiin  i  1   in  ven Tk'  ',V^«  ^th  Current  &  a.  eeable  t. 
-uey  on  r  xU-eot  for  w"f  /  ^are  Debhtr'"  '^'"'^  Shillin,,'^:    f^ 
sum  to  Carry  him  homp      i  /"  "'^'^, debited  or  we  ,Jud<.ed  it  ■.  'Cffi        . 

be  he  wont  Be  ablp  tn  K-Ji  •/     ^^""'"^s,  he  seemed  verv  w,...t  ^,  '. 


Itliis  fall  on 

p=zr^up^--K^^ 

U   ..-.  """'^«'^^^-o«tObed.  hum  .-Servant 


'To  Thom«  Hubbard  Esqr."° 


"  iiouERx  Sanders. 


fOi^ti.  Ill  America.     In  l7-i«   <-  i  ,,     ,      one  of  the  stron-'esf  n.n.-f 


t./* 


{ill] 


24 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


liobcrl  Senders  to  Mo»e»  Emerson. 

„  ^       Q.  "Albany,  Sept.  29,1 7r)8. 

"  Dear  Sir  :  „ 

*  *  *  "Col.  John  Ikoailstrcct  with  3000  men  hath  Taken  1'  rontonac 
and  br«)U}.'ht  Considerable  IJooty  there  you  must  Doubtless  have  heard 
the  particulars  by  the  papers  tlierct'oro  Desist  must  only  add  that  wo  Kx- 
pect  they  will  make  another  attack  on  fort  Carillon  |  Ticonderoj^'a]  this 
full  wish  them  better  Success  as  last  Spring  I  fear  that  they  will  meet 
the  Strength  of  Canada  there  at  this  Season  for  I  Cunt  think  they  Can  bo 
under  any  apprehension  of  our  fleet  Coming  up  to  Cubec  [Quebec,]  this  fall. 
My  Espouse  &  Children  Join  me  in  Love  to  yourself,  Mrs.  Emerson  & 
young  Mr.  Enier.son  who  T  hope  may  grow  up  Hi.  bo  a  better  mau  than 
Ever'hiH  father  was  before  him.     I  remain  with  Respect  Sir, 

"  Y'  Ileal  friend  &  obed'  Servant 
"  Mr.  Moses  Emerson."  "  Hobert  Sandkrs. 

Robert  Sanders  to  Moses  Franks. 

"  Albany,  Octob'  11,  1758. 

*     "  We  have  been  this  past  Summer  pretty  successful  here  we 

have  Taken  Louisburgh,  and  fort  Frontenac,  &   would  herein  give  you 

some  particulars  Thereof,  but  believe  you  will  have  them   fully  ere  this 

Reaches   your    hands,   our   forces    I  believe  will  soon  go  into    Winter 

Quarters,  there  was  a  talk  a  few  days  ago  that  they  Were  going  to  make 

a  Second  Attempt  on  Ticonderoga,  But  heresay  they  wont  go  there  this 

fall,  from  Ohio  we  hear  Little  or  Nothing  here,  only  that  they  had  a  Small 

Skirmish  with  the  Enemy  there  wherein  we  lost  &  missing  somewhat 

Better  than  one  hundred  as  is  said,  the  loss  the  Enemy  then  Sustained  j 

We  have  not  yet  learnt.     *     *     * 

"Sir  Y'  Obedt  Servt, 

«  Mr.  Moses  Franks."  "  Robert  Sanders. 

The  French  general,  Montcalm,  occupied  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point 
till  the  next  year. 


"  Sir : 


CHArXER  II. 

Colonial  History. 


To  The  Hon''!'' 


Hohert  Sanders  to  Sir  William  Johnson. 
..  Honoured  Sir  :  "  Albany  Octor  23rd  1758, 

I  rec'i  of  y  21  Instant  yesterday  by  Mr.  Jacobus  Clement,  the  apologi 
you  therein  make  ab..ut  not  answering  my  Letter  of  the  27th  July  busj 
I  believe  to   be  true  But  am   astonished  to  see  you  therein   say  that  ■ 
Doubtless  must  have  heard  that  the  Assembly  only  Allowed  Ten  ShilliUfij 


Lk/acv  up  IIisTon.cAi,  QiBANmas. 


u 


•"•''"  your  own  pocket,  But  I  1  oZ  t  vou  /    i      '  '"v^'  ^'"  ^""  '"  P'^^  ««« 
what  you  hada^roe.i    o  pay  Z  hi  {P  ;     "  "'°  ^^^^^ 
think  othorwiHo-,  Since    tV")   ^  S'  ^^T""^' '^  '"'^  «"ul'l  I  well 
H-|U-t  &  our  the,.    Sfu  ua    cZr   ^.T  ^^'^  "'"'  »  ^""t   at   you 

Senled  Aeco^s  with  you  illwirthltlndr""^^^         ''''^"  «''»-  '^"^ 
Co.n,mny,  .t  you  Never  ,„„„tio  .ed     ,"o  s  f.      "  I'^'T''"  '^^'  ^^'^'''^  '"  your 
you  I  bei.eve  «till  will  llo.nemb  r  f     ?  I      "  f  ■  ^u"'^  ^"  '"°  ^^^^'^^t  it  & 
<H>nen.ityof  the  AH^emld;.!!^::,/       /J^^^         "^ '">  -"euns  «o  on  the 
or  adv.«e  n.e  to  ,.o  on  their  nmrriS     '*   T  ^T'  *"."'^  ""'  ''"^'-'  ^^ 
a  Certain  sum  of  niouev  &  tl...    .      f  .      '^  ^''"  ^^«««'»lily  had  Allowed 
Cap-  I'etrus  Douw  ^0^^},^  p       r  i'T.:  v""  ^"••','/"  ^'^'-•-  '^  '•-» 
pay  me  accordinj^ly,  «h  [  think  you  til  JIT  Tlf  """•°"  ^''»»  '""  ^^ 
-;)U,  I  not  only  Settled  that    \Z   2u        \    "^  ^'"  «"  ^^^^  13  Sept' 
(before  John   IJapti.t  Van  Kp    t'liZlj'''  ^""^'•»  .^»  ^'^  «"«  I  thiSk 
"ie.  &  you  did  that  day  -ivrnrv,,  f;"''   r"'^"''^   Acco-  with 

on  Denm,d  for  the  iJullr/ce  due  ^n  e  Cn"    '"l^  *^'  {""''  °^"  "-o''l 
we  Settled  ull  Aceo'^  "etween  u    a  1  n  &  v.frf^  ""  ''"^  ^^  ^^"■-"  ^752 
"le  then  your  note  of  hand  on  ()«„"/   ^^"  "*  y""""  "^"  "ccord  .^uve 
^t  in  1754  May  28t^  it^C^'Z^ti:  ''''  v'""  "^"'"-«  '^-^  to"  Je 
«o,netMne  after  Came  to  my  Lu  J  &  '  S  1    '"^  ;"«»'.  ^^"^ia^t  you  &  you 
say  &  kept  mute  all  that  dino  Wh  ..     '        ""  "^  '"^'""  "  'l^'foH  I  wav 
J-^t  I  Came  to  «end  you    Z-  Ic  t  {- "  ""^  "'■"^*^  '"«  ^^  «"  the  27  Ju^ 
Affair  which  ha.  been^SeUlel    o  5^  n  ,"'''"'"ir  "*^"'^'  '"  '"'''"tion  Now  an 
-     knew  I  had  no.hin;^  o  do  wir     rh;'°X     '^n""  "'^r"  ^  ^"^'"^  ^^^^'^^ 
or  cl.    apply  to  them  foru^y  p^-T  pe  1  -.;    iTn /.T  \'^''^--  ^"^-'l^J 
Ki.uhtly  of  my  Journey  Si'vLSn,-        ,V   •      '"''^  ''^^  Ac(|uainted  them 
,  -ul;i  have  Allowed  m^  nio^  Z^:Z''1'''''  '.'"""f'^  '"  ^hioR  th^y" 
I  hud  applied  to  then.  I  must  ow    ^  '  L     ^7  ""?''.  '''"^  '^'^^  -  ^^"t  if 

PU  well  &  that  r  have  hithert:  Kn  «■  v      ^d     "'l   ^.'   ""'''  "'^^  ''"^«  "^^^^ 
I  WLsn  you  with  all  yonrs  h,...lrl,  !"""'^*'"'^'"Vo  do  Ac  hope  so  to  (Jonrinue 

" '''"  '-fl'e  Hon"'  Sir  W".  Jol,„»„„  n„,...  "  "'"'''"'  Sandbbs. 

|P;S3jt^:;:,:i:  — :,^^^^^^        -/•-  -enservice^ 
0  valuable  tract  of  land,  one  hu  .d     1   th^     T"  '"''l"'^^*^  '^  "^  all. 
^^  .ll;am  Johnson,  was  ^hu^U f^Z'^L^'^I^LrT  "'"'"'  /'^  «'^ 
lie  Mo  lawk  .uit.on  in  the  followin.-  m-im...  '  ^''^- ^''^'"f  chief  of 

Use  (I^rtJoh,,son)  the  sachem  obsVvp  ^^ '>"?:' '^f  the   baronet's 

w.th  ,old  lace,  whicli  the  fo  rr  it  ded  for"! '"'''  '"'"'''^  embroidered 
I  "tormg  his  p,usence  after  a  ni.-htTr  stj  '  1'  "T  P'^'''^'^"  =  ""d  on 
I  !ea>ued  last  night.'     '  Indeed,'",es no  ded    fh  ",  ''""'  '  "'■•'^■"^'•.  "^e 

W  '"y  red  brother  drea.u  ? '    '<  Me  ^  ,m  -  -^  7"\''-''T^  '  ^""^  ^^at 
|tl;'.>i  cat  be  mine  ! '  '  Then  '  s-mM  IL  '•       \  "'^  '^'""^  »  ''eply,  '  that 

Iwhioh  you  are  welcome 'So  a  afttttS"'^  •^'"^'^!";-  '  ^'  ^'/""-  '« 
I  •;  KUost\s  visit,  and  on  meetin"  in  i  I  "  !7'.''"^'  ^^!^  ^^i^''^'"  ^<^^^rned 
pJ.va.ned  last  night!'  •  Vyi.at':]!;!  ^  "  !V;.:e  'dT"'!'^  ^^^'"''  '  '^'•«"^''^'-. 
t.^.d  the  sachem.     '  ^  breamed/ s^/^s-;:::^,^^r[^:t-[o;S 


26 


Legacy  of  IItstorical  Gleanings. 


was  all  my  own  !'     The  chief  replied,  '  Brother,  the  land  is  yours,  but  you 
must  not  dream  again  ! '  It  was  a  check-mate." 

Robert  Sanders  to  Col.  Jacob  Wendell. 
"  Dear  Sir  "  Albany  Nov  3,  1758. 

"  I  Hec  I  yr'*  of  the  10  Ultimo,  with  the  Inclosed  Letter  To  Mr.  Humphry 
Chadbourn  which  T  forwarded  to  him  &  have  since  Deliveiod  him  A<;ree- 
able  to  y  Desire  Ten  Dollars  &  have  taken  his  Bill  therefor  on  his  Broth- 
er Mr.  Benj.  Chadbourn  which  you  have  Here  Inclosed  Endorsed  by  me 
to  Debit  y  Acco'  therefor  Your  Regem'  are  all  come  down  &  major 
part  on  tiieir  way  home  I  (Jan't  but  acquaint  you  that  they  have  Cut  a 
great  Deal  of  wood  for  the  service  on  y  Land  at  the  Jser  Berg,  &  as  Every 
body  suflFers  from  Cutting  wood  here  on  their  Land  for  the  service  I 
Daren't  speak  a  word,  must  therefore  Desire  to  let  me  Know  your  Senti- 
ments thereabout.  Here  is  a  Town  Talk  thift  General  Abercrombie  is 
Superseded  by  General  Amherst  &  we  have  News  that  the  King  of  Prus- 
sia g  "ned  a  Victory  over  the  Russians,  the  Express  came  Last  night  & 
says  .  ^^Mcket  is  arrived  at  New  York.  I  hear  Nothing  as  yet  ab'  Col. 
Pete  Schu;  sr  &  our  other  Prisoners  that  were  to  Come  in  Lieu  of  Them 
that  X.  '"iv  t  fort  Frontenac  when  I  do  I  shall  Enquire  &  write  Mr  John 
Mice  ji.  '  .  ab'  the  Gentlemen  He  gave  me  In  Charge  of,  w''  please  to 
acquai.,t  him  as  I  have  no  time  now  to  write  him.  I  Ne"or  Kxpected  our 
Prisoners  Before  the  Armies  of  Both  sides  went  Into  Winter  quarters  as 
X  know  Frc^  \  Policy  too  well,  altho  our  people  here  are  very  Uneasy  & 
Expect  they  wont  come.  But  I  think  we  shall  now  soon  hear  from  them. 
I  hope  this  will  find  you  with  all  y^*  as  this  Leaves  me  with  all  mine  & 
friends  here  entirely  well. 

"  My  Espouse  Joins  me  in  Duty  to  y  self,  Mad'"  Wendell  all  y  Child- 
ren &  friends  with  you.  Believe  me  to  be  Sincerely  Dear  S^  Your  Affec- 
tionate Kinsman. 


"The  Houi"^ Jacob  WenJ  11. 


"  Robert  Sanders. 


Elihu  Lyman's  Bill. 
"  1758  The  Colony  of  Connecticut  p^  Elihu  Lyman  1  Dr. 

For  yf  forces  Under  Ala]  :  General  Abercrombie  f 

June  25.  To  1  p--  Blankets '. £12  :    : 

Do.    28.  To  3  pr  Do  @  £  12  p-" :  &  1  Single  Blanket  16s  ...    36  :    16 


Albany  Novr  :  6th,  1758,  ^^"ors  Excepted, £48:    16: 

Robert  Sanders. 
"  Gentlemen, 

"Please  to  pay  the  vVbove  Acco'  of  forty  Eight  pounds  Sixteen  Shil- 
lings New  York  Currency  Unto  General  Lyman  or  his  order  k  his  Re- 
ceipt Shall  be  to  you  a  good  A:  Sufficient  Discharge  &  you  will  very  much 
oblige,  Gent  Y^  most  hum  :  &most 

"  Obed'  Servant,  Robert  Sanders. 
«  Sir  : 

"  I  Beg  the  fa  our  of  you  to  Obtain  &  receipt  the  Above  Acco'  of  £48  : 
16  :  for  me  k  on  Receipt  thereof  please  to  Deduct  thereout  for  your 
Trouble  what  is  Reasonable  as  also  the  Charges  you  should  Be  at  &  Re- 
mit to  me  here  the  Remainder,  &  if  you  should  have  No  opp'V  for  this 
place  you  may  then  send  it  to  New  York  to  Mess'^  Robert  &  Richard  liuy 
Merch'S  there,  Near  the  Old  Dutch  Church  &  if  I  Can  be  of  Service  here 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  27 

bo  Assured  that  on  Receinf  nP  ,re  p„  ,    ^ 

tl.e.u  to  the  UtmoJ  of  ^.P4l{H,^7™;?d«  I  will  Endeavour  to  Execute 
Houi^'e  Sir.  ^  ''^'"^^  ^"^«"'"  I  am  with  profound  Esteem 

"  To  General  P.  Lyman."         "  ^'  """"^  ''""'  •"  '^  «^«'J'  Servant       ■ 

"  Robert  Sanders. 

roc.vel^lS^t'l.^  lllt^:£  T^^-^f  -"'  y^^  -^t  unjustly  he 
battle  of  Crown  l^int  in  175^  u  wTf  ^'''''^^^y  ^^s  due.  '' At  the 
bun  for  five  consecutive  houVs  ^itfgrlat'ililT^^"""^"^'  "^^  ^"•'^^«^«d  by 

iil«>6er«  ^a«^e,.«  to  Genera.  Lyman. 
"Dear  Sir.  uaiu        xt 

■•  I  .Tu^t  „„„  l,o„j  f„„,  J.    „,    , ,      „^"'»"J'  November  7th  1758. 

« To  r.n   PI  •         r  "  ■^'  '"°'*  ^""^  •■  ^*'^  "bdt  Servt 

Uen.  Phmeas  Lyman  at  Green  Bush."       "  Robert  Sanders. 

Jo"5:org;oXti8^"55  ""  L"fhd'"  ^^  ^/'^^rated  battle  of 
Heudnek,  the  noted  Mohawk  chipff.,;n      -1   'V'V^y  ""^ ^^^ -^^oodu  Pond 
and    ndians  assisted  the  ;;ovl  i    t    '     '  i^^^  «f  French  Cal^dian 

,  Sir  U  liham  Johnson.     Gen.  Johns  nJf  ?i         ^^^J'^''-S««<^ral,  afterwards 
rece.vcd  a  flesh  wound  in  S  s  thHr^„''d\t  r;/rr'r"*«^"''^^  ^attb 
Lyman  then  took  command,  and  continued  i^^^        ^"t'^  ^"  ^'^-     •^<^"era 
Nonnot  willing  to  divide  thetno  r«f  tL  even?°.''? '^'^°"' ^ 

h'«  report  the  name  of  General  Lyluther.n'^"''^  ^^^"  ^^«tioa 
It  was  immediately  after  the  h.^fll  h  T  '•  ,      ^^"^  '*^'»*^^f  '«  the  victorv 
e  changed  the  na^me   f  itt  L  nm  to  t C  \- r'^^l.^'^'^'^^^^  «f  Can,' 
1'^^    government,  elated  by  th    Ctorv  c  '  Lp  1  r ''  ^^"'■•^-     '^''»«  J^^»g- 
and  gave  him  $L^0,000."  ^'  "^''^'*^  ^««-  Jobnson  a  baronet 

/Mtr^  *Srt/i(?era  <o  O^;.  Wendell 
["Dear  Sir.  «  .„ 

J    "MjlasttoyouwasD^r.nf  P  ,       /^^bany  April  30,  1759. 

-'e  pots  &  i^ttL  ".^'£b?::rb:  ""^  ^°"  ^--dme 

J  mved  several  Gentlemen  froryouJ  IcVr  ."^'T"^  ''  ^»"'  «i°ce 
1 1  ,,s  not  for  want  of  health.  HavL.  now  ..  f  '  "1  /™'"  ^°"'  ^ope 
puibraee  &  make  bold  to  Trnnhll  °    "        •'^   favourable   oppT  w'l.  T 

"/'■apt.  Abra.  Ke°e„  ft/if-iri'iii'";'.."'','!  "'"'"'"'"  '^"-'' »»'' 
f '"Ml  of  one  Capt.  Freueli  of  t  „  Is  J."*  .""»  .V"™"?  &  my  oiJer  & 


.'    li 


28 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


sealed  it.  I  hear  Capt  Keen  is  Going  this  year  Eastward  so  am  ohliged 
to  send  you  his  Note,  lie  is  a  good  lionest  man  &  will  pay  you  Immediately 
for  me.  Abraham  Jaeobs  Jjansing  Came  home  fieu  days  since  I  had  no 
letter  by  him  from  you  he  tell  me  that  you  &  he  were  Discoursing  about 
Stone  Raby  &  that  you  askt  him  £600  for  it,  il'  you  are  Inclineable  to 
sell  it  for  what  people  tells  me  it  is  worth,  since  it  was  derived  from  both 
my  Grandfathers  Robert  Sanders  &  John  Wendell,  they  were  the  first 
owners  thereof  I  will  buy  it  of  you  for  myselt'and  will  pay  you  Immediately 
for  it  but  no  more  then  the  Real  Value  &  send  you  the  Consideration 
money  on  Receipt  of  y  Conveyance  to  me. 

"  There  is  one  Perez  Tillson,  a  sutler  last  yt;ar  to  Col.  Doty's  Reg' 
who  owes  me  by  bond  1  believe  Between  £70  &  £80  Inform  me  what 
you  know  or  think  about  him.  Tho'  Col  Doty  Contracted  most  part  of  the 
Debt.  I  am  Glad  to  hear  you  are  Better.  I  heartly  wish  you  with  all  y^ 
health,     y''  most  Aff'-  Kinsman 

"  Col.  Jacob  Wendell." 


"Robert  Sanders. 


"Sir 


Bdbert  Sanders  to  Thomas  Uubhard. 

Albany  June  3  1759. 


"  Mr  Isaac  Gridley's  letter  of  the  28  Ultimo  on  your  Rehalf  with  the 
these  Inclosed  receipts  for  the  Sundry  Stores  you  had  Shipt  on  board  of 
Capt,  Freeman  for  Albany  I  have  this  day  rec*^  &  post  as  soon  as  Capt. 
Freeman  Arrives  I  shall  receive  tl  in  in  Store  &  Deliver  them  to  Messrs 
Woodbridge  &  Savage  as  you  shall  Direct  me  in  yours  of  the  Next  post 
w^''  I  hope  will  be  before  Capt  Freeman  arrives  as  Mr.  Woodbridge  is  still 
at  home.  General  Amhurst  went  up  to  the  army  this  morning  the  few 
Kemaining  forces  yet  in  Town  are  to  set  out  to  morrow  The  Army  to  the 
Westward  Destined  did  not  delay,  but  set  out  from  Schenectady  yesterday. 
I  pray  God  to  Grant  them  success.  You  Doubtless  must  have  seen  by  the 
news  papers  that  General  Amhurst  hath  forbid  the  Carrying  up  of  any  , 
Spirituous  Liquois  to  the  Army  yet  this  day  believe  his  prohibition  will 
be  of  no  long  Duration  for  I  Cant  think  the  Army  can  be  without  any  a  j 
long  time,  1  am  with  the  Greatest  Esteem.  Hon<i  Sir  Yi"  most  obt  Hum;] 
Serv' ■ 

"  Hon.  Thomes  Hubbard."  "  ^^'^^^'^'^  Sanders. 

"  The  skill,  bravery,  and  activity  of  General  Amherst,  exhibited  in  the 
capture  of  Louisburg  (on  the  island  of  Cape  Breton,  at  the  mouth  of  the 
St.  Lawrence,  then  the  strongest  fortification  in  America,  and  the  rallying! 
point  of  French  power  on  this  continent)  in   1758,  gained  him  a  vote  of  j 
thanks  from  parliament  and  commended  him  to  I'itt,  who  in   1759  ap- 
pointed him  to  the  chief  command  in   America.     He  collected  his  ariiiyl 
of  eleven  thousand  men  at  Fort  Edward  and  its  vicinity  and  on  July  2li 
appeared  beTore  Ticonderoga.      He  met  with  no  impediment  but  soon  luulf 
possession  of  the  fort  as  the  French  had  fled,  after  they  had  dismanticJJ 
the  fort,  down  the  lake  to  Canada." 

Bdbert  Sanders  to  the  New  II(imj)s7dre  Commissioners. 
"  Gentlemen,  "  Albany  Aug.  3,  1759. 

"  Col.  Zecheus  Lovewell  Doliv'  tome  on  his  Coming  down  from  Ticon-| 
derago  an  ord'  to  go  In  obedience  to  Gen.  Amhur,st's  ord'  with  his  Regi- 
ment to  Oswego.  Your  letter  of  the  IG  May  last,  wherein  you  are  PleaseJ 
to  Recommend  liim  to  my  favour  for  advice  &  assistance,  &  if  he  shoulilj 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


— -".  29 

h.'ive  occasion  for  monpv  liiu  K;n  n      ^ 

ally  paid,  but  Col  S.V    /^l^ifSv  J^x^'''  sterkshould  be  punctu- 

from  Albany  to  Ticondero.^a  &  Zm    L/  ^^^^P'^''"''"ce  Impossible  to  go  on 

with  the  £100  Sterl.,  tZrio  tZ^^^'-Vl^''''^' ^ 

would  or  Could  not  go  wiCfa  Liu  e  r'sTlh    '"  "V^^TI"'  ''^'  ^^'^ '"«« 

march.     I  did  advance  h,m  the  sum  of  iti  1  ^  ^7«^  '?  ^'^"'^'^  "'«">  to 

sent  h,s  Bill  on  you  to  Richi  Wibi^d  J?snf    /  ""^^  ^'"' ^'"   ^  ^^^^ 

to  give  your  Hills  for  said  sum  of  ^31?^   U^'"'!"'"  ^""  ^'"  be  pleased 

order  in  London.  oi  Adu  .   14  gt^rl.  p^^^.jbie  ^^  ^jj^^^.  ^^^ 

our  firing  one  Cannon"aga  nst  it  ad  /h  T'  P^T^'"'"  ^^'^^  ^8,  without 
an  Express  come  in  T'-orfr  'm  Nia  t/ltt^^  o'olo.^..^.  we  had 
News  that  the  Portress  is  also    in  m  r  P  '"■'"»'  "'^   ^'^e  agreeable 

1500  french  and  Indians  n."  by  the  si?  1^""  -l' r  "^  ]^^^  -^^ 
Ottowawa  to  assist  the  fort  of  wen  n"  ,1'  •         ^""^  ''"^"^  ^'^'ho  & 

Genl.  Prideaux   (the   latter  was   kirdWCnl   ''T' ""^•^•- •^•^^"««" '^nd 

taken  prisoners  17  officers.  Af  er  s  attip /»  f" /^'  ''""'^  ^^^  *  ^^^^^ 
of  war  &  in  a  flew  days  we  Cect  in  T 'l??  ^"'''  Surrendered  prisoners 
^^00  Scalps:  &  this  mornin/we  had  an  7  ^''°'" /^ere  700  prisoners  & 
;  ef-eneh  had  Abandoned"  C>ownpo„t^r'''^°"J'"^'"'^^'-«^'^'  '^^^^ 
Jiurnt  all  that  would  Burn  there  bvalltc,  ^""''"'^  "?  ""  t''^>'  ^'^"Jd  & 
fleet  ,s  at  Quebec,  they  left  Ciwn  p  „T  JV'?  P'""'^  '''  ^''^^  «»^ 
Niagara  the  25  Ultimo.  I  give  vou  .illT  lu  u  ^"'^""^  '^  ^^  took 
onntt  Communicating  it  to  you    ^I  am  1^7.^  V*^'  "'"^^  ""^  ^""Id  not 

"p        ,"  ^"^"  t"6  Greatest  lle-^ards 

"  To  Rich.  Wibird  Daniel  Wa^nt )  ^  """''  ^^""^  \fT''''  "        ' 
tv  Henry  Sherburne,  Esq'."     f  Kobert  Sanders. 

atI!^.:^i:S^?^J-;-^ofthe.<Convention 
of  uniting  upon  some  sch{.ne     r  the  ^>„?„ lli""^'  ^l^^.^^^  ^^e  purpose 
burue  was  killed  in  1777  at  the  B.^nl    f  n        ''"'^-    ^^^"J^^  Henry  Slier- 
sent  by  Arnold  from   Montreal  „m^^^^^  Germantown.     In  177G  he  wa« 
enforce   the  garrLson  atTeda.  R^Jids'"' A""?',^''  and  forty  men  to  re! 
whole  of  Foster's  (En^Wish)  iL!T.        ^t*"?    ^^^  '"   ^^e  evening  the 
cade  and  fell  upon\he  r  pubLl     tL'v     ^''T  ^"''^^  f'"'™  «»  -^^^s- 
='"  I'our  and  a  half,  when^the  I   dfans     n^       1'  '  ^''''^  '^'^^^"^'^  f'^'"  "early 
a  g.rdle  around   tliem,  a,  d  a    ,       'e""  i"""^^'"  ^r\^*'^  ^"P^"^'-.  for-^ed 
band,and  infuriated  by  the  ob'tin.Vp,!-^"'  l^'f^'"'^   "P""   the  devoted 
"-■•ly  all.     T,  e  fortress    of  n:  '^^f  ""^  «^  ^'^  Americans  butchered 

,  ^"Kli^h  as  it  was  at  the  mouth  otlieXi-t".'"^'" "'''"'  acquisition  for  the 
(general  Prideaux  invested  NiaLnra  but  t^  -n'f,  ^"  "^"'^  ^5,  1769, 
n-ortar,  before  the  surrender  of  the  French  'M^f  ^^  ""^  ^"'-^''"fe'  «f  ^ 
tureJ  by  Sir  William  Johnson,  who  succeeded  hi."  "'  ^'''  '^^^•^^^•«'''  ^''P" 
was  continued  more  than  a  f^'  ,tr-md  ,1  ^^  ^  '^''^^«eige 

Pamug  of  succor,  surrendered       la, 'e'^ii^  be  eague,.ed  garrison,  des- 

I  ^«"  -0  their  hands.  The  capti^'feLTri:^;:^^;.;^;;;;;^^^-- 

^  ^^  i?o6fr#  Sanders  to  Jacob  Wendell. 


80 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


would  not  buy  it,  and  it  is  Some  Years  Since  when  you  sold  it  to  your 
Kinsman   at  Albany  for   £1200   York  money  <*lr,  you  Esteem  it  at   Least 
worth  now  ,tl500  York  money  &  if  Canady  wj-s  taken  as  you  Expected 
it  soon  would  rise  more  and  by  my  last  to  you  &,  by  your  all  ways  agree- 
able to  me  of  the  12tii  (We  had  agreeable  news  on  the  13th  pi"  an  Express 
from  Oswego,  that  they  had   taken   8  french  prisoners  who  say  that  the 
City  of  Quebec   Surrendered  on   the  18   Sepf^  to  the  English.     General 
Amhurst  went  off  from    (Jrown   point  last   week  Thursday    with    4500 
forces  without  Countg  the   Marines.)     It  is   Confirmed  that  the  City  of 
Quebec  is  through  God's  Blessing  in  our  Possession,  and  believe  &  hope 
soon  to  hear  all  Canada  to  be,  So  give  you  Joy  therewith,  So  that  you 
Think  it  is  worth  more  now  than  £1500  :— : — I  hope  you  will  bo  able  to 
sell  it  at  that  price  if  you  ever  Intend  to  sell  it.     Hut  I   have  as  great 
lieason  to  believe  you  wont  sell  it  by  Valuing  of  it  as  you  believe  I 
wont  buy  it,   1  must  own  that  I  wont  buy  it  at  £1500  this  money  nor 
Nobody  Else  I  believe  as  I  have    Hetore  wrote  you   the  reason  &  my 
sole  Inducemi-*  I  would   have  Bought  it  &    if  you   &  yours    intend   to 
keep  it  I  am  Content.     I  am  glad  to  see   by  yours  that  you  Intend  once 
more  to  Come  &  see  your  friends  here  when  please   God  We  may  live  to 
see  Each  other  we  shall  talk  further  together.     In  mean  Time  if  you  can 
sell  it  for  £1500  I  would  Advise  you  so  to  do  it  if  you  Intend  to  sell  it, 
for  I  Can  Assure  you  that  I  have  never  hitherto  seen  the  man  yet  here, 
(Except  Abraham  Ooms  sons)  that  would  give  so  much  for  it  as  they 
offered  you.     All  our  friends  here  are  well  and  I  am  very  glad  to  hear 
that  you  &  your  good  Espouse  also  Continue  to  mend  Dayley,  I  hope  you 
both  may  Enjoy  your   perfect  health   again.     With  my  Espouse  &   owa 
best  regards  to  you  both  &  service  to  all   friends  I  conclude  I  am  D'  S' 
Y'  LovM  Cousin  &  Obed'  Scrv'  ,,  „ 

"Col.  Jacob  Wendell."  "Robert  Sanders. 

Robert  Sanders  to  Thovi'  Huhhard, 
"  Dear  Sir :  '"  Albany,  Oct.  28, 1759. 

"  I  have  by  the  Courier  yesterday  y''  Elxceeding  kind  favour  of  the  22 
&  thank  you  for  the  Trouble  you  took  to  write  me  the  Agreeable  News  it 
Contained.  _  In  my  Turn  must  let  you  Understand  hereby,  that  General 
Amhurst  with  his  Army  Returned  to  Crown   Point,  without  doing  more 
then  I  wrote  p'  the  last  Corrier ;  and   Sir  Wm.  Johnson,    Bart,  is  come 
home  so  that  we  Expect  Nothing  will  be  Done  more  this  fall,  unless  the 
Articles   of  Capitulation    made   at  Quebec  Induces  the   Inhabitants  of 
Canada  in   order  to  keep   their  estates  to  give  the  south  part  of  Canada 
over,  as  we  are  possessed  of  the  North  part  I  can't  but  think  they  will 
Surrender  it.     I  believe  the  General  will  keep  the  Provincials  as  Long  as 
the  weather  will   permitt  them   to  work  at  the  forts  &  then    By  what 
1  can  hear  yours  will  go  home  by  the  way  of  No.  4.     iMons'  Vaudreuil 
the  governor  general  in  my  oppinion  will  take  care  Not  to  be  taken  for  he 
is^as  well   Governour  of  Mesisipfe   as  of  Canada.     The  hhd  Cloth '^'  3Ir. 
Woodbridge  brought  in  store  seemed  wet  I  therefore  got  a  Cooper  this 
morning,  he  took  it  out  &  found  it  much  worse  than  I  thought  it  was,  had 
it  Dryed  &  put  up  again  otherwise  it  soon  would  have  been  Rotten.    I 
think  your  Government  sends  every  year  too  much  clothing.     My  Sincere 
Regards  to  you  and  all  friends.     With  you  I  am  with  Profound  Respect, 
'•  lloni'i'-  Sir  y  most  Obliged  Hum  Servant 
"  Honbie  Thomas  Hubbard  Esq."  "  l^o^^Ri'  Sanders. 


"  Gens.  A 

engjigciuien  ts 

was  the  only 

Gen,  Wolfe  ^ 

The  French 

trenched    car 

General  Woli 

rise,  Septemb 

Abrahiini  thre 

the  English  U 

liad  of  the  re; 

hours  for  the  ; 

Wolfe  ordered 

fire  until  the  ] 

obeyed  and  die 

ceived  his  thin 

lie  was  taken  t 

be/ore  he  expin 

I»onald  Campbe 

and  on  whose  si 

The  dying  hero 

give  way  e very w 

his  last  words  ; 

also  received  a  i 

Montcalm  were 

ive  troops.     Fivi 

passed  into  the  I 

minated  French 


"Dear  Sir, 
J     "The  bearer  0 

for  the  small-pox 
Jwnteyou  these  fe 
I  '^'"••^  Joii  forwarde 
I  ton  and  he  to  m. 

Iwhichlwasalittl 
Jliegimeut  Coming 
l<-arr_y  them  home  i 

land  as  they  Could  1 
l-ltathor  then  to  Del 
jtlie  Government,  J 
If'aye  for  the  above 
Ibili  here   Inclosed 
F'Jre  to  obtain  for 
Jlonunittee  2  Setts 
F'^1  ■■  n  :  Str.  pa3 
f'Jjou  possibly  can. 
K*Jansion-house  and 
T'^^d.    I  Doubt  not 
.Pt  tlie  time  of  it.     \ 
^«'^'    1  am  Dear  Sir 

'ToTheHonblcR 


Legacy  op  irTSTnPTn.T  r. 

-liihTORicAL  Gleanings,  c,-, 

"  Gens.  Anilierst  and  Wolfe  h-,r1  ha. 
eugngvmoutH  .gainst  the  Frclh    ..  l     7'.''^  successful  this  year  in  their 
was  .,.  on],  place  of  consider!;  L'i:;Vt::  i't" ""'^^  «^  '''''  ^-^ 

The"'  S^roVn-errsfcf '''  ^^^  !o^:^zz::,:!:  tr'- 

trenched    ca„,p   as"Lf,ta   l^T^^aT"^"'  ''^  th^^Ton!. ;  t' 
General  Wolfe  had  his  arn/y  of  five/i         'V^."^'  S^''''''^""  in  the  civ 
nse  Sepfernber  13.  irSD^T^^f ;it"-;^  ^^^itish  troops  before  suJ 

Ab.ahan.  three  hundred  feet  above  tLsrr        ""^J  upon   the  plains  of 

He  was  taken  to  the  rear  while  hi    .rn         *'^^Sround  mortally  wounded 
be/ore  he  expired  rallying  T-       ,n'?  ^'^''"P^  continued  to  char<r/  "^"""^^a- 

and  on  whose  shoulder  bp  .""f^'^''."'''"  supported  bin,  on  the  field  of  hnV.i  " 
'j;'-  dyin,  hero  askld  ;i      ^0^^ "1?^'='"-?,'  '  '^'^ey  run'l  t^rt  'l 

^::^';zi  t;^"^^'^«^i  ie  w'V'^  "^'^^ 

:'-  -eived^a  Saf:  LT^d^  diej'r^  ^'^  ^'e^    'Gen/iC^- 
Jion  caIn,  were  both  able  colanders   and  w'  "''!  T'"'''^-      ^^^«''e  and 
ive  troops.     Five  days  after  the  b.ffln  f.      ^""'^  "^"'"^«d  by  their  resnect 
'  p.-';'<.sed  into  the  hands  of    ^e  Fn-S    h  V   «'''^  "^'^^"^^ec  capitu  a  ed  a„d 
n^nated  French  rule  in  Canad;;^^        '"  ^'^'''^^'^-  l^'  1759,  whi^J  Jer^ 

I  "Dear  Sir  ""^'"^  ^'^"*"^  ^^  ^-  ^'"^^  W  m,.,. 

"  The  bearer  Col.  Lovewell  is  Jus^  n    .i       •"  ^^^"""^  ''^°^'  ^^'  ^^^O. 
for  the  small-pox  of  which  the  plf- ""  '^''  ^''"^'  S"'"'?  home  beinc.  afraid 

lb  1    ,       '"  ."^'^^^  t'»'Po«e  £841  •  14     SW    P'r^''.  «n  "'e  to  let  him 
IceUl  :  14  •  Str    nil  Ki     *"'^'"=    ^'"«-     The   1  for  £->Z\^      a""^  y°"'' 

'  '°°'''°-  "'"M-  Wibird,  Esq."  '•  ito™,r  SAmm,. 


82 


Leqacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


"  In  the  summer  of  this  year  as  Qenoral  IJradstreet  was  ridinj:;  by  the 
Flats  one  day,  and  propusinj-  to  call  on  Madam  Schuyler,  lie  saw  her  silting 
in  a  great  chair  under  the  little  avenue  of  cherry-trees  that  led  from  lujr  ^M  j 
house  to  the  road.     All  the   way  as  he  approached  he  had   seeu  smoke, 
and  at  last  llames,  bursting  out  from  the  top  of  her  house.     He  waa  afraid 
to  alarm  her  suddenly  ;  but  when  he  told  her,  she  heard  it  with  the  utmost 
composure;  pointed  out  the  likeliest  means  to  check  the  fire;  and  ordered 
the  neighbors  to  be  summoned,  and  the  most  valuable  goods  iiist  removed, 
without  over  attempting  to  go  over  to  the  house  herself,  where  she  knew 
she  could  b«   of  no  service;  but   with  the  most  admirable   presence   of 
mind,  she  sat  still  with  a  placid  countenance,  regulating  and  ordering  every 
thing  in  the  most  judicious  manner  and  with  as  much  composure  as  if  she 
had  nothing  to  lop         vVhon  evening  came,  of  that  once   happy  mansion, 
not  a  singlti  beam  w  <      oft,  and  the  scorched  brick  walls  were  all  that  re- 
mained to  mark  whcie  it  had  stood.     Madam  could  not  be  said  to  be  left 
without  a  dwelling,  having  a  house  in  Albany  rather  larger  than  the  one 
thus  destroyed.     But  she   was  fondly  attached  to   the   spot  which   had 
been  the  scene  of  so  much  felicity,  and  was  rendered  more  dear  to  her  by 
retaining  within  its   bounds  the  remains  of  her  beloved  partner  [Colonel 
Philip  Schuyler  who  died  in  1757].     She  removed  to  her  brother's  house 
for  the  night.     The  news  of  what  had  happened  spread  every  where,  and 
the  next  day  people  came  from  all  quarters  to  condole,  and  ask  her  direc- 
tions where  and  how  she  would  choose  to  have  another  house  built.     And 
in  a  few   days  the  ground  was   covered  with   bricks,    timber  and  other 
materials,  brought  there  by  her  friends  in  voluntary  kindness.     General 
Bradstreet  sent  some  of  the  king's  workmen  to  assist  in  building,  and  the  j 
house  commenced  in  Auiiiist  was  ready  for  her  by  the  early  winter.     Aunt  j 
Schuyler  was  very  fond  of  birds  and  to  make  them  .secure  nosts  procured 
the  skeleton  heads  of  horses  and  cattle,  in  great  numbers,  and  stuck  theiu  j 
on  high  poles  much  to  the  delight  of  the  feathered  warblers.'' 

In  my  mother's  note-book  is  an  entry.     "  Aunt  Schuyler  at  the  Flats! 
died  on  Monday  December  6th,  18U2.    Buried  Thursday  9th."     The  old 
road  after  crossing  the  Patroon's  creek,  passed  down  to  the  river,  over  itj 
marched  all  the  armies  for  the  North. 

liohert  S(t7i(lcrs  to  Richard  Wibird. 
"Dear  Sir:  "  Albany  Dec.  3,  1759. 

"  I  have  y  Esteemed  fav""  of  the  3  Instant  p'  y  Carrier  &  note  y'  Con- 
tents, that  you  would  honour  the  Drafts  on  you  in  favour  of  Messf-  Leej 
&  Clarke  &  that  you  Apprehended  there  would  be  no  need  for  me  to  seiidl 
in  a  petition  to  y  Court  as  you  trusted  Mr  Woodbridge  would  attend.! 
But  if  you  Judge  it  Necessary  or  Best  to  petition  the  Court  I  must  begl 
of  you  to  do  it  in  my  Jiehalf  &  you  will  very  much  oblige  me.  Inclo.seJj 
you  have  a  receipt  of  Mr.  Sim  n  Leaking  I  had  no  time  to  take  a  Dupli-j 
cate  of  him  therefore  send  you  his  original  for  the  p'  shoes  &  money  Ij 
have  Debited  the  Governm'  The  other  things  therein  Mentioned  arel 
of  your  Governm'  Clothing  Pickt  Last  Spring  by  Mr.  Woodbridge  sol 
not  of  the  best.  At  foot  you  have  what  I  Deliv '  for  the  use  of  }i 
Sick,  the  Sugar  Chocolade  &c  I  took  out  of  my  own  store,  as  I  did  uutj 
chuse  to  open  y'''  In  store,  shall  replace  it  when  you  open  or  Recall  y''-  inj 
store  as  I  hear  no  further  of  the  Sick,  I  have  ordered  the  Cask  ruisinij 
that  I  opened  in  Store  to  be  headed  up  again  I  suppose  Ebeuz  Cox  Ujj 
my  Advise  hnd  them  Carried  in  wagons  to  Sheffield,  but  have  as  yet  noil 


seen  his  draft  ( 
at  Kindorhook 
the  first  Instan 
10  then  (Jrosse 
i'cw  of  his  Offi. 
lie  is  of  good  i 
elude  with  best 

"  Honi'i^  Richd 


"D^Sr: 

"  Yesterday  1 

I  with  s'l  ]}lodgct' 

you  had  Shipi  t 

I  but  the  goods  n( 

stall  &  Hoar  at 

Cloth!?  &  that  I 

j  Ashley  In  the  n 

[hiiu.     I  thought 

I  Medicine  Chests 

jthe  other  bed  pa 

j  Green  Bush  to  J 

Idelphia  so  says  C 

I     "I  see  by  you 

jJacob  Wendell  I 

Ion  the  IG  Instan 

Jmyself  nor  any  of 

Ifamily  About  hir 

iJIansion  then  het 

■prepare  us  all  for 

"Ih; 


"  Thomas  Hubl 

'Gent: 

"  My  last  to  yoi 

Sell  Via  Boston  i 

Balb'^  thereof  in  n 

[lew,  also  Col.  Gof 

'Iso  Col.  Gors  on 

hot  but  met  with  d 

pave  Voritably  hen 

pates  herin  again. 

ping  down  to  New 

bed  yesterday  to  i 

f;cn  to  pay  &   Bear 

m  to  Enlist  &  p;, 

['•dor  to  him  to  fori 

fcroportion  to  llema 

Suing  wcii  I  knew  ^ 


Legacy  of  Historical  L   .aninqs.  gg 

seen  his  draft  on  me,  I  sunnose  \t  ..fill  f«  k 

at  Kinderhook.  General  T, I  st  ih  n  ^'T,"?  T^  '^  "»'•  ^'^''"^^rs 
file  first  Instant  tarrycd  hero  to  t ho  ^  f!  "I  ^"•-  '^'"'^  ^"""^^  *"  ^-^vvr. 
1.0  then  (Jrossed  the  lUvJTZ^^J^  n  v"  v  ''"J"  '"''  ^'"'''^  «-«r. 
few  of  his  Officers,  he  Ca>ne  dow„  /  }  I-  ^ '""f  '"  '"^'"P'''"^  ^i^''  « 
I.C  is  of  ,ood  K.au,ple  to  Offic  Js  &  ««  Ji -,"  '""I  ^'^'  *^ """««"  ^'^^^ 
ciude  with  best  regards.    D^  S  "y^^^  LtilrrjberSe"^^^  "  ^«"" 

"  ^^""'  ^•'^^'  Wibird  Esq."  "  ROBERX  SANPP.RS. 

Hobert  Sanders  to  Thomas  Huhhard. 

"  ^  itterday  I  reca  your  f.  .o„r  nf  ,^.    ir  t  ^'^""^'  ^'P"  ^^  =  ^^^l" 
with  si  I5iod.fctf /  lecein   for  nL  P    '  ^  Vn?'""*  P^  ^^'•-  Sami  Blod^ett 
you  had  Ship"i  tomZiClZl^^^^^^      Clothing*  twohha.  hats  wo): 

but  the  good's  not  Vet^Ld^ed  I  £0  tli.V  """'''^ "  '^'^  '^^''b"- 
8ti.ll&  Hoar  at  Crown  noin    v/..?'^^"  "/Y  ^"-o'e  up  to  Col :  Salston- 

Clotl..&  that  I  woTd  fe  "Id^o-XTr  o'r'^l  "'?  ""'  1''^  ^^"-^'  "^  ^'^ 
Ashley  In  the  meantime  Should  come  for  .?'  ""W'^r^  b"*  if  Major 
>im.  I  thought  to  have  senryou  bv  th. V  ^^  ^'^u  ^'^''''  ^^em  to 
Medicine  Chests,  yet  in  my  store  of\  "  °^  l^''  ^^^^«"  two  old 

the  other  bed  pan  I  DeHv7ed  last  fairf^T'"'"'"'/  ''''  ''^^  B^^-pan, 
Green  Bush  to"^  Doctr  Mather  bu    th!  P     ^°  "'?  '^  *^'°  ^ick  soldiers  u 
delphia  so  says  Can't  take  them  ^"^  ''  ^''°^  ^''"^  here  to  Phila- 

IJalob  WeniflTpaTtettMs^L^^^^  'K  '"^  ^^— ^  Uncle  Col : 

on  the  U  Instant  to  my  great  GrLTr  ®'"?  *^  '^''  ^'  ^^«  Juried 
Welf  nor  any  of  his  Se^rs  0  StlL?  r'"'  Astonished  that  Neither 
family  About \im.  I  Tke^o  £b t  bu  Xt  r^'''^  ^^  ^'"^  "^'^'^ 
piansion  then  here,  &  I  know  it  bothl\.  p  ,^  ?  ^^''^  *°  '^  ^^etter 
|prepare  us  all  for  the  Like  Change!  ^  '^  '"  ^'''''  *^  ^  P""^^  <>«d  to 

"  I  haye  the  Honour°to  be  with  profound  Esteem 

i)'  Sr  Y^  most  hum  :  &  Obed'  Servant 
"  Thomas  Hubbard,  Esqr.,  Boston."  "  ^^'"''^^'^  Sanders. 

lioberi  Sanders  to  Richard  Wibird  &e 

''-Col.  GofFs  on  you  fn"  "y  u??^^"^^'"^  sf 7  '^"^^  P^'^'  ^ 
lot  but  met  with  due  honour  I  hoie  von  Jl\  if ''°^  ""''''"  ^  ^oubt 
'ave  Voritably  heard  it  was   0  yr  handHh  '  ^^'°    *  ^^  ^^■"  ^eferr, 

'ates  herin  again.  Col.  Jn  >  Goffe  is  Come  T)T"'  T "  ^""'^  ^^^^^  Dupli! 
;0..n.  down  to  New  Fork  to  the  Ge„Sr^^^^^^^  P-"^  <fc  •« 

'I'cd  yesterday  to  me  to  Assist  him  wi/t  ^''"^  '"""'^y  &  ap- 

1«"  to  pay  &  Bear  their^en  b,  1  T'^  '•  ^"?  ''  '^'^  ^^^^^-^  & 
""  to  Enlist  &  pay  IJounty      fn  n^»  1  ^'^  "'•"-   '^"""^  *  ^o  Enable 

'J-  to  him  to  fo\.t(^  e"  t'pViv  rm:il"tlre:  Om""""  ^^^-^worth': 
hportmn  to  Bemain  in^he'servil!  Tr  ;y  ^  b^M^^^M^  ^'^'\  ^^^'^'•'""'^ 


84 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


him  yesterday  in  half  Joliann-  js'  [$4]  &  Doll' :  in  all  £345  :  17  :  Id 
Sterlinj;  for  w''  lio  pivc  nic  his  Hill  on  you  w''  1  here  Inclose  &  send  to 
Kich'i  Wibird  Esfji^  it  Desire  you  to  f^ivo  him  y'  ]}ill  or  Dills  payable  to 
Wess''^  Chauipion  it  Ilayley,  Mereh  ■*  in  liondon  for  it  on  my  Acco'  with 
them.  You  may  if  you  I'lease  add  tu  this  J^ast  Dill,  if  you  have  not 
yet  to  the  first  of  £37  :  10  Stert-'  the  Dallance  of  £15  :  14  :  li'due  to  me 
iioni  y'  (Jovernm'  trust  Mr.  Wibird  will  be  so  good  as  to  forward  two  of 
B''  Dills  by  two  Different  opp'y  to  s'l  Gent,  in  London,  if  any  there  Should 
be  at  Portsmouth,  otherwise  to  send  them  to  Mr.  Jn"  Mico  Wendell  at 
Dosto.i  or  to  Mess'^  Rob'  it  llichd  Kay  in  New  York  &  the  other  pr  a 
good  opp'v  to  me  here.     With  the  {ireatest  Kejiards 

I  Kemain  Gentlemen  Y'  most  lium.  &  Obed'  Serv« 
"  The  Hon'-ie  Rich''  Wibird,  Esq.,  "  IIobsrt  Sanders. 

"  Chairman  of  the  Oom"^''  of  War  Portsmouth." 


Robert  Sanders  to  Peter  Miller. 


Sir, 


Albany M  arch  1,  17G2.      ■  pie^se^  take  of  t 


"  I  am  Sorry  to  let  you  know  hereby  that  I  am  Credibly  Informed,  that 
you  have  &  are  still  busy  In  Cutting  &  (Carrying  away  Wood  from  my 
Land  at  Poghkeepsie  altho'  my  Cousin  forbids  you  Cutting  &  Carrying 
of  it  away  from  my  lands,  I  Intend  to  be  at  Poghkeepsie  next  Spri-  -, 
Please  God  I  Live  and  will  not  only  Sue  you  Dut  every  other  that  I  c 
prove  to  have  Cut  wood  from  My  Ijand  Except  my  Tennant  on  Possession 
for  the  use  of  himself  on  my    farm.     Take  this  Precaution  from  me  In 


good  it  bring  then 


good  Earnest  &  Leave  the  wood  on 
yourself  to  great  Trouble  and  Cost, 

"  To  Peter  Miller." 


my  Land   otherwi.se  you  will   bring 
I  am  Sir,  your  Humble  Servant 
"  Hubert  Sanders. 


The  following  was  rather  a  spici/,  gentlemanly  letter  from  our  venerated 
progenitor  : 

Bdbert  Sanders  to  Dr.  Oodfrey  Smiih. 
„  gjj,  "Albany  Jany  24,  1763. 

"  I  have  yesterday  p''  post  from  New  York  Rec'i  your  Extraordinary 
Letter  of  8  Ultimo  postage  2s.  Qd.,  &  am  surprised  to  hear  and  see  you 
Run  out  to  such  a  length  against  me  for  Not  sending  to  you  the  Vinegar 
and  Turnips  which  you  and  Col :  Salstonstall  Desired  Last  November  to 
be  sent  to  Crown  Point.  I  did  then  own  &  Confess  to  Col.  Salstonstall 
that  1  had  no  Interest  Enough  in  this  Country  to  prevail  on  Wajigoners 
to  go  up  to  Lake  George  that  time  of  the  Y'ear  with  their  Waggons  and 
horses  with  Turnips  as  the  Roads  then  were.  He  then  Seemed  Sensible  j 
of  it  and  as  to  Vinegar  I  could  not  get  it  In  the  whole  City.  Desired 
Mr.  Dlodget  to  Enquire  and  search  the  Town  for  common  Vinegar  he  was 
so  good  as  to  do  it  (as  I  was  not  able  to  as  the  Doctor  would  not  suffer 
mo  on  acct.  of  my  leg)  but  could  find  none  under  6  Shillings  !"■  gal :  and 
I  Was  advised  Then  to  send  none  at  that  price,  and  at  the  Same  Time 
Assured  that  Good  Vinegar  was  Plentifully  to  be  had  at  Crown  Point  for 
that  selfsame  price  if  not  under,  and  you  was  sensible  I  would  pay  your 
Draft  on  me  for  it. 

"  Y"ou  are  pleased  to  say  in  your  Letter  ('  perhaps  you  will  send  the  De- 
sired arti'  los  In  the  Month  of  February  when  they  will  be  Destroyed  bjl 
the  frost  and  not  worth  a  farthing   and  the  Govern'    must   have   your 

'  A  Johannes  is  a  Portuguese  gold  coin  of  the  value  ot  eight  dollars. 


boundaries  commer 


LEQAcr  OP  IlrsTORicAL  Gleanings. 


35 


Exponso').  T  am  a],^  <,-,  u^ 
n.'  Depi„.l  I  Jl  so  id  ,:  Tu  ,1^",""""",^  ^'^^^'^b-'*.  -^  you 
a  I  -e  or  two  from  you  to  do  it  t  fs  w  f  ^""  ««^''i^«Iy  order  mo  by 
to  „o  not  had  in  Town  unie^r  pw  hel  •  "  r  ^l,""""''"  ^  ^'^'''''  '^'  ^'ill 
0  \7hen  it  is  to  be  had  at  thZirie The  o''  T  ""  T'^  ^  ^^'''^^°  "'^^  *« 
I  all  ways  do  for  n.y  Employers     s  if    h  "^  ''''^'''  ^"^  ««"^  ''  to. 

wisl.  you  the  Complim'.^  of  the  Seasoi       ^^  """''  personally  present.     I 

"  To  Doctor  Godfrey  Smith  ''  ^'''  ^'  '"*'"*  ^""^ "  *  "^^  '^"''^aafc 

"  lioBEUT  Sanders. 
liobert  Sanders  to  Abraham  J.  Lamina 
"  Poar  Sir 

please  to  take  of  the  Trel  u  er  Sn  n  si  .^  7d!.?  ''  ^^  '^^^'V  '''  ^^'^''"^ 
good  &  brin;,.  them  with  you  here  &  vou  w  M  oKl"''  «%P'^'ole«.  &  be  so 
to  all  Knquiring  friends  &  w  sh  fou  a  S  P  ""'•  '^^^  Compliments 
there  &  safe  home  a-ain  "  I  an/s^ln  \P'''''"»*  prosperous  Journey  to 
„„     ,,     ^^  °  ^  ^'" 'sir,  yr  most  humble  Servant.  ^ 

i>ir.  Abraham  J.  Lansing."  "  Kobert  Sanders. 

In  1703,  the  celebrated  controversy  with  New  FT.,»     i  • 
boundaries  commenced.     The  disnnfL  Vn    v       •  ^^^'^P^^^^'e,  respecting 

A  ne  disputed  territory  ,s  now  called  Vermont 

Robert  Sanders  to  John  M.  Wendell. 

"D'^arSir,  <(aiv,        * 

T  )•  1       •,  Albany  Auf'i  15   17fi^ 


l>«crip.  Le.  you  kno/.U.T  =  S  .l';."'".?  .Lf  J  """""  ^^^  <" 

ii  feiver  To  my  Oreat  Grief  and  '^nrr  .r  f  tt  ,  ^""'^'"''"''^'y  ^"^'ck  of 
it  hath  Pleased  the  Grea  llXr  of  alT  .hf"''  t""'^^  ^''  ^^"^  l^"^^^  T''»t 
or  10  Days  Sickness  on  Tnlvio     ""^^'^'"S^.  f«  '^^^  to  himself  after  9 

[Eli^abeth^augliterof  of  lLfsch'uy?e??''"'l'^  ''V''  ''''  ^^^^^ 
which  Great  Loss  is  most  heth  o  it  it;  .1',:?  ^'"'"r  '^'""^''^  1'  ^^^o] 
't  some  what  from  me  &  that  G^d  w  I    nTn  ?  T  ^  P'^^  ^"^  ^^^  ^^ke 

I  Unavoidable  Change,     itus^  you  will  hT""'  ?r  ^"  ?  '^"  ^^'^  ^''<^  ^^i^e 
T  is. uy  great  Grief  and  Jot  Lour    na/.M' "^^"r^'j  l'^  communicate 
pVibirdct  his  Kspouseif  You  Invp  ol   '."'''""'    "e^ds  with  you  &  to  Mr. 
write  much  you  can  VVell  Tl  nk  t^o'  ?f  T  V^''''  ''  '^•™-     ^  «="'t ««  yet 
lefhiie  Sitting  with  5  clidrenoLtnlT'T  ^T." ''V°''''  '^''  Zanders 
going  in  her  U  Year  [Wife  of  PIU  i" 'Vtn   R°    '7  "'?  P^"^^^  '^^""•>*«'- 
J'au.hter  going  i„  her  18   nonthV    i^,  t      l^<^»«se  aer]  &  the  Youngest 
I  l..te„decf  to  have  cin  e  Tsee  vou  tM  "^'  ^"n^'u"''  ^'''  '^''^''^-  ^ed. 
;;.  your  part  Next  montlflutNo^w  give  0^07^11  tf"'f^  '7-'^"^^  ^'^'^ 
iBelyon  Everyman's  Ilonestv  11.7  El        xr       ^'^«"ohts  of  it  and  must 

[hut  r  am  with  kind  SSL    to  m  V"'  ^       •^.-    ^  ''''"  '"'''  «"'^  ^'^'l 
(Affected  Cousin.  ^'''"''^^•«"«  '«  ^H  friends  with  you  Dear  Sir,  Your 

"  Mr  John  Mico  Wendell  Boston.  "  Robert  Sanders 

lnr<,jnio  of  H,o».  .         . " ,  '., '^  '^"'^  some  ot  our  five  Nat  on  Indim^.  "nr  M 
j   -".e  of  them  commit  daily  murders  on  our  People  in  our  Gal  WK^^^^^^ 


86 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


liobert  Sanders  to  Sir  William  Johnxon, 
"  Hon^e  Sir  :  "  Albany  Noveni"  :  16,  1701. 

"  I  have  Just  Now  Kec"  your  favour  of  tlie  8  Cur'  Noted  you  would 
take  up  the  Bond  w<^^i'  you  Kxeeuted  Jointly  &  .severully  with  Mr.  Wells 
to  rue  on  the  7  Juno  1762  for  X70() :  —  :  —  Two  Years  &  4  nionth.s  Interest 
thereon  due  the  8  June  (a)i)h  P' C  lOG  :  3  :  4— Amounts  in  the  whole  to 
the  7  Instant  to  £800  :  3  :  4  which  sum  you  or  they  Can  pay  &  Di,schar},'e 
when  you  please  But  as  I  have  at  present  no  Occa.sion  at  New  York  fbr 
iti  would  Chuse  to  Receive  it  here  In  New  York  Money  —  Jersey  Money 
I  find  Good  Deal  of  Trouble  into  pass  it  liere  Among  our  farmers  As  you 
Doubtless  will  with  me  Daily  Experience.  I  have  Labored  above  Two 
years  under  a  Malady  which  Rendered  me  Spring  and  Summer  past  In- 
capable  to  write  much  or  hardly  at  all  But  It  seems  I  mend  something 
Dayly  at  Least  I  think  so  &,  thank  the  (ireat  Ruler  &  Disposer  of  Heaven 
&  Earth  for  it  and  am  In  Great  htjpes  of  ISccoveriiig  my  Former  State  of 
health  again.  I  Cant  At  this  time  Enlarge  Shull  only  Add  that  I  am  with 
Greatest  Regards  Dear  Sir  — 

Your  hum,  &  most  Obd'  friend  k  well  wisher 


"  Sir  William  Johnson,  Bart." 


"  Robert  Sanders. 


Robert  Sanders  to  Messrs  Champion  <&  Uayley. 

•'Gentlemen,  "  Albany  April  13,  1765. 

"  The  Enclosed  Memorandum  I  Confirm  to  be  Copy  of  my  Last  to  you 
This  Serves  purely  to  hand  you  the  2<J  Bill  thereof  to  Serve  in  Case  of 
need  and  to  Assure  you  I  am  very  Respectfully,  Gent,  Your  Most 

"  Humi'i«  Svi  Robert  Sanders." 

^  The  following  month,  May  24,  17G5,  Robert  Sanders  the  veteran  cham- 
pion of  his  country's  rights,  p:  ssed  away  from  the  stirring  scenes  of  life 
at  the  age  of  60  years,  for  the  lamp  of  life  ceased  to  burn. 

Among  the  family  eflfeots  is  a  singular  Patent  for  Ciiristatn  Stadle, 
engraven  on  parchment,  having  attached  to  it  the  great  Seal,  stamped  on 
one  side  with  the  "  Lion  and  the  Unicorn." 

''New  YorJe  Secretary  s  Office  30t]i  Ja\y  1765  — The  within  Letters 
patent  are  recorded  in  Lib.  patents  to  reduced  Officers,  &c.,  p„^<-e  123. 

"  G°  Banyar,'  D.  'Secr'y." 

"  New  York  Auditor  Generals  Office  30  July  1765  —  The  within  Letters  j 
p  atent  are  Docqueted  in  this  Office.  „  .^     t, 

"  G°  Banyar,  Dep.  Aud." 

"George  The  Third,  by  the  Grace  of  God,  of  Great  Britain,  France,^ 
and  Ireland;  King,  Defender  of  the  faith,  and  so  forth:  To  all  whom 
these  Presents  shall  come  Greetimf :  Know  Ye,  That  of  Our  especiiil 
Grace,  certain  Knowledge,  and  meer  Motion,  We,  have  Given,  Granted, 
Ratified,  and  Confirmed;  aud  Do  by  these  Presents,  for  Us,  our  IleirsJ 
and  Successors,  Give,  Grant,  Ratify,  and  Confirm  unto  Our  loving  Subject 
Ciiristain  Stadle  being  a  disbanded  non  Commission  Officer  having 
serven  in  North  America  during  the  late  War  and  last  beloncino-  to  our 
Fifty-fifth  Regiment  of  Foot:  All  that  certain  Tractor  parcel  o1'  Land 
situate  lying  and  being  in  the  County  of  Albany  on  the  East-sidc  of 


**if  -»'/.V/Ji;,  \/^^ 


I  confirmed  by  congn 
phey  had  to  contend 
army.  Ho  was  an  i 
jtlie  high  cousiderati 
jOi'leans,  he  was  pro? 
jrotuiTi  to  his  home  ai 


Leoacy  op  Historical  Gleaninqs.  gT 

runs  rhonco  K,.«t  Sixty  Cha       aJ^' ^."''^T.^  ''"•  Jo'-"  AIcD;,  jj  a'^' 

five  ;;hai„.;  Then  Weft  Si^  £.:"«  :d"si^;'''^  1  '^'t^'"  ''""^''  '^''''"^y- 

nrty  five  Chains  to  the  place  wherthl;^^^^^'';^'  ''"^  '^'''  ^^^'^^ 

rw,)  hundred  acres  of  Land  and    ho  usu      AU         '''  ^«'"'  Containing 

This  curious  Patent  is  too  len  ^thv  ,n  K    /lr''"''°  '^''  ^iiKWays." 
by  ;•  In  TK.STiMo..y  whereof     V     {.to  el^^  '  h  '''^''^  ^"^  '^  '«  ^'o^ecl 
m.le  Patent,  and  the  Great  hZ   ZlTZv    ""'  ^""^  ^*^"«^«  ^«  ^« 
affixed.      ir,^„,,,,  our  Trusty  and  WoIlLl        /*?^'"«°  t«  l>o  hero  unto 
H"no  our  Lieutenant  Go/elr.  &c!|  &c    *  *  S;^^^^alladkr  Coldkn 

Piiiup  was   tho   second   son  of  Pol     Kv        ,r  "  ^'^'^'"^•" 

Ar.,.ant,e  Schuyler.  !„  the Td  familv  T?  ?"t  Y""  Hen.ssolaer  and 
gnuKl  ather's  own  writin,  these  nod ces^  ^'^'"'^^  ^  ""'^  '»  "^  '"aternal 
,,J^^7  May  19th  Now  Style  was  I.Philip  y,„   Ron.sso,aer  born   i„ 

fanders  and   Elizabeth  Schuyler   hv?).  ^^''°'^«?  .f  »•  ffetronf,   met    Maria 


i ,  *  'f 


!  wwai;.j,;^-»J 


ClIEltRY  PIlLL. 

Built  by  Philip  Vail  Rensselaer,  in  1768. 


•™y,     llo  wa,  a,>  upright  a,  n°eoXl   :      f"'""-  '"PPli"  for  I' 


^Ml^ 


88 


Leoacy  of  Historical  Oleaninos. 


rivor  and  oommnndiii!^  ii  fine  extended  viow.  Ho  never  recovered  perfect 
heultli.  In  tlii.M  niuri.sioii,  Idiilt  by  hiniselt' the  year  of  his  in;irriiij,'e,  ho 
died.  The  followinf^  notice  cut  from  v  nowspiipor  was  panfod  in  fjrandrna's 
Hcrap  book:  "Died,  on  Saturday  last  (March  3,  I7DM),  Philip  Van 
llenHMolaor,  I<]Hqr.,  af,'od  51  yearn,  at  his  Scut  n*  (!horry  Hill.  His  funeral 
rites  wore  suleiunizod  cm  VVediicHday."  Ho  loft  u  larj^'o  and  valuable  pro- 
perty to  his  wife,  and  ehihlron,  six  zoom  and  three  dot'i/tern,  only  seven 
of  whom  survived  their  father.  The  conversation  of  my  >,'rundparcnts 
was  conduetcdl  prineipaliy  in  Dutch.  Y<ih  Mi/nhrrr  and  Yah!  ya  vrouw 
was  often  intorsper.sod  in  thoir  Kn-^lish  familiar  discourse. 

"The  troops  quartered  in  New  York  and  Boston,  wore  ii  constant  source 
of  irritation  and   diirieulty  with  the   inliabitants.     On   March  2,  1770,  a 
fray  took  place  in  Boston  between  a  British  soldier  and  a  man  enii)'  >ved 
at  a  rope  walk.     The  former  was  supported  by  his  cojurades,  the  latter  by 
the   ropeniakers,  till  several  on   both  sides  wore   involved  in  the   conse- 
(jucnces.     This  ((uarrel  was   renewed  by  the  citizens  on   the   evening;  of 
the  filth  when  a  more  droudful  scene  was  presented.     A  part  of  Captain 
I'roston's  company  when    under  arms  were   pressed   upon,  insulted   and 
pelted  by  the  mob  with  sru  wballs  covering  stones.     They  were  also  dared 
to  fire,  which  they  finally  d.d,  killing,' three  of  the  multitude  and  woundinj^ 
five  others.     The  town  was  immediately  in  commotion.     The  rinj^ing  of 
bells,  the  beating  of  drums,  and  the  shout  fo  armn  !  by  the  people,  soon 
brought  together  thousands  of  citizens.     A   body  of  troops   sent  in  the 
meantime  to  rescue  Preston's  men,  would  doubtless  have  been  massacred, 
had  not  Governor   Hutchinson  and  some  of  the  leading  citizens,  among 
whom  was  Samuel  Adams  interfered.     The  result  of  the  trial  reflected 
great  honor  on  John  Adams,  and  Josiah  Quiiicy,  Esqrs.,  the  council  fur 
the  prisoners  ;  and  also  on  the  integrity  of  the  jury,  who  ventured  to  give 
an  upright  verdict,  in  defiance  of  popular  opinion.     Three  days  after  the 
ina,ssa<!ro,  the  ob-sequies  were  solemnized.      Every  demonstration  of  respect 
was  mac  tested.     The  stores   and   work-shops  were   closed,  the   bells  of 
])Oston,   ^:     Icstown  and    Rox bury  were   tolled,  and  thousands   followed 
the  remain     o  their  final  resting  place.     The  bodies  were  all  deposited 
in  one  vault.     The  consequences  of  this  tragical  event,  sunk  deep  in  the 
minds  of  the   people,  and  were  made  sub.serviont  to  important  purpose.^. 
The  anniversary  of  it  was  observed  with  great  solemnity  for  thirteen  years 
and  tended  greatly  to  widen  the  breach  between  the  colony  of  Massachu- 
setts and  the  mother  country." 

Philip  V(ui  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife. 
"  My  Dear  Wife,  "  Wednesday  N.  York,  July  31,  1771. 

*  *  *  "  I  now  take  this  opportunity  by  Capt.  John  Fryer,  to  Actiuaint 
you  that  we  arriv'd  here  Safe  a  Sunday  Morning  about  tliiee  O'Ciock  in 
a  very  good  State  of  health  hoping  that  this  will  find  you  and  our  Dear 
Little  children  and  all  the  family  in  the  same.  1  hope  to  Sitt  out  for 
home  next  Tuesday  if  the  weather  will  Permitt  us  to  Coast  the  Sloop  after 
our  Cargo  is  Sold.  I  liave  Sold  my  Peas  most  all  att  7s  pr :  Bus.  and 
my  Wheat  is  all  Sold  but  not  Settl'd  Cause  I  am  to  have  what  Capt  Val- 
kenburgh  of  Claverack  gits  —  he  has  about  GUO  l?us.  and  he  stands  o,it 
for  a  Dollar.  IJut  I  am  of  opinion  t'-  -t  he  will  not  git  more  than  7.s.  10'/. 
pr:  Bus  :  —  is  no  demand  for  flour  w'  at  lias  Been  Sold  last  fitch'd  'Jls. 
^  20.S.  0(/,  but  I  am  in  a  fair  way  uc  ^it  21.s,  on  Condition  of  Six  weeks 


Those  reliable 

doing  business; 

fact,s  more  or  les 

The  colonists  1 

exasperated  with 

the  taxation  syst 

;i"d  a  "  rigid  obs( 

importation  rc-soh 

"Thepopularvoie 

the  rli/ht  to  tax  te: 

should  not  be  land 

haiij-uills    were  i 

tiling  with  ruin 

vend  tea,   waruin 

pt'ril,  not  to  condu 

port  laden    with  I 

«iiiic  spirit  pervadt 

Now  Hampshire  to 

meantime,  several 

thousands  of  chest 

coast.  So  determine 

Dot  to  allow   the   t( 

that  .ship  after  ship 

return  to  England. 

i'«'*igned  foi  the  si 

were  consigned   to 

and  particular  frien 

ilutehinson.  On  De 

(the  British  Govcri 

j'''''\'"ng  refused  a  pi-.s. 

w'HC'h  had  just  arrive 

I'e  gallery  of  the  as.' 

''unied  to  the  wharv 

W  Mohawk  Indians, 

I  the  vessels,  broke   o. 

y';>:l.>J-two  chests  of  te 

l"hen  the  intelligenc 

Was  condemned  by  t 

, '  '^'''"  abov(f  Coat  of 
r'lu  motto  •■i-nt7«a«(ZZ, 


Legacy  of  IIi.touical  Gleanings.  ^ 

'i-Ne  att  Mr.  LudJow«.  ^  '  "  ^^'"'"^"^  "^  ^^'•-  «''"w;,  thin  day  f  a,!, 


Kt'laer,  at  Albany." 


^ 


tt.^ui>   y^An^-^^-ey/gj^ 


fao^H  ...ore  or  less  \-^V^n.nin:'^Z±Tf^^^^^^^^  ^«"   "«  oC 

exa.speratcd  with  all  their  fencvances 
the  taxation  .sy.sten,  was  obnoxious' 

""'I  ""ri.id  observance  of  then     ' 
lyrtafon  resolves  "was  enforce' 

ll.epo,,ularvoicedecidedthatwhne 

fen.y/./,„,„^teawa»n.aintained  i? 

I'nuM  not  be  landed.     In  New  York 
''•■',"J-l'>l  H    were  circulated,    thre  t 
-J  wuh  ruin  those  wh;  sh'u 

prl  not  to  conduct  ships  into  that 
port  la.len    with  the   article.     The 


^nncsp.r.t  pervaded  the  people  from 
Acw  Hampshire  to  Geor.4/ In  the 

I  !°  t  ^^ofJ^ternnned  werethe  people 
not  to  a,,,,,   the   tea  to  be  Ian  led 

return  to    <.ugland.     The  tea  shins 
M«'^'S»edfor  the  supply  of  BostoK 
were  consigned   to  the  son    coS 

;»J  particular  friends  of  (ovrnor 

utelunson.  On  Decen.bor  ^rma 

(tl.e^lint.sh  Governor  Hutch'iilon' 

J>'i^i^ad]:ta?:a;^:,rr;n^7""!^^^  ^^--'«  ^aden  with  tea 
f'e  pllory  of  the  assen  bly    oom    aflW '"'  '  '^r'^.  ""^'^  ^^e  v^ar  Jlpt 
l''";ned  to  the  wharves  ;  /henT^arty  of    L„t^''  *'"^  "°"^''  "^  P-P  « 
Itlie  ;    'f  f""'"'"^'  P'-«^«'''«'i  b/tUs-Lds  o-ov'"''""  P«'-«""«>dres.sed 
I  I'e  ve.ssels,  broke   open  and  enu.tied Tl^n  '"'"""'''  ^"'  «''0''e.  boarded 

!>'  y-^.v>  chests  of  tia  into  the  ocfn  ^^T'  f  "'"•-  /'""'''•-'  'S 
ri'tn-  the  intelhVence  of  this  s^m   nV^        "^  'T""^'  ^'  P''''-«""'tl  injury 

I   1,,,,  ■ ■ . •'   '-'""""•tJ.     ihoyine- 

I     ilii;  abov(,  Coat  of  Arms  ofTZT,       ' : " ■ —~ 


Van  Hensselaek  Coat  of  Arms.' 


40 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


naced  our  province  with  the  most  exemplary  vengeance  because  their 
government  was  deprived  of  a  revenue  from  this  (juarter,  and  formed  a 
scheme  still  to  introduce  tea  under  cover  of  the  East  India  Company. 
The  American  people,  however,  would  not  be  imposed  upon  and  they 
firmly  adhered  to  the  resolutions  not  to  import  or  consume  tea  at  all.  In 
consequence  of  this  step,  the  parliament  passed  the  Boston  Port  Bill 
to  discontinue  the  landing  of  goods  at  Boston.  The  flrst  of  June,  1774, 
was  kept  as  a  day  of  humiliation,  fasting  and  prayer  asking  Divine  direc- 
tion and  aid." 


General  Schuyler  to  Pldlip  Van  Rensselaer. 
„  gjp .  "  Saratoga,  Nov.  18th,  1774, 

"  Please  to  bring  for  me  from  New  York  five  Dozen  Mill  Saw  files,  atd 
2  Barrs  Nails  2  Barrels  20^1  nails  &  2  Barrels  10''  nails.  I  would  have 
get  them  from  Henry  White,  Esqr.,  If  he  has  them  and  get  the  Bill  of 
parcels  that  1  may  settle  It  with  him  or  from  whom  you  get  them. 

"  Please  to  ask  Philip  Livingston,  Esqr.,  for  the  Bell  he  was  so  good  as 
to  promise  for  the  Saratoga  Church.     I  wish  you  a  good  passage  and  am 

Sir  Your  most 

Obci  Servant 


C^Xc/^ 


"  To  Capt.  Ph  :  Van  Rensselaer." 


Robert  Ray  to  Philip  Van  Rensselaer. 

„  gl^  .  "  New  Xork,  May  6th,  1775. 

"  My  last  to  you  was  21  Ult.  to  which  refer.  Since  rec'  none  from  you. 
The  Gentlemen  concerned  in  Hogestrassers  Bond  are  anxious  for  the  £300 1 
which  you  received  for  them  ;  they  say  they  would  long  ago  have  drawn 
on  you  for  the  Money  according  to  your  Order ;  they  would  have  drawn 
on  you  by  Mr.  Seagrove  but  they  were  fearful  it  might  be  taken  you  tea 
Nonpluss,  which  they  chose  to  avoid.     Cousins  Deborah  &  Betsey  (who 
are  the  Bearers  of  this)  arrived  in  a  troublesome  Time,  the  particulars  of 
which,. I  shall  not  enter  into,  as  you  have   had  them  long  since  in  tbe 
Newspapers,  as  such  I  could   not  advise   Cousin  Betsey  to  stay  here,    I 
have  had  thoughts  to  have  sent  my  Wife,  Sister  &  Caty  to  your  place  for 
safety,  and  some  of  my  principal   Efi'ects  ;  but  I  am   entirely  at  a  Loss  I 
what  to  do  ;  however  1  have  taken  the  Liberty  to  sond  pr.  Mr.  Vanburenl 
twelve  hhds  II.  S.  Rum,  which  I  desire  you  will  store  for  me,  and  if  ;oa[ 
can  dispose  of  them  at  2s.  "id.  pr.  Gn.  for  the  Cash,  or  2s.  8r/.  for  three  orl 
four  Months  Oedt.  in  good  Hands  would  have  yo  i  do  it.     Whether  yo'jrl 
place  or  ours  will  be   the  safest  against  our  unnatural   Enemie.4  I  canuotl 
now  well  determine.     We   have  chose  a  new  Committee  hereof  100  ofl 
■  the  principal  Inhabitants,  of  which  Number  I  have  the   Honor  to  be  one;l 
we  are  invested  with  largo  Powers  j  wo  have  met  every  Day  for  a  Week|[ 
sometimes  twice  a  Day.     We  long  to  see  the  provincial  Convention  con-i 
vened.     We  are  become  unanimous  here  to  a  Man,  as  you  will  see  by  tliel 
inclosed  x\ssociasion  j  which  is  generally  signed  by  all  Ranks  of  PeopleJ 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  4, 

If  it  should  so  hannen  tlmf  xm.,  tu-  1 

own,  I  have  HouTlTalT eZftZfT  f"'^^  "^^'^  *^-  ^-r 
Service.  It  being  12  O'CJock  Z7;  ulP  ^''^^"'■  ^•'"'"  l^''*'"''!  at  your 
to  write.  We  have  had  u^ost  of  hJ^  ^  "•"  "^'"««*  ^««  'Bueh  conned 
bridge  tc,  and  part  of  ol  CW  i  te^'T"  7""'^  '^^^  'J«vvn  to  Ki  gs 
upon  the  Ground  where  to  buird  Srit  |  t?  '"£  '^'^  ^^>  '^  P'^^''' 
fence,  we  are  in  good  Spirits  thou/^h    b  's  it.L  'nT'"''  ^'"  ^^'  J^«- 

bj  thoia  or  18  of  this  Month,  aKu     Wt    wi,M  ""^  ^«  «^Pect 

tinental  Congress,  all  the  Vessels  "n  our  H  J.  '"'"u'  "^  ^^>^  ^'"^  ^'«"- 

can  to  get  away  by  that  timp     tTl  v  "arbour  are  hurryi,,,.  all   thov 

time,  I  believe^t^w  n  £  thetV,/r''"  '''''  ^^"^  ^^^heatiw^  '    ^ 
&  peH.aps  ™ore ;  after  th!^  ^^7:'^^!::^^'^  t  ^  P^"  ^^^'^^ 
you   havelnvo.  for   the  12    hhds  0^1^,0      n        'm\"''''''     ^"'''"^ed 
shewed  me  your  letter  to  b^r .  t  ?  i     •  *^""^-   'Deborah  Just  now 

Wife,  Sister'sallylS  Ca  y  ^  Co;:'e^o'y?:rT'^  '"V^'^^  '^^^^ 
^ome  times    I  am  much  obliged  to  you   ^ZITVI  f''''''^  '^'^^ble- 
your  Family  and  All  Priendt  I  am  sTr  Ym.r         •     ^'^^^'^''^^  f™m  us  to 
"Mr  Ph.-I,-,,  V  ,  ^'*™  ^"^'  ••^ our  Loving  Cousin 

Mr.  Phihp  Vanranslear,  Mercht.,  Albany."  "  Kobert  Ray 

ifZ^e^r^'Zt'^:;^^^-^^^^  May  22,  1775,  measures 
fortifications  at  Kin..'s  BridZ  JZf  a  7^'^  authorized  to  be  raised  • 
,  Highland  fortified.""  At  hf  bllnTn  f  ^"^  '^'  «"d«°°  P«««es  in  the 
people  were  very  much  e.  sperat?d  S  1  '  ^'''•^^^^'  ^'^^  ^•"-'«- 
Britain  and  universally  "  expressed  Inn  ^--''^^r'  '"'"^'^'•^^  °^'  G-'eat 
exercised  by  officers  of  the  cC„  "  T"  .T  f '"P'  ?":  ^"  '•°3^«'  '^"'hority 
the  Canadians  to  take  up  arms  against  the  febir  ''''?^  ^'^'  ''  >"d"«« 
Johnson  succeeded  to  the  titles  and  estate  of  S  Tvfr''"''.!''-  ^'''  '^'^'^ 
"exerted  his  influence  in  the  British  cause  "  T.  ^'''''",  ^'^  ^^'^''«'-  ««d 
Ipedit.on  was  arranged  bv  ti.P  A..,     •  •      ^*  """'^  ^t  this  time  an  ex- 

stone  to  which,  wS  boldly  st    «"«".'  '"^1^'  ^^"^'^^'  '^e  stepping- 
Ticonderoga,  on   May  10    I775    LT'^'r^J'^^,?^'''^^^'  capture  of 
I'hthe  name  ofthlGreatjJ^^^^^^^^  ^"«"   who  demanded  it 

==ealous  divine  in  his  pulpit  prayed  «  0  W  ^f  •".•"'"'"^  Congress."  A 
|us  let  them  have  fightin..^enou„h  T '.  ^"■"^'f  .''«^«°^"^ies  will  fight 
Jliither,  sink  them  0  Lor"d  u  f\  }  '°'?.  '°''^'''"«  ^''^  on  their  way 
fponJed  Amen,  let  th^e,  Jt/at  \lt  glnTugh"''^  "^'  ^^^^^  "^^^^  - 
Z.«;i^  !'■„„  ^^^,„  to  Philip  Van  Renmlaer. 
..T.?'J-  "  ^^"^  York,  8th  August  1775 

^^p^^r^^::z^-  ^T  ^---'  --He 

Nr  hundred  and  fifty  Harrel^fPoTs^^^^^  I'T''  ^""^"^^d  that 

f  Connecticut,  their  'ordert  e  ve  it1;71?{^^^y^-7,?-"bl« 
[  N.  York,  August  8th,  1775.  Oi de'-ed  that  ^r  l^'-ovincial  Congress 
huested   and  he  is   hereby  reouestedbv  Jl"     n     '""*"■   -^'""'"l^^le  be 

"  ^  ^'■"^  ^'opy  from  the  Minutes 

"  John  McKesson,  Secry." 


42 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


"  I  have  takf-n  and  sciul  you  A  List  of  What  is  on  Board  as  Near  As  I 
can  ic(;ollcct,  you'll  bo  good  enough  to  ceep  our  Salt  Separate  as  it  lays  in 
the  Sloop.     *     *     *       ^,  Your  Friend  and  Humble  Servant, 
«'  Mr.  Philip  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany."  Leon"  V.  Buren. 

Leonard  Van  ^uren  to  PJiilip  Van  Rensselaer. 
c<  Dear  Sir,  "  ^ew  York  Aug  25th  1775. 

"  After  sending  home  our  Sloop,  I  left  New  York  on  my  Journey  to 
Governor  Trumbull  in  Chonectukitt,  and  in  going  inquired  about  Pork 
found  it  very  Kcarsc,  it  being  allmost  all  bought  up  by  their  Commisserys, 
which  I  Inform'd  the  Governor,  he  gave  me  a  permitt  to  buy  pork,  but 
said  could  give  me  no  order  on  the  Commissery  for  one  Barrel  pork,  but 
ho  give  me  a  Letter  to  one  of  his  Chieff  Commisserys,  for  him  to  use  his 
pleasure,  that  Commissery  told  me  it  was  not  in  bis  power  to  give  me  a 
Barrel  of  that  which  was  brought,  but  would  send  an  Express  Immediately 
back  to  Gov.  Trumbull,  which  he  did,  and  desired  me  In  the  meantime 
to  go  to  Dunberry  to  one  Jno.  McClean  to  buy  as  much  as  possible  and 
he  would  there  let  me  know  at  Dauberry.  I  waited  one  day  for  tlie 
Commessarys  Express  &  Bought  upwards  of  Two  hundred  Barrels  pork 
&  left  Eleven  hundred  pounds  in  Cash  Lawfull  money  with  Jno.  McClean 
for  him  to  Buy  the  four  hundred  &  fifty  barrels  and  Pay  it  in  full  &  it  | 
should  be  Repaid  by  us.  the  pork  he  was  to  have  sent  by  water  to  New 
York.  I  proceeded  my  Journey  to  N.  York  and  could  not  Learn  onel 
word  of  our  Sloop.  I  sitt  Sail  With  Capt.  Clutt  on  Intent  to  meet  our 
Sloop  or  find  her  at  Albany  but  coming  in  Maver-straw  mett  peter  Bradt 
About  sunsett  who  Informed  me  that  our  Sloop  was  then  behind  him  about 

2  hours  Sailing,  I  being  Afraid  to  pass  her  in  the  Night  Stept  on  Boord 
of  peter  Bradts  and  Arrived  again  In  N.  York  the  24  Instant  where  now 
wait  very  Impatiently  for  our  Sloop  not  knowing  what  can  be  the  Matter 
with  our  Sloop.  Mr.  Robert  Yates  and  Mr.  Jacob  Cuyler  now  Inform  me 
that  the  Express  sent  by  the  aforesaid  Commissery  to  Governor  Jonathan 
Trumbull  was  from  there  sent  to  General  Washington  for  his  orders,  and 
he  has  sent  Express  that  Pork  must  be  had  Immediately  the  full  Quantitjj 
you  desired  and  sent  to  the  North  River  by  Land  and  not  by  Water  whicii[ 
I  Judge  Will  be  some  where  in  the  high  Lands,  but  will  be  farther  In[ 
formed  by  the  next  post. 

"  On  my  Arrivall  from  haver  Straw  in  N.  York  I  was  Informed  of  tliel 
unhappyAfFair  of  the  Yorkers  and  Captain  Vanderpott,  the  Citizens  beinji 
on  the  Battery  to  take  away  the  Cannon,  and  the  Capt.  of  the  Asia  \d\ 
had  Information  that  Afternoon  of  some  Bad  person,  placed  his  boat  nii,'li 
the  Shore  to  give  him  a  Signall  as  he  Afterwards  had  wrote  himself  to  the! 
31ayor  of  the  City,  the  Boat  fyred  one  gun,  One  Company  of  ours  madel 
thought  they  fyred  ou  them  and  gave  the  Boat  a  full  Volley  and  onlyj 
killed  one,    the  Captain  then  began  to  fire  with  Cannon,  he  then  woundeiil 

3  of  our   men  very  slightly,  hit  in  several  houses.     No  more  now  ft'l 
want  of  Room  and  time.  .,  Leon^  Van  Buren. 

"  Philip  Van  Rensselaer,  Esq.  Albany." 

"The  Committee  of  One  Hundred,  guided  by  the  popular  will  and  perl 
ceiving  a  resort  to  arms  to  be  inevitable  ordered  Col.  John  Lamb,  wlil 
was  then  a  captain  of  artillery,  to  remove  the   canuous   from   the   iriaufl 


!  ; 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


battery  and  the  fort,  and  take  the 


43 


to  tho'Lattery  at  nin   J^.llonT^^^^^^^  He  proceeded 

accompanied  by  a  bo3y  o  ei  zens  fn  l"^'  '^"  twcnty-third  of  August, 
Vandeputofthe^^  infLneToffi  ^'''?!}''''^  '"'  '^''''"»-  ^^^'^p"'^^'" 
filled  w'ith  armed t;' to  wS  th  ^  Sf'^^J?^^'"?*'  ^"^  «  ^-go 
musket  ball  was  indiscreetly  so  t  nn,.?    J         r    ^  ''^"  ^'""^  appeared,  a 

sons  on  the  barge,  ir^^-r^d^'u  ^^  ^^^JT----'!-^  ^7" 
bar-e  hastened  to  the    Asia     be'irin.--    /ounl  i  T -f,    ,    '^•^'   ^^''<^"    *^ho 

That  v„,„el  opened  her  .K^ao^  'S.,  To  ,S  '£  b"all'  T"'''' 
||«,.k  ,„ecc8.,e„.     I,a,„b  onicrca  'the  Jru,„.  to  b„'t   „  °°m     ,1  „ I'r"  T 

V    177Pi'     T  „  II  "j^"''i„uorca  walls  on  the  mciiiorab  e  Decpmhpp 

of  smoke  as  Beeoy  u  a  ■  Juml  ebud  "Ld'^ ;    ie  „«„w  ?"  .""f  " ,"''  " 
tattle  „v„  for  o„.  !a:,"     l"'" 'd  „  iEon""  1  S  "=""  "?'"■""' 

t:i»  -  :t'  .^tn,tr  ■:?  t- :r  £  S^^^^^^ 

scenes  preceding  and  attending  the  battle  and  The  subseauont  1.  "§ 
foreboding  that  pervaded  the  counfrv  "  „f /L  •  i."^?^^"'^"'^,  S^oom  and 
the  rigors"of  thaf  cold  cl     dian  wSert  mr^f";',""""'^  ^''^'^T' 

-A  wa,  the  :S"i,,'rh      't'war  etrbv°Ge„"7''f  """e''^  °"f 


«  il 


44 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


brniiirlit  to  Now  York  fov  ititonncnt,  Cols.  Nicholjis  Van  Kensaclaer  and 
•'  I  II  A  >M  li«  I  wore  IniiKiri'd  j/all-beiirers.  Tlie  Ibllowinjj  letters  to  my 
iiKitliei'.s  Intl. or —  I'liilip  Vjin  Jvensselnor  —  descriptive  of  the  capture  of 
St.  Johns,  Chanibly  and  Montreal  are  interesting  not  "iily  from  recording 
these  events,  but  they  show  the  peculiar  style  of  writing  in  those  early 
days,  one  hundred  years  ago.  These  records  of  the  past  "are  dingy 
and  discolored  by  age  and  the  letters  almost  undistinguishable  from  the 
accumulated  dust  of  years." 

James  Van  Rensselaer  to.  Philip  Van  Remselaer. 
"  Pear  Sir,  "  Ticonderoga,  Aug.  29,  1775. 

"  I  arrived  this  morning  and  should  liave  gone  on  across  the  Lake,  but 
tlie  ]5ad  Wt-ather  has  prevented  us.  I  can  inlorm,  that  of  our  Army  a  large 
part  is  Already  pushed  on  past  Crown-point  and  we  shall  follow  with  the 
greatest  haste.  I  expect  to  be  in  sight  of  St.  John's  in  Less  then  Ten 
Days  ;Vom  this  time  we  shall  not  wait  for  the  Troops  at  Albany,  their  De- 
lay will  be  too  Long  for  us  to  Wait  for  them.  I  believe  any  things  you 
will  have  for  me  will  be  in  Vain  to  send.  You  must  not  expect  to  hear 
from  me  before  the  reduction  of  that  place.  My  Compliments  to  All 
Friends.     And  I  remain  Dear  Sir, 

"  Very  Affectionately  Yours, 

„     ^, .  "James  Van  Kensselaer. 

"  For  Philip  Van  Rensselaer,  Esq.,  Albany." 

James  Van  Rensselaer  to  Philip  Van  Pumsclaer. 
"  Dear  Sir,  "  Isle  Aux  Noix,  14  Septr.,  1775. 

"  You  no  doubt  have  heard  of  our  attempt  to  attack  Saint  Johns,  on 
the  sixth  we  landed  within  Cannon  shot  of  the  Fort  under  a  brisk  Fire 
without  the  least  hurt  from  them.  We  found  ourselves  in  a  Thick  swampy 
woods  where  our  advanced  purty  Commanded  l)y  Major  Hubby  and  Cant, 
iMead  were  attacked  by  about  100  Indians  Commanded  by  Capt  Tice 
which  lasted  a  Considerable  time  :  our  loss  is  5  killed  and  eight  wounded 
6  ot  which  are  since  dead.  Major  Hobby  and  Captain  Mead  are  among 
the  wounded,  by  certain  accounts  the  Loss  of  the  Enemy  is  six  killed  and 
numbers  wounded.  Capt.  Tice  is  among  the  wounded.  Since  which 
General  Montgomery  has  made  a  second  attempt  with  800  men.  On  their 
Landing  they  killed  one  Frenchman  &  Two  Indians;  but  the  behaviour 
ot  our  J  roops  on  the  discharge  of  a  Few  Dooms  of  the  Enemy  is  such  that 
I  should  Blush  to  name  it,  they  lletired  with  the  greatest  Confusion, 
lo  day  we  received  a  Letter  from  Mr.  James  Livingston  by  which  we 
Learn  that  he  with  a  number  of  Canadians  have  had  an  lugagement  witli 
Ills  [erased  by  tune  and  the  mice.]  Twelve  of  them,  upon  which  it  was 
this  day  Reso  ved  in  the  Council  of  War  to  send  off  one  Hundred  men 
with  about  riurty  Canadians  that  were  here  to  Join  Livingston,  when 
General  Montgomery  with  the  remainder  of  the  Army  about  1100  Stron" 
IS  to  proceed  down  to-morrow  to  Saint  Johns.  I  hope  we  shall  succeed  I 
but  it  I  am«to  Judge  from  the  behaviour  of  our  Troops  on  the  Two  Late 
attacks,  I  have  but  Little  hopes  of  entire  success. 

Your  Brother  Nicholas  is  well  and  in  very  high  spirits 
_    Friday  11  oclock  at  nnjlu,  in  haste.    General  s'chuyler's"  state  of  Health 
IS  such  as  I  behove  will  be  attended  with  Great  Danger,  he  leaves  to- 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  45 

morrow  for  Ticonderoga  which  is  a  f.rp,.f  n- 

(Vnnplimeut.   to  your"Fa,„il^  a^d  "inZ'^r^^'^'T'  JV^"    ^^^  '''"'^ 

and  am  yours  &c  &o.  ""  -^'lU'ring  l^r.ends.     Adieu  Dear  Sir 


"To  Mr  Philip  Van  Rensselaer  at  Albany/"'^ 
"  lo  the  care  of  Mr.  Walter  Livin/Jw 


JAiMEs  V.  Rensselaer. 


"  Ocneral  Schuyler  had  issuprl  ..  o,,;^  vi 

St.  Johns  was  garrisoned  by  the  whnlo  rl  1  i,"  ■  '"'«rmed  that 
with  the  excep^on  of  onl/fifty  ,Ln  '  ?  ^' •  -'''  ^''''  '"  ^'""^^^^ 
CMeton,  but  all  this  proved  to  be  untrie  In  '"  ^^""''"•^'^^  ^^  «^»«'--l 
health  General  Schuyler  was  obliged  to  rH In  "  ^^'"1"'"'''  «^  '^''^^^^  iH 
Montgcuory.  After'his  return  to  T LVn  "2,?  1'^'  ''""""'^  ^"^  ^-'-^^ 
in-  re-enforcements  to  Isle  Aux  Nniv  ^  ^  '.  •  '^'"  ^^^'^^  '»  forward- 
devoted  >.i"-li;zcalousi;rothe  mana  .;„T:ntTf  LVa^^  'T  ^'''^-- 
departments.  It  was,  indeed  fortin'.r?  1  ^^^ ""^''''^  >"  ^'e  northern 
turned  to  Ticondero.;  at  that  S  '  rj?  •  /''"'^ '^"'  ^«''"^'«r  »•«" 
with  the  forwarding'of  prov  s Ins  in  th  ['^  '^''^  *'''"^'  connected 

on  the  way  by  neglect  or  Fnd      nee  -'    Mr    T    '  V  ^'T/'^^''  ^"'^  <^<^^-i°ed 
746  and  died  in  mO.     He  mar'ried  1 ;/?  If  ^'"  J^^ns^elaer  was  bora 
KIsie  Schuyler.  ''"''''^  ^'^^  Catharine  Van   Gortlandt,  2d 

Jamea  Van  Henssdaer  to  PMlip  Van  Renmlaer. 


"  m";  ^'"'"^  =  "  ^^"'P  before  St.  Johns^e  Octr   177^ 


huv 
me 

I  -i;por.on"r;;;;et^:  E  S  CYm  ""'T  'Y'-  ^^y^ «-  tii; 

.^■Klitoutofmind  maybe  tueTwr"^"'  '''"  ''''^  «^i''"^'  out  of 
that  St.  Luke  La  Co^e  I  ^De  "r  d  rCon?"  "'^  P'f «"- '"form  you 
Pnncipal  Gentlen.en  of  MontrethpfrM     /-■""'"  V'^'  "«  '»  behalf  of 

M-pnirie.    WehaveDispuc     dt;  Sl,p^^^"^'   -      ^°  '^'"  "^^'"''"^  ^ 
w.tli  them   on  our  part.     We  honl     1^     V      '""  «"  J^'-^J^r  Rrown  to  Treat 

jvncethe  ('anadian'  that  we  a^  ^Jus^^^^^^^^  will  be  a  means  to  con 
'I'^'-r  Ju.st  rights  and  Libertie       The  G  ,r  Ln      f"lf '^'r'?  '''''''  ^bem  to 
•surrounded,  the  Canadians  ar?Entrenchin  'r.f  1  "  '^"S"'^  '^  completely 
oppo,site   to  the  Fort  where  thov-^    V  ^^       m''' ^^''^  ^^'•^e  of  the  River 
f"-7'.«  Ve..els  Col:  Bedo         Iht' N  ^  ^  ^^.o  "^m"  "^ /«  "--3^  ^be 
J^aprame  and  the  General  on  the  Soutlf  W  A       Vi  ^^'}'    '*^'"'"^'-  ^' 
nco  of  Fnendship  from  the  CauVhnawa..a  1^,  1^''  ^u^  "  ^  """^ber  Assur- 
I'ave  a  13  inch  Mortar  playing  o"rt"eS/v'"''p        ''''''^-  ^«  «ball 
Plonty  of  provisions  wi  have^he  e  of"  .H  kLk^""  ^?"?.'  ^'^"^'^^'^'^  ^Imt 
>:'^'>  way  to  support  our  Army      Your   rI  h'"'"' •  '"•  ^""*'^'^"^  '»  '^e 
UareDaylyin  J^^xpectution  of  aReenfiro^lf  %'!nn"  f^'^'''  ''ealth. 
-■•oga,  when  shall  muster  2000    w^e^^^T.f.^^^^'"  ^'•«'"  l'«"»- 
P^nomy  out  off  their  hold.     Re  assured  H,;       -uu''  ^^  ^^le  to  force  our 
un Cssyou  write  me  and  .^ive  L  a    oml         """  ^^  ^'^''  better  to  you 
P'nends  and  particularly  tfyou   Spote.  nd?''n    ^^^^.Co'"Pli".ents  to^aS 
regard  Your  most  Obd[  Humble  C^'nt  ''''^"''  ^'^'^  ^''e  greatest 

"To  Mr.  Philip  V.  Rensselaer."  "  '^''''^^  ^-  Rensselaer. 


46 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


James  Van  Rensselaer  to  Philip  Van  Rensselaer. 
"  Dear  Sir  "  ^'''"P  ^^^^"^^  St.  Johns,  23  Octr.,  1775. 

"  The  Enclosed  is  a  list  of  the  Gentlemen  Taken  at  Chaniblie.  I  hope 
you  will  show  them  all  the  kindness  in  your  power.  Major  Gansevoort 
[Peter  Gansevoort],  is  still  very  weak.  I  hope  to  Leave  this  by  the  fir3t 
of  next  month  altho  :  the  Army  may  Take  up  their  Winter  Quarters  ia 
Canada.     My  Compts  to  all  Friends. 

"  I  am  Dr.  Sir  yours  &c., 

"  James  V.  Rensselaer. 
"  To  Philip  Van  Rensselaer,  Esq.,  at  Albany, 
"  In  favour  of  Major  Stopi'ord." 

"  A  List  of  Officer's  names,  jirivafes  &c. —  Major  Stopford,  Capt.  Price, 
Oapt.  Godwin,  Lt.  Ilauier,  Lt.  Harrison,  A  Sur<^eon,  Lt.  Shettleworth, 
Capt.  Alye  of  the  Schooner,  Comniis.  McColough.    76  privates. 

"  Spoils  taken  at  Chambliefhe  IS th  Inst. —  80  Bar.  of  flour,  11  of  Rice, 
7  peas,  6  Butter,  134  Bar.  of  Pork,  7  do  Dam,  124  Bar.  Gunpowder  or 
6  Ton,  300  Swivel  shot,  1  Box  of  Musket  shot,  cartridges,  150  French 
Arms,  3  Royal  mortars,  61  Shells,  500  Hand  Grenades,  8'  tand  of  Royal 
Fusileers,  83  Accouterments  of  do,  A  Large  Quantity  aval  Stores, 

&c.  &c.,  for  3  vessels,  5  French  prisoners  Taken  at  Longueuil." 

James  Van  Rensselaer,  Esq.,  was  aid-de.camp  of  General  Montgomery. 
When  General  Carleton  was  informed  of  the  capture  of  Fort  Chauibly, 
he  immediately  left  Montreal  with  a  strong  re-enforcenient  for  the  garri- 1 
son  of  St.  Johns.  With  energetic  power  he  embarked  upon  the  river 
St.  Lawrence  in  bateaux  and  flat  boats,  and  attempted  to  land  at 
Longueil,  a  mile  and  a  half  below  the  city.  Colonel  Seth  Warner,  with  j 
three  hundred  Green  mountain  boys,  was  on  the  alert  in  the  neighbor- 
hood, and  lay  in  covert  near  the  spot  where  Carleton  was  about  to  land, 

He  allowed  the  boats  to  get  very  near  the  shore,  when   he  opened  a  j 
terrible  storm  of  grape  shot  upon  them  from  a  four  pound  cannon,  which 
drove  them  accross  the  river.     The  Canadians  were  greatly  alarmed  at  allj 
the  warlike  preparations  before  St.  Johns,  and  many  fled,  but  a  declara- 
tion was  sent  assuring  them  that  the  Americans  intended  to  act  only  I 
against  the  British  forts,  and  not  to  interfere  with  the  people  or  their 
religion. 


Fort  Ciiambly. 


General  Montgomery  had  been  informed  by  some  of  the  Canadianj 
gcov.ts,  th;<t  the  fort  nt  Ohambly  h;!i!  hut  a  foehle  garrison,  because  Crpne-I 
ral  Carleton  supposed,  as  it  was  twelve   miles   northward   on  the  rivtl 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


47 

Sorel,  it  could   not  be  reachoil  hv  tKn    a  ^     •  i 

Johns  was  captured.     Th    gamsoVmad^r/??'  .r^'''-^''"  ''''  ''  ^'^ 

surrender  of  the  Chambly  fort  was  !?„,,''  ^f^^'  resistance  and  the 

<icn.  Montgomery  within:rcr;ontlP"^^^^^^^^ 

"  The  lar.'e  quantity  of  ammunitmn   „«  I  °        ^*'  "^"^"^  vigorously. 

powder,  tliac' was  cap  ured  was  sen^  TZ^^A" ^''T'^'^'l'  '^'''  ^°"«  ^^ 
Johns.'  The  siege  LtiLd  sirweor„wV'^  *"  '\f  besiegers  at  St. 
garrison  surrendered  prisoners  of^wfr.nd  l^bZ'^'T.''''  ''''  '''' 
l.os.ession  of  the  fort.  After  the  defeat  of  O.rLn  1°'"'"'  ''''^'  ^^'^ 
-hief  immediately  sent  a  fla-and  letfir  fl  M  •  l!  "  ^''°  commander-in- 
of  the  garrison,  informing  hi  »  of  ,^edef(J.t"^^^^^^^^^  commandant 

^  f  the  fortress  to  prevent'further  effusion  of  hin.  demanding  a  surrender 
the  fort,  the  next   day,  with  the  hono  ^nf  "  ,  ?'^  '^'''''^'^  «»*  0^ 

their  arms  on  the  plain  near  by      S  nffi  ''''''  '"'^  '  ^   '''""P^  ^'•''""ded 

side-arms  and  theif  fire-arms  /ere  re  e  fed  for^thJ  "^'Tu    ''  ^'-'^  ^'^^'^ 
been  on  half  allowance."  reserved  for  them.     The  garrison  had 

Mcholas  Van  Rensselaer  to  Philip  Van  Rensselaer. 
"  Dear  Brother  -nd  Sister,  '  Montreal  Nov'  21  1775 

place  I  must  give  you  Joy  with  vn^rv  ^  ^n  "  't"  '"^"-  ^^  '^^  first 
the  next  placed  will  Lbl  yoi  hrie  h.?.  '"^1'^^  '^"'^  ^^^^'^^^O  I" 
our  Enemies.     We  lay  at  St  TnhnT/  ''''".'^'^  ''"  ""•"  ^eige  against 

surrendered,  the  firs  ?f?hisnstantth!7'''''  ""^  ?"^  ^"^^^  before^hey 
our  Geueral'cMontgome  y    ilareh  d^'/S  ''^'  ^^'^  of  thislnstant 

gun.     General  Carleton  rin  off  whh  ,!         ^7"  '';^'^""*  ^'^^  S""'-'  of » 
provisions  and  Ammunit  on  and  r  n  n       '  .^'''"'^  ^^"  Loaded^with 
place  where  we  had  a  E  ttery  wl  Eic^rP  "^'"*  ^i  ^^'^''  ^^'^^  ''"« 
place  in  the  whole  River,  wherthevS  ^T  '"  '^l  '''^  Narrowest 
They  made  an  Attempt  once  to  go  L  buf  tJZT^'T !'''''§  ''^'^■ 
they  was  forced  to  go  Back  •  and  I,  Rnv^l   Tu       1  T^  ^^^'  ^''^^  ^hat 
and  keep  firing  on  them  till  tSey     nf  out  ^fl       "''.^  ''^T  "P  "^''^  Close 
There  was  one  Schooner  Loaded  "i^.        \^"S,^°'i  "'^de  Capitulation. 
Board.     We  took  the  twerve  Vessd    and^^the  Bh''"!  '^p^  *^'","  "^'  °^- 
tc^.^-t  Col  three  Majors  five  Can  a  ns  nn,    !,    T^""^'"'  ^?"''"'  °"«  ^ieu- 
Ifeides  the  Sailors;\hey  had  a^V  St  si.?hf   '?      ""'•  '"'^  ^^^  ^"^^^es, 
all  took.     The  Officers  of  our  Battal  on  a  e  all  TTf  .""^''^  ^^  ''^^« 
Way  and  we  are  now  Inlistin-  our  Z  nv/     ^^.^«"'^^d  to  stay  till  next 

Itemain  Your  Loving  Brother 
I  "  To  Capt.  Philip  Van  Rensselaer  at  Alblf/^^"^'  ^^  ^^^^^^^^^^ak 

,  Catt  £dErEesi:tel.fdt;:'„"'^^  ^7?"^^  *^-  -^-nee  into 
I  success,  and  took  Mon  S  T -d  des  .;ned  to'n  ,«f."*°''"'^^  P"''^"«^  ^"« 
ut  n.eanwhile  secured  i  he  confidence  of  the  f "  ,  ^'.'  "'"'""'^  ''  Q"^^'^°. 
,  lonuness.  Governor  Carleton  escaned  at  nir^''  ^^  ,''''"*'"S  them  with 
!  oars,  and  arrived  at  Quebec  ^  =*''^  '"   '"  '-'^^*  ™'th  mufiled 


I 


48 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


James  Van  Ilcnsnelaer  to  Philip  Van  Rensselaer. 
«'  Dear  Sir :  "  Moiitreiil  24  Nov'  1775 

"  Before  this  Comes  to  hand  you  will  no  Doubt  have  the  full  particulars 
of  our  Success.  I  shall  only  mention  to  you  The  Taken  of  General  Pres- 
cottandllS  privates  with  Eleven  sail  of  Vessels,  in  which  we  shall 
tomorrow  Embark  for  Quebec  to  join  Col,  Benedict  Arnold,  who  is  there 
with  about  600  of  his  Army.  Many  of  them  have  perished  on  their 
march  for  want  of  provisions,  this  acco>  we  have  of  Capt.  Ogden  a  Gentle- 
man from  the  Jerseys,  who  attended  Col.  Arnold.  I  hope  you  will  Treat 
General  Prescott  with  Disdain  for  his  Barbarous  Treatrient  of  our  friends 
in  this  Town.  And  also  to  poor  Col.  Ethan  Allen  who  is  shipped  for 
England  and  Loaded  with  Irons.  Your  Brother  is  in  good  health  and 
will  attend  the  Army.     My  Compliments  to  all  friends,  and 

I  remain  Dr.  Sir,  your  most  obt.  Hum.  Servt, 

"  Mr.  Philip  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany.  "  '^^^^^  ^ ^^  Kensselaeu. 

•'  Col.  Ethan  Allen  had  been  sent  a  few  weeks  before  the  taking  of  St. 
Johns  by  Gen.  Montgomery  to  arouse  the  Canadians  in  favor  of  the  re- 
bellion.    He  was  induced  to  make  an  attack  upon    Montreal   but  was 
captured  with  thirty-eight  of  his  Green-mountain  boys,  and  sent  to  Eng- 
land in  irons.     Allen  deserved  his  fate  for  his  rashness  and  disobedience 
of  orders.     Still,  he  was  very  near  capturing   Montreal  with    the  small 
party  he  had  led  in  advance,  as  was  subsequently  admitted  by  one  of  the 
British  officers.     When  Colonel  Prescott  learned  by  conversation  with 
Allen,  that  he  was  the  same  man  who  had  captured  Ticonderoga,  he  was 
greatly  enraged,  threatened  him  with  a  halter,  and  ordered   him  to  be 
bound  hand  and   foot  in  chains  with  an  iron  bar  attached.     A  body  of 
troops  commanded   by  General  Arnold  was  ordered  to  march  to  Canada, 
by  the  river  Kennebec,  and  through  the  unexplored  forest.     Aftt    suffer- 
ing every  hardship,  and  the  most  distressing  hunger  while  in  the  wilder- 
ness, the  whole  army  that  remained  arrived,  on  November  9th,  at  Point 
Levi  opposite  Quebec,  after  one  of  the  most  wonderful  niarehes  on  record 
during  the  space  of  two  months,  and  was  soon   joined  by  General  Mont- 
gomery.    Quebec,  which  was  commanded  by  Governor  Carloton,  was  im- 
mediately besieged.     But  there  being  little  hope  of  taking  the   town  by 
siege,  it  was  determined  to  storm  it  on  the  last  day  of  the  year,  December 
31st,  by  attacking  Quebec  on  opposite  sides.     At  5  o'clock  in  the  morn- 
ing.  General  Montgomery  advanced  against  the  lower  town.     He  passed 
the  first  barrier,  and  was  just  opening  to  attack  the  second,  when  the  dis- 
charge of  a  wall-piece  from  a  neighboring  house  stretched  Montgomery 
lifeless  on  the  bloody  snow,  together  with  his  aid-de-camp,  Captain  Mc- 
Pherson.     The  death  of  Montgomery  was   deeply  lamented,  he  left  on 
the  rock  of  Quebec  his  blood,  and  to  his  country  the  legacy  of  his  fame. 
Arnold  also  was  completely  disabled  by  a  musket-wound  and  retired  about 
three  miles  from   the  town  ;  after  the  arrival  of  General  Wooster  he  re- 
turned to  Montreal.     Meanwhile   Gen.  Carleton,  being  re-inforced  from 
England  by  troops  under  General  Burgoyne,  the  Americans  were  obliged 
to  make  a  hasty  retreat,  pursued   by  Burgoyne,  and  the  whole   army  by 
July  1st  were  finally  driven  out  of  Canada." 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


49 


Jame,  Van  Ile>.selaer  to  PkUip  Van  EensseU^r. 
Dear  Fr.end  Head  Quarters,  Montreal,  Jau\  27th    177fi 

Wooster,  that  I  was  desirous  of^olrd^^rT?  i  ^"''^^  ""  ^^"^'•'^l 
Lameness  sent  xMr.  LockwooH  hw   y    "  .  ^"*  'i*^  liad   during  mv 

Quebec  and  Insisted  oT  mylJ  -"nU  Shlf'  ^"1  '«  ^'^^  ^-^al 
du!  not  Arrive  but  two  days  befme^h  77  "'^  f'  ^^  returned  j  iho 
General.  Since  which  time^  the  tusi':  ^f''"'-  '^"^  ^^''^^  of  our  brave 
to  the  Canadians  of  the  Several  pariZs^hodl  d  ^""l^r  ^^^^'-'-ions 
has  employed  our  time  so  Effectuallv  517^  ''°"'  "'*^"'  *^«^"  Officers, 

moment  to  ourselves.  Which  I  can  -.««  '  ''Y'  ""'  ''"^  ^^«'«»re  for  a 
the  Canadians  in  order  To  secure  tlir"'  ^'"  '^"•^  "  '^'^  ««"J  ^ff'^ct  oa 
t  e  Cunning  Artifice  of  thePie  f  nd  "orL'"'"'"'-  ^«^^'^h«^anding 
Merchants  in  this  Town  who  have  ointlv  dc^^ S  P^'-t'cularly  the  Scott^ 
0  excue  the  Country  to  take  up  A^s  a  -  us'^'J^  ''1'"^'  '  V^^^""  P^^^'' 
f  fu.sed  the  people  who  are  our  fWends  th^ri.,/  ^"i"^  ^uve  absolutely  re- 
spirits  of  our  Distressed  Army  is  leltlv  rl^    ".f  '\^''  ^^'''^^-     The 

I  l^'TTJ''"^  ^''^--huseti  gott'un"^    Trll'/  '^'  \''"^^'  «^  ««»^« 
I    f  the  3hhtary  Chest   by  Capt.  Erandlr  ^k'  "^!?  ^^  '^'  ^"'^"1 
have  sent  about  250  men  to  tL  .«i.f  .•      °  ''*''^''  <^entlemen.     We 

day  or  two  the  remainder  of  he  ZTZI'IT  ^""'^  "'  ^"^bec,  i^a 
sisting  of  about  lUO  men   who  are  n  nnJ  ^'"''''■'  ""'^  *«  Uiarch,  Con- 

there.     They  are  Determined  to  hi.     ""'"''•  ""^^  ""^^  ""^^PPy  Affair 
efore  they  Quit  the  Ground  they  no^  ZZT^"  ■  \'  '^?-'^-  perish 
you  or  any  men  in  our  Country  to  con.i^vlTh  '^Jardly  possible  for 

dergo.     They  are  obligd   to  be  on  Tan   .  ^'u '^  Hardships  they  «„' 

Continually  Laying  on^he'-  Arms.^  The  St^i;  "'^l^^  ^^^  ^'^^y  «"« 
very  severe  and  what's  still  worse  the  stitZ  f  n""u  ^  ^"'''  ^^^^^^^ 
gold  or  silver  will  answer  herr    rTnl  ^  ''^  ^""'^  ««  nothing,  but 

Q-rter  should  underSe  tTbrin"!."  TrOu^ntir;  t".^^^"^"  ^--V" 
aud  take  Continental  Currency  in  pavLnt      I  !  ^       ;^''"'''  ""'^  ^'««d«, 
and  Bfother  Harry  should  undert  S^^^^  thought  that  if  yo J 

very  sure  that  you  would   make  vnnt  f    /^       "°  ^^  *''^ '^'^d  that  I  am 
good  Liquors  to  be  had  here  Snintsnf'nT  '"  V^'"^  ^^^ort  time.     To 
h  -^'^  shillings.     Rum  from  10  to    '^  t      T    "'"'  ^"''"^^  ^«  ^^'^  ^^om  16 
;«  your  parts  can  afford  to  Contey  ^ot  "s  t    Z.'^  '"^  ^''^^  °«  P^r««« 
ranta-e  and  w  th  greater  i^o,'u,-\tJ S  ?  P''*^^  '»  so  great  an  ad 

Jnight  ago  this  day      As   T  ..m  ..       •      j   ,,     ^'  ^i^ebec,  wh  ch  is  a  fnrf 
ICauadal  am  ordered  at  soon  -^  ??"'  ^^"'''''  ^^^'**^'^'"  '«  thi«  W  i^- 

h"  to  Quebec  whi:hri  bVt  ^irs:^  ''"^'p^  ''^-  ^-^"-" 

Jwill  not  hear  from   me  for  some  ti.no     n  f  **"'  "^^^herefore  you 

Ijour  Lady  and  the  ynnm/T  T         .'  P'°'''^  *^  P'^^'sent  my  Comnt/f. 
Ireturn   T  h-.  ^oung  Ladies  and  to  a  I  friends      Tf  .„  ''^  i      ,?      '" 

In  7"  ^  nope  our  Brave  friends  will   hi      "^'"?^-     ^^  we  should  ever 
|Cutte.     I  am  Dear  Sir  Tours  &c  ''^'''^'^-     ^  ^ave  reed  the 

Mr.  Philip  Van  Rensselaer.  Albnnv  n'^^''^^  ^-  Rlnsselaeh. 


Albany 


60 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


"  As  soon  as  the  news  of  Ooncrul  Montjj;oiiiery'8  death  reached  Congress, 
resolutions  of  condolence  witli  his  family  for  their  bereavement,  and  ex- 
prcsHive  of  their  grateful  remembrance  and  rcwpect  were  adopted." 

"  In  England  his  name  was  mentioned  in  Parliament  with  singular 
respect.  The  minister  acknowledged  his  worth  saying  :  '  Curse  on  his 
virtues,  they  have  undone  his  country.'  " 

The  following  letters  to  my  mother's  father,  Philip  Van  Rensselaer, 
commissary  of  military  stores  of  the  Northern  Department,  show  that  the 
citizens  of  Albany  were  engaged  in  transporting  provisions  and  other 
articles,  and  that  "  Hum  was  one  of  the  principal  items  of  tratfic  not  only 
with  the  Indians  on  the  frontiers  of  New  York"  but  also  to  the  army. 

Teunia  2*  Van  Vechten  to  Philip  Van  Reumlaer. 
"  Dear  Sir  :  "  Montreal  9th  Feb  :  1776. 

I  arrived  hero  this  Morning  safe  with  all  my  Cargo,  but  find  the  price 
of  Hum  much  different  from  what  we  heard  it  was.  I  find  on  encjuiry  that 
N.  York  Rum  sells  at  G.s.  and  w.  j.  at  10s.  per  Gallon.  Mr.  Walter  Liv- 
ingston  advises  me  if  I  have  a  chance  of  selling  the  whole,  at  that  price, 
to  take  it  by  all  means,  upon  which  I  have  been  to  General  Woster  aud 
Gave  him  the  offer  of  the  whole,  the  N.  York  at  7s  and  the  W.  Indes  at 
1  l.s,  upon  which  he  has  promised  to  give  me  an  answer  to  Morrow.  Goods 
I  find  so  high  here,  that  I  doubt  whether  1  shall  purchase  any  only  trifles 
that  was  sent  for,  Chocolate,  brown  Sugar,  and  Madaire  Wines,  I  tiiid 
very  high  hero.  The  former  sells  from  5.s  to  G.s.  by  the  Rox,but  I  doubt 
whether  it  will  answer  to  send  any  of  those  articles  up,  as  there  are  some 
Merchants  from  this  place  gone  down,  who  I  make  no  doubt  will  bring 
up  a  great  quantity  before  you  can  send  any  up,  however  you  must  do  as 
you  think  best,  I  have  no  time  to  enlarge  at  present,  but  shall  give  you 
a  Chapter  by  the  next  Slays  and  am  in  haste. 

"  Your  Most  Hble  Servt.,  Teunis  T»Van  VECUTtN. 

"  To  Mr.  Philip  Van  Rensselaer,  Merchi :  Albany. 

Teunia  T»  Van  Vechten  to  Philip  Van  Rensselaer. 
"  Dear  Sir :  Montreal  11th  Febv  :  1776. 

"  In  my  last  I  wrote  you  that  Rum  was  much  cheaper  here  then  we  ex- 1 
pected,  and  that  I  had  given  General  Woster  the  offer  of  the  whole  we 
have  here  at  7  &  lis.  and  Yesterday  I  waited  upon  him  at  his  own  request  I 
to  know  whether  it  would  answer  for  him  to  take  it,  he  seem'd  to  have 
an  inclination  to  take  it,  but  had  some  objections  to  the  price  of  the  lis, 
and  said  if  I  would   let  him  have  it  at  9,s.  4^/.  he  would   take  the  whole. 
I  then  told   him   I  would  take  10  &  7s.  which  he  seem'd   to  have  no  ob-l 
jections  to,  but  desir'd  I  would  go  with  him  to  Price  &  Ilaywoods  whom 
he  had  appointed  Contractor   for  the   Army  which  I  did  and  after  some 
discour.se   upon   the  Subject,  they  appear'd  to  be   glad  of  the  offer,  and 
intimated  as  much,  as  that  they   would  be  glad  to  take  the  whole  at  the 
price   the  General  offer'd,  which  I  meant  to  have  taken   up  with,  if  he 
would  give  no  more,  but  before  I  left  the  House,  the  General,  3Ir.  Price 
&  Haywood  were   called  out  of  the   room  one  after  the  other,  and  when  [ 
they  came   in  again,  the  General  told   me  if  I  would  take  6s.  for  the  N. 
York  he  would  take  it,  but  the  lis.  he  did  not  want.     I  told  him  I  would  I 
not  take  less  than  7s.  &  10s.  and  so  left  them.     It  appears  very  clear  to 
me    that  there  is  a  Combination   amongst  the  Merchants  of  this  place 


Leqacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  gj 

(in  which  some  others  may  be  coneern'd^  nr.f  * 

;!-  v.ow  „r,nttinK  it  at  their  own  prL\ut  I  ar'^  T  '"m  7'"'  ^'^'^ 
tiiko  no  advantage  of  mo  and  nip..n  ..  *  7  "'"  a«tormin'd  they  shall 
J'irok  Swart  corner  up^^^d  J^l  i"  ;Ll?"f^;''^"''''"'^"  ''-/""'il' 
'.oth.n,,'  down   by  the  Slays  for  wa  t  of  ^  .Z   '    t '" '1""^     ^  l^-'vo  sent 

,,  „i  ■!•    ir  ^"'^"""■'^  ai»  Vours,  &c.,  ° 

^-  1  Inlip  VaD  Rensselaer  at  Albany."   "  '^^^ma  T"  Van  Vkchten." 
1770,  February  12  — Mr  Pl.;i;»,  it-       « 

3  Muskets  at  7^  ^^"  ""'^^^'-'  «'  ^^  Henry  Oothout. 

4  do  &  3  cunHdye  Box;;;;;.::;:::::  ^le  •  ^^ 


XT    ry  ,  £26 :  10 

ilfr.  liobert  Ray  to  Philip  Van  Renmlaer. 

iis  soon  as  he  Comes  to  town     T  i  7  ^Livingston's  Hum  for  you  • 

that  article  in  2  or  3  weeks    thpn?'°  '"'  o'"'^  '^^  P"««  "mentioned  of 

I  less  shall  purchase  for  you    'nt  Sm'i  T'  "'  ^*"-  ''^^  '^  ''^  ^'"  ^ake  that  or 

Joe^ed  up'this  2  montL  ;  ;n7l'd   '  'tTn;"  Tf'    "  1'  ^''\^r  ^^^^  b-» 
town  :  howevpr  sli-ill  v..     •     ,  Know  it  there  be  a  hhd  in  9i.M  ;„ 

1  If  I  find  ^^y  I  ^^si -;::::::  ^^'  ^^^'^^^j^, 

ofDehvering  it  at  Albany,  for  S^a  e  in  d.il  ^^ .'"  '  '"'^'^  ^'^^  ^^'^ue 
C..y  knocked  down  and  burned  by  tLe  Me;  i^f  Jf^^'^'^t'^"  »^'  having  our 
are  moved  out  of  town  :  and  at  least  half  tZf  n V"  '  """'^  "'^  ''^^  ^^^^'^^^ 
p.ng  HO  that  we  are  a  Complete  rrwL?  '^'  'Y'  ««"«  ""d  others 
Jere  from  Connecticut  and  £'«  C  ''"  '  ^  ^'V'  ^500  Soldiers 
hrom  Connecticut  are  at  KinS^e  I  T  ^''o  ^^^^  "ore  troops 
ICounK-«  ,>„.„„i,:^_.  ,  ...         ^'"osonage  and   many  Company's  from  the 

|yo«  n.y  Judg^o^-cii^^iin^,;;;^;^;;-;^'  -;th  to  jSl[;:rrs 

'ou.se  for  me  and  would  lay  Vn^sone  wood  .°''^'"'%7«»  ''^ve  Secured  a 

Ifreeinly  oblige  to  you      I  SlioL  M      c7      ^^  "'^  =  ^"''  ^'^ich  I  am  ex- 

%i".  wiirnieetiith  good  Sh;^fZr^'^^^-«'-- first  in  tl'e 

J«'ver.     observe  Cousin  J^et^evq^n  "J    f"?'^'  ^"^  ^'^""'vs  up  the 

(pare  us  all  for  the  like  Chan'',      f       ''  '^''^  "^°  ^^"''^  -'  ''^P^  will  pre- 

h^V  Uall :  which  is?g3e.  "thlVpaVM:  d'  f  ""'^  V  ^--''' 
I't  lie  Chuses  to  take  it  here  ^^^       •  ^^"^ker.son  the  Money 


l^'roM  Connecticnrnrr    """  ."^'-'^eys  :  Just  now  hear  ] 

ISOOO  troops-  T  wll  V  • '^  ^'^"1  ^3^  Saturday  ni-1 
k'n'  Lee  bre-isTro.  "//""t''^  '"''  ''  i'^^'  P'^ee  ••  to 
bo«  nK;^^^?":^^^...^':'^--'^  fro-  -?th  to  Ea, 


nni 


62 


Leoacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


dolo  with  liiin  in  tlio   Iosh  of  \m   I)au>;liter.     I  bog  you  will  piiBh  John 
lloft'  (MoHC  to  get  tliiit  order  paid. 

"  I  am  Respectfully  Sir  V  Most  Ilumbl.'  Servt. 

"Mr.  Philip  Van  Rensselaer."  "  ^^""'^'  ^^'^^• 

liiekard  Yatct  to  Philip  Van  Iten»»elaer. 

iigjp  "New  York,  the  16  February,  1776. 

"  I  have  already  wrote  you  p'  thiH  Post,  since  which  I  aiu  favoured  with 
yours  of  the  23  Ultimo  by  w'  [  observe  you  had  sold  four  Chests  of  Tea 
80  as  to  f'-'ut  4  ».  G,  p'  pd  and  that  you  should  be  able  to  gett  me  hard 
money  for  the  whole  wch  I  take  very  kind.  I  observe  you  expected  it 
would  be  all  Sold  in  a  few  Day.s,  that  Article  is  now  bccoiiu!  very  Scarce 
here  and  the  price  is  Risen.  I  havea  Parcell  on  Hand  wch  I  will  dispose 
of  whenever  I  can  obtain  a  Suitable  Price,  if  the  price  advances  with  you 
lett  me  know  and  I  can  Supply  you  either  from  here,  K;  opus.  Red  Hook 
or  Pougbkeepsy.  I  have  no  other  Jjiquor  for  Sale  than  Madeira  Wine, 
you  may  have  as  much  as  you  want,  on  the  Terms  mentioned  in  the  other 
Jjctter.  If  you  want  any  Sweet  Oylc  I  can  supply  you,  it  is  (!hoice  jjood, 
if  you  Can  Sell  any  for  me  1  will  .«end  you  as  many  dozen  Quart  liottlcs 
as  you  please.  1  now  inclose  you  Robert  Iloaksleys  order  for  P^leven 
Tons  of  the  first  Quality  of  Pearle  Ash  w''  I  desire  you'l  receive  and 
keep  it  till  further  orders,  pray  Inform  me  the  Price  of  Pearle  &  Pott 
Ash.  I  would  barter  any  thing  I  have  gott  for  those  Articles  provided 
the  price  is  Moderate.  Can  any  quantity  of  Reeze  Wax  be  gott  and  at 
what  Rate.  I  have  a  few  hbds.  of  Red  Wine  in  the  Hands  of  Mr.  Morvin. 
I  should  be  glad  you  could  help  him  to  a  Purchasor,  lett  me  hear  from 
you  p""  first  Post  or  other  Good  Conveyance,  and  keep  all  the  money 
untill  further  orders. 


"  To  Mr.  Philip  Van  Rensselaer. 


"  Your  most  hum'  Servt 

"  Richard  Yates. 


Abraham  P.  Lott  to  Philip  Van  Rcnnsclaer. 
u  Sir  .  "  New  York,  Feby  16th,  1776. 

*  *  *  <i  ■^iii  you  also  be  pleased  to  keep  GOlbs  of  the  best  of  the  I 
Tea,  let  Mrs.  Van  Rensselaer  try  it.  Good  Tea  ia  very  Scarce  here,  and 
I  want  it  for  my  own  use.  All  the  Tea  that  I  had  Sold,  except  whatyoa  I 
have.  You  will  be  pleased  to  speak  to  Sheriff  Ton  Eyck  and  Ask  him 
whether  he  has  Received  or  Secured  the  Debt  due  from  Isaac  Mann  to 
me  ;  if  not  to  Employ  a  Lawyer  to  Sue  him  Immediately.  Mrs.  &  Miss 
Lott  desire  to  be  Remembered  to  yourself  and  all  friends. 

"  I  am  Sir,  Your  very  hble  Servt. 
"  Mr.  Philip  Van  Rensselaer."  "  Au"  P.  Lotts. 

Mr  Abraham   P.  Lott  was  a  member  of  the  "  Committee  of  One  Hm- 
(Fre^r' whose  energetic  actions  were  exercised  in   behalf  of  the  people  I 
according  to   their  known  will  while  the   Provincial  Congress  legislated. 
It  was  indeed  a  grand  Committee  of  Safety  for  New  York  State,  consist- 
ing of  one  hundred  of  the  most  respectable  citizens;  among  its  members  I 
were   Robert  Ray,  Richard  Yates,  John   Jay,  &c.     General  James  Wi 
kin,son  (then   captain)  bad  been   put  under  marching  orders  for  Canada, I 
subject    to  the  command   of  Rrigadier-general  Sullivan  who  succeeded 
Gen.  Bfcomas  after  the  death  of  the  latter  by  small-pox  at  Chambly.    In 
May  Captain  Wilkinson  was   made  the  instrument  of  saving  General  I 


AriiDld  and  th( 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleaninop. 


Mi 


58 


K^rriHon 
wl.o  InnJ  arrive..!  within  fV;ir;ec"n'SH'7^l"'^Tf'•''/'^''■  ""^  ^"'''^t"" 

to  make  Rood  hiH  retreat  by  La  IVa"rie  '■''^"'■^'  ^"^  '"^  *"«  "^^^ 

of  rhe  necessary  Hup?lic  „f  p^t ilu^fnt?'''"'  ?""'"'«"•  ^^^^'^"'e 
rciuccd  by  sidcncis^  with  the  sm  11  ^  f '','^t''""*'^  ^^  «'^'>«.  or 
tali.y,  thoj  wore  for  a  onrtiu  e  n  ^T^t  '!  vff  \^  unexampled  nlor- 
Tim,  toothomiHfbrtunowLh  hTdtakL^'  '•\''V'*''J''  "*'  dc«poration. 
."iles  above  Montreal,  a  pit  occu Jifd  bv^r  ^  "t  the  Cedars,  about  forty 
In,li,M.,s  were  led  l-y  ThCiS  n^«  K  !  "^'"^  ^"'-  ^'"rloton's 
exortodhimsdttocontrKe  "Zn/  T^  ''""^^-  ^"P*"'"  ^^rant 
prisoners.     Amon,.   thl  JaUor    w^  (W  ^""''t"/  *»'«/" '"'■^^"'•«  «^'  ^ho 

McKinstry  of  Liv'in,«to:   m"  no.rwho^tnTlnli"  a'  o"^'"^''^'    ('?'• 
occasion  and  was  rescued  from  torturfl  bv  .?°  l"'*7^d  »  fuipany  on   that 

The  very  nameof  this  celebrlTeh  ofaVnn"  '"'^.'"''''''^'""''^  «^  ^^"'»t- 
the  country  into  confusion  lMb;«\?  "'"V""/^ """'  '^"""S^  *«  t'lrow 
don,inatin/lunj.ua.^  Z  torriLd  fr'/'^^"  f^e  Z?«^cA  was  the  pre- 
certained  t^nt  the  CrVof  brani^  b"  1  ""'V^^'^'W'-'/ ^h«"  ^hey^s- 
breakinj,  out  of /ire  cL  UrTn  .  ?.!  '  ''"'i^  '"dicated  the  accidental 
and  atrocities  of  that^i  ^  nmrd  ^'oft^'V"^  «*''  ^^e/oul  murders 
execution  of  which  the  ToriosTere  morn t  f'l  V*""™.""  ^"'""^'  "'  "'« 
whom  were  dispatched  and  scIp  I    H  "  "'  *''""  **'"  ■'"^^«f''««.  «"  of 

years' captivity  of  youm^  (iroi  of  S,  if  ^«^"ffe°t'"K, story  of  the  thirty 
Au  incident,  however,  '^.ccurrdaf  531?'^^;  «^^«/\'J  "^.^ributed  to  him^ 
credit.  After  the  en^uy  had  denart!?  ""'  ""''"'^  ''  ^''^^''^  ^^  »^i« 
I'usband  and  several  ot^er  Lmbers  of'.hTT"  ?""  '"  '^''  ^'''''  ^h»«« 
was  in  an  a^ony  of  .'rief  rPnrlS  ^   '*'"''^  ^^'"'^  missing.     She 

which  had  been^t'tc&l'thera^^^^  ''y!''  ^«"  "*'  ''^ '"^-^ 

l-e  officers  at  Gen.  Kobert  vl  Rensseh'er'.  ^  V  '  "^^* '"«"'ing.  while 
fast,  a  young  Indian  warrior  oLk-  •  ''""J^"''""'"'*"''^  «'«''e  at  break- 
in.'  in  L  anns  an  inS  and  l^^"';"'!'"^'  '"^1  ''''^  ''T  '"^^  ^  «^«-  l'«="- 
-"din.M.ficerofthorebd    ruy,:       "eS 

oi  ii,y  runners,  the  child  which  ho  w  II  ^  r  i^"* '  ^^^n^^^ou  by  one 

whatever  others  may  do   I  do  not  m-S  ''  '^'"'  ^°"  '"'''^  know  that 

am  sorry  to  say  that  I   have  thot  p^       /  "»??  ^'"''"  """^  '^''^''^'-en-  I 

are  more  savagLhan  the  L^ger  he'S;'s  '^'^mX  !  ^'^  ""'^^'  ^'^ 
approaching  a  crisis  •  thp  «n;t;f    '''''"^^'^^^-       Matters  were  now  rap  dly 

flame;  a  da^rk  and  bloody  clTud  washo:r- '"'"^  ^'l^^^  fanned  into  a 
question  was  soon  to  be  deeirM  »•  I  "^u"""''  ^^"^  •^»'^'  ""'^  the  great 
■uen,  whether  the  r  names  srouldLni.'''  '^^-  T"'"^  ^^  «'^^««  ««•  ^ree- 
or  banded  down  to  jre    u  is  th^  ''^   '"^^ 

Capt.  Wilkinson    Waracdvein  1^,0^7.7  '^,  *  ""  Tu'''^'     ^Mle 
Canada  he  was 'suddenly  struck  d.rwnK       .     f  '^"x-^"'  "^^'«  «^»tion   in 
hvi"'  f?'eat  violence,  aid  swept  off  Zro^?   ^^     '  ^'^  '  "'^''^  ^'''-'^^'^ 
"As  soon  as  I  could  bear  the^ltion  of  '"'  '''""f  "'^  '^^^  «"''  ^'•^"P^- 


54 


Legacy  op  IIidTORicAL  Gleanings. 


Ilubhard  Drown  to  Philip  Van  RcnMelaer. 
»«gir^  "  Ticoiul()i()j!;ii  Murdi  5th  177(5. 

"  I  hiivo  this  Instiint  received  yours  of  the  24th  of  February,  shall 
take  the  fust  opportunity  to  Seiiu  all  the  arms  both  at  this  and  Crown 
Toiut  with  the  Casks  and  barrels  of  Wnm  according;  to  your  Order. 

'•  I  urn  Sir,  your  Humble  h'  )rvt, 
«'  To  Mr.  Philip  Van  Renssehier.  llunnAUi)  UiioWN." 

Uuhhard  lirotm  to  Philip  Van  ItciicMdaei'. 
"Dear  Sir,  Tioouderoga  March  6th  177(5. 

"  1  happened  to  be  at  Mr.  Adam's  when  I  received  your  letter.  Made 
Immediate  intjui.y  for  your  Rum,  found  it  safe,  hired  Mr.  Adams  to  Put 
it  on  his  Slay  and  Carry  it  to  My  Store,  think  myself  happy  that  it  lays 
in  my  Power  to  oblif:;e  you. 

"  1  am  dear  Sir,  at  any  Time,  Yours  to  Command, 

"  lIllUnAUD  IhlOVVN." 

Abraham  P.  Lott  to  Philip  Van  ReuMelaer. 
«(  Sir:  "New  York  March  7,  1776. 

"  Whereas  I  have  Partly  Aj^roed  to  Supply  the  Army  here.  Shall  be 
in  want  of  a  Quantity  of  Peas.  Which  you  will  Pleas  to  Purchas  about 
live  or  si.K  hundred  bussells,  on  my  Act.  '.  itt  them  be  good  boylin-j;  peas, 
and  Send  two  hundred  bussell  by  the  first  Oppertu.iity.  liOtt  the  Capt: 
Land  them  at  the  North  River.  What  Teas  you  have  on  hand  of  mine 
you  Will  not  Sell  lioss  then  5,s.  pr  lb  as  it  Sells  here  for  that  Prise  by  the 
Chest.  Mrs.  Lott,  Miss  Phelu  is  Well  ct  Desire  to  bo  Remembred  to  your 
Wife  it  Aunt  Kj,'borts  family,  they  are  in  tho  Garyes  [Jerseys  ]  Sir,  I 
llemain  your  friend  to  Serve,  "  Aiiivi.  P.  Lott." 

"  Mr.  Philip  Van  lienssolaer.  Merchant  in  Albany. 

liichard  Varick  to  Philip  Van  Rensselaer. 
"  Sir  :  "  Head  Quarters  Albany  March  28.  177G. 

"You  will  be  pleased  to  deliver  to  the  IJearcr  hereof  Mr  William  McGea 
of  Capt  Peter's  Company  of  IJatteauxmen,  three  Hogsheads  of  Oakham, 
twenty  Barrels  of  Pitch  and  all  the  Rope  you  have  "n  Board  belongiii!; 
to  the  Public  to  i)c  carried  up  to  this  Place  Immediately. 

"1  am  sir  Your  Humble  Servant 
«'  By  Order  of  General  Schuyler." 


CiA^ct^ 


This    Order    was   sent    by    Philip  Van   Rensselaer  To   the  officer  on 
Board  of  the  Ves.sel  in  which  the  Public  Stores  are  ladeu  who  has  the| 
same  in  Charge  from  New  York  to  Albany." 

lleceived  Froai  on  Board  of  the  Sloop  l*eggy  &  Betsey.     Daniel  Fur- 
gerson  Master. 

March  29.  1776,  20  Barrels  Pitch.  | 

do     Cap.  Peters   j 
do     pr     Capt.  Clute  1 
Turpentine  ) 

Barrels       Pitch 

do  "     k  a  parcel  of  loose  Oaknm. 

GlilliUTT  J.  LANiriNiili,  t';ipt 


"      31, 

(( 

15 

««      31, 

ti 

34 

k 

4 

:)ril       1 

ii 

12 

5 

u 

10 

Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  55 

"  Richard  Varick  was  a  nolonol  nf  Mm  V»„*.i„    t>  ox-n 
a«torIi„f,.  patriot,    lie  admirJd  A  „«  d  ^  tt      ^'"^l^'i"  i"  1777  and 

war.  as   l.i,s  roording  Hccrot  r^    O^  \     ^/    ."'^x''"''' ''^^  "'"^«  o'' t'>e 

elctod  president  of  tlfo  Au  c  S  mlt  ■^T'\f  '/•"'"'  '^"^^   ''«  ^"« 
July,  1H;{1."  ^"I'-'ic.in  JJ.blo  hocioty.    He  diod  on  tho  30th  of 

00^.  soon  kftor  they  an "v^d  l^^^  .k^;;?:."  .^I^^  ^hI' irt^''^"  «'^ 
"  Deiivor'd  to  r\>ll    Ti       i  .     «     ,"  ^''■"^"  PO'nt  April  2r)th  1776 


"  Natiii  liuEti,  Asst.  D.Q.  M.  Goncrd.' 


^"'f.f":  "Saratuaa  20  May  1770 

,  account  of  General  Schuyler-  when  vZt  V    •  i  ^  "P^  ^'^"'  ^"^ 

i  sendiu.  you  three  or  ^^^^1^:^ ^^l' 7jt r'"'  "'^"^"•"  \'"^P"«« 

.uch  oblige  .0  by  inquiring  Ll^/L'i^lVCeTr'retSrrn.'^"  ^'" 

"  I  am  with  respect  Sir 

"  Mr.  Philip  Van  Rensselaer.  "^""'  '''^  "^'f  ^ervt 

J^AN  :  Hale. 

JiohertBoydtoPJulipVatiRensKelaer. 

lyou clliLhSKS:: :[S;;5  n"" ."'^"^^  "^r^^^  ^^^^^  r  now  send 
|which  wi«h  sate  to  Irnd  ifd  fn  ^^d  o'dr  '^"""^"^  ''"  ^^^^  ^-"i- 

I  am  Sir,  your  most  Obedt.  Hum.  Servt., 
P«3    Tk-       -n  ,     .       ,  lioM'.  BoVD,  Junr. 

f !»'2. ..  a,.„  u,o  .„i^r;rs,iti::',,- tiff :';  s;r jTef 

^SiM,"/;:"'"-  ™  °°° '"'"'"  '^'^''^Salos  .0  tho  firat  Continental 
.   <''o»iil'oint26May  1770_I!,™i„,)    f  r'        t  •   -, 

P^...  o.e.  „,■  .„i/p,„„  J-^pt^^z^t:£iiz:^ 


66 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


Pork,  Eleven  Muskets,  Two  Blunderbushes,  one  forth  of  a  Barrel  of  Oat 
Meal,  Ten  Gallons  Molasses,  Two  Iron  Pots,  one  Ax,  one  Barrel  Salt 
Together  with  a  number  of  Towls,  Lately  taken  from  the  Ruins  of  the 
Fort,  such  as  Pistols,  Guns  &  French  Spades,  Crow-Bars  Bill-Hooks 
Stone-Augers,  &  Stone-Hammers,  the  above  Kec<l  belonging  to  the  Public 
Stores  of  the  United  Collonies.  „ 

By  me,  John  Barun,  Lieut. 

Ilenry  Olen  to  Philip  Van  Rensselaer. 
"  Dear  Sir."  "  Schenectady,  the  1st  July,  1776. 

•'  Yours  Yesterday  I  Rec'  But  was  not  Dated  I  now  send  you  some 
Wagons  in  order  to  send  over  some  Attellry  stores  as  you  have  not  men- 
tioned  the  number  you  do  want  I  am  at  the  loss  to  Know  what  number 
to  send  dont  over  load  the  wagons  as  the  Road  is  Very  Havey  &  them 
Stores  Commonly  Very  Havey.  I  shall  be  Glad  to  know  by  the  Wagoners 
th"  Quantity  &  Quality  Each  Wagon  has  in.  I  had  a  few  days  a^o 
orders  from  General  Schuyler  to  send  you  a  Considerable  number^of  i 
V\  agons.  But  them  Orders  was  Contremanded  on  AcC  of  the  Treaty  ' 
with  the  Indians  is  Refere'  till  a  further  day.  I  have  no  doubt  but 
Genl.  Schuyler  has  ordered  you  to  let  me  Know  for  the  Wagons  only  let 
me  Know  the  number  you  want  in  the  whole,  vou  have  orders  I  sopose 
to  send  a  Certain  Quantity  of  Ordnance  Stores  &  its  Easy  to  tell  what 
JNumber  of  Wagons  you  will  want  —  each  Wagon  carrys  about  one  1  OUO 
weight.  I  shall  expec.  >  hear  this  day  if  I  am  to  forward  them  Stores 
&  to  whom  &  if  any  Person  that  has  wheight  of  them.  I  have  no  Battoes  as 
yet  but  Can  get  them. 

"  I  am  in  haste  Dear  Sir,  Your  most  Hum'  Servt. 
"  Philip  Van  Rensselaer,  Esq."  "  Henri;  Glen. 

In  New  York,  the  leaden  statue  of  George  III  was  taken   down   and 
converted  into  bullets  for  the  use  of  the  Continental  Troops. 

On  the  Ath  of  July,  1776,  upon  the  report  of  the  Committee,  the  13 
confederate  colonies  dissolved  their  allegiance  to  the  British  crown   and 
bo  dly  declared  themselves  Free  and  Imlcpemhnt  under  the  name  of  the  i 
Thirteen   United   States  of  America.     The  declaration  of  independence 
was  signed  by  56  brave  men. 

Christoplier  Yates  to  Philip  Van  Rensse'aer. 

"  Sir,  '  "  Wood  Cri-ek,  July  15th,  1776. 

"  I  Just  now  Receiv'i  the  Iron  works  for  the  Inglish  saw-Mill  havint-l 
rece'i  that  of  the  Duch  some  time  ago.     I  am  in  want  for  four  Duch  Mills 
saw-files  and  four  Inglish  &c.  which  you  may  Probably  have  a  Chance  of 
sending  with  the  Iron  work  for  the  Barracks  and  the  Store  House. 

wht     t,i  •,•    Tr      ^         ,  "I  am  Sir,  your  Hum.  Servt 

Mr.  Phihp  Van  Rensselaer."  «  Ciiuis-  Yates. 


Tho  mills  were  situated  near  the  cascade  on  Wood  creek.     The  mouth 
of  the  creek  is  a  cascade  and  ditficult  for  canoes  to  outer.     Wood  creek  j 
rises  in  Warren  county,  and  flowing  by  Fort  Ann  in  a  deep  and  slu""ish 
stream,  receives  the  waters  of  the  Pawlet,  and  falls  into  Lake  Chanrpfain  | 
at  W  hitehall  or  Skeaesborough. 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


67 

"  The  Independant  States  of  New  York 

To  1  Anchor  Weighs  Sqtr^G'i^  wid,"s?'' ?  ?°m'  P'^"'"  ^'-  1^76,  Aug.  2. 
To  lllu..„er..  Tackle  Vye4;tLt!^^,G^^^^^^^^  ^^^^  ^^=  « 

To  1  Cable  m  Length  50  Fathom  &  2J  Foot  300 '^  }  406i  @  6d  W:     3:  3 

Received  Albany  231  Nov""  of  P  Vnr.  w  1        ,,  '  ^*'  ^ 

Su.  of  Twenty  three  pounds,  L  T^/^^fSr'  "  ^''''  ^''^''  '^' 

Cornelius  Douvv. 

„  gjj.  Orders  to  the  Armorer. 

"  Mr.  John  James  Bleecker  is  in  want  of  3  Guns  . 
«  g'.^'o  Mr.  P.  Schujler."  John  N.  Bleecker. 

his'ii:!::'!^..?:::^'"'"  James  Bleeeker  with  three  Guns  he  giving 

,     The  Officers  of  the  PuovivrrAr    P  ^''  Thorn,  Lieut. 

I-ingstonaspreside  t;VolS7t)ourvr  ^''''  ^'^   ^^-.^ 

I  audllobert  Benson,  secretaries.  '  ^''''■^••^^'^'^^"t;  John  3IcKi,ssoa 

C'«i;<.  TFrn.  IluU  to  Andveio  Adams. 
"  Dear  Sir :  rp      ,        ^ 

J  recruited  a  few  days  of  a  f.,tim,  7  \  .  .  Success.  After  we  had 
if  our  Wi„dings)^::i:  V^S -n^J^^  t^J-  f  ^  Miles  (tll^ 
ciu.ped  for  Action.  On  the  EveniiM^of  th.>  ^r'/  rn  .'?.^^  ^""^'^  ^^y 
we  were  Ordered  to  3Iarch  to  a  for  I'ni.P     f  n''  ^'^•^°'  -5'  177(5) 

liles  iron.  Trenton,  wher     was         L  eJ    ^e';.  7  '  S'^'^^  about 'twelvi 
As  violent  a  Storm  ensued  of  H  „l  t  i  r     ""^   J''«»«and   Hessians 

and  Infantry  all  were  ^1'  ^l^ZZ  tX'o'  ,  '?^  ^'•'"'-^ 
of  only  twenty  one  hundred  principally  Npw  i5  ,^,n ''''''''  consisting 

Violent  Storm  we  marched  oT^^T^"" ^^t  ^^^^'^^  ^"  ^'"^ 
ing  we  gained  all  the  Itoads  le.di  n-  ?.  t  ^  '^'«''^  '"  ^''^  Morn- 
(».'ders  that  every  OfficerrW.teh  J  "  H  T  ^''l"'''"-  '"^'''^  <>enl.  .,ave 
of  Attack  was  filed  Ju.t  at  t^ft  ^'  ''^^  ^^  '''«'  ^"'^  ^he  3Io,Ct 
which  fired  upon  us  and  ot^  ted  '  ' LT  T'  '?  '^"^^  «»^  <^-  J 
-:'  Ketreat  of  the  Guards^:!  .im  od  t ,  ^>  r.^ "..''  '\  ^'r^^^^'^ 
|li<i.^ulut,on  and  Firmness.      IJapnily  (10%.?  ^  ^"''"''^  ""   ^^ith 

.^a.ne  ,„.tant,  their  Main  Body  KZiu  Time  io^"  '"  T''  "^^^'^^  '''« 
ja  lieuvy  Cannonade  from  our  Field  "c  es  mJ  ^  i""',  ''^T  ^'"^'■^'  ^"-^«d 
l*'''>"i  our  Infantry.     This  contir.n  .,1  1  ,^f      t  5^^^  ^''"''  ""<i  ''vely  fi,-o 

|K««o  ut.on  and  Bravery  of  our  Men     1  e>r  i  nl  ''"'  \^T  ^'^'■'"■^-     ^hi 

me  t  e  highest  Sensation  of    'l^sun       Co^      i"',''^   iJ«fe^ulariety  gave 

katuhited   the  Men   on   next  dav   i  ,   r     I      \  V  "''""^''^^»  I'iuhlycon- 

■  g  '  ""■-  »"Waj3  perceived 


68 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


some  Misbehaviour  in  some  individuals,  but  in  that  Action  he  saw  none, 
Peuusylvaiiia  itsell' is  ubli<;ed  to  aclvnowledge  the  Bravery  of  xS^ew  Eng'd 
Troops.  1  have  a  List  from  Head  Quarters  of  the  killed  and  taken,  which 
was  taken  the  day  after  the  Action,  since  which  many  more  have  been 
brought  in  :  I  Col.  wounded  since  dead,  2  Lieut.  Col",  taken,  3  Majors, 
4  Capts.,  8  Lieuts.,  12  Ens'ns,  92  Serj'ts,  9  3Iusicians,  12  Drums,  25 
Servants,  S42  Privates,  2  Capt's  killed,  2  Lieuts.  killed  50  privates 
Six  Brass  Field  Pieces,  One  Mortar,  and  about  1500  Stands  ot  Arms. 
A  large  Number  of  Horses  and  a  vast  Quantity  of  Plunder  of  every  kind. 
And  this,  Sir,  I  will  assure  you  with  only  the  Loss  of  Six  or  seven  on  our 
Side,  this  is  no  Exaggeration  but  simple  fact,  'tis  impossible  to  discribe 
the  Scene  to  you  as  it  appeared.  We  immediately  retreated  across  the 
lliver  [Delaware]  and  did  not  get  to  our  Tents  till  next  Morning  —  two 
Nights  and  one  day  in  as  violent  a  Storm  as  I  ever  felt.  What  can't  Men 
do  when  engaged  in  so  noble  a  Cause.  Our  Mens  Time  expired  Yester- 
day, they  have  generally  engaged  to  tarry  six  weeks  longer.  My  Com- 
pany almost  to  a  man.  Orders  have  now  come  for  us  to  march  for 
Princetown.  We  have  a  Humor  that  it  was  burned  last  night  by  the 
Enemy,  who  we  suppose  are  about  retreating.  Compliments  to  Miss 
Adams  &  Children.     Adieu  and  believe  me  to  be  sincerely  yours, 


"  Andrew  Adams,  Litchfield  Connecticut." 

Captain  Hull,  the  writer  of  this  letter,  was  the  Maj.  Gen.  William  Hull 
who  subsequently,  August  IG,  1812,  surrendered  the  American  army  at 
Detroit  to  the  British  General  Brock.  "  General  Washington,  far  from 
being  discouraged  by  the  loss  of  General  Lee,  had  taken  a  stand  on  the 
Pennsylvania  side  of  the  Delaware.  He  collected  his  scattered  forces  and 
on  the  night  of  the  25th  of  December  (1776)  when  the  enemy  were  I 
lulled  into  .security  by  the  idea  of  his  weakness,  and  the  inclemency  of 
the  night,  which  was  remarkably  boi.stcrous,  as  well  as  by  the  fumes  of  a 
Christmas  eve,  ho  crossed  the  river,  and  at  breaking  of  day,  marched 
down  to  Trenton,  and  so  completely  surprised  them,  that  the  greater  part 
of  the  detachment  which  were  stationed  at  this  place,  surrendered  altera 
short  resistance.  Gen.  Washington  was  equally  successful  in  his  attack 
on  Princeton  and  pursued  Gen.  Cornwullis  for  some  distance. 


CIIArTER  III. 

Surrender  of  Burgoyne. 

My  paternal  grandfiuhcr.  General  Hendkick  or  IIknry  K.,  thecldesti 
son  of  Col.  Kiliaen  Van   Rensselaer  and   Ariaantie    Schuyler,   was  borii[ 
July  25,  1744.     "  He  was  a  brave  officer,  who  fought  with   great  .ird 
and  distinction   in   the   revolutionary  war.      He   was  in   several  engage'l 
meuts  during  which  he  uniformly  displayed  great  coolness  and  courage  is  j 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  59 

trying' scenes."     The  earlipsf  Pvi.lonn^  „ri  ■ 

d  fn.lepo„de„ce   is  a  leSr^tf  t  0  Co  i;^^^ 's.Vr  ""  ^"'"^"'^ 
supplies  of  different  kinds  for  the  -^arrisoTn  1.  )  '^^'  \''i^''^"'S 

the  forts  on  the   Hudson  river      He  did   no    i        •  '"'"'"'"^'  "'  ""'^  «^' 
enemy  while  stationed  there -but  soon  ,fV.  '  '"   contact  with   the 

which,  though  of  no  very  u.lrir"  „    ''  """'"''^  '"  '^  Httle  affair. 

well  ti.ned  gallantry  of  a  f^vo     ^  l.-?        r'''''^"*^'^  ^^  ^''"■^'^"'ate  the 

in  connection  withLs  1  e  por^n  t^^vie^rn^V'''''"^^  and  therefore 
in- notice:  While  out   with  T^.n  .?•  '  P^'''''P' '"^'^  "'^"fc  ^  P^iss- 

below  West  Point  i'waTd  scried  t"!  !^'  "'  "^''itia  some  distLce 
cavalry,  which  pursued  hira  s    wt-  i  VetTr  ^^"^  °"^"^'«^ 

the  shelter  of  a  neighboring  lo-.  hut   when  th.?v  ^  /'•"'  '"^  S^^"^ 

fused  to  con,pIy  wifh  the  s'unnao  s  [o  ur  o  dS  '^wrerth'  ''  ''^':^- 
..ounte  and  advanced  on  foot  to  com^e  hi'mt  do  so '°  w\.^'" 
iipproached,   however    f)nnf-iin  V..„  t?^        i  .         ^°-     ^^^    they 

thJ  door,  and  at  the  pro,S  '^0,00,."  threwt^''  '"l^'"^  l^t^  "^'^^  '^PP^^i^^ 
to  fire.     The  order  ;v^is  iblved  wi  .  Ifi      T/'"  ^/"ff '^'  ^''*'*  ^'^«  ^^rd 

the  rest  fled  in  disni^raSou-Tit  to  n  ^  ?  "  •''  'j;'"  «f  t'^<^  '^«eiuy  fell, 
their  turn  now  followeVso  c  oS^h  .  t^^^^^^^^^^  ^"^  «"'•  ^r^^''^  '"«»  i" 
their  horses  and  trust  to  tLir  £  f  r  V  r"/  ''''"  '^''°''^  *°  "^^^^  J«« 
in  getting  away,  all  the  st  we^  he  S; ,  ,^"'^  '^^^r  "^"'^  '''''''^''^ 
captain's  own  particular  lb  eclin  the  ol  .^  '  .''"""'^"'^  ','  '^'^'^"-  '^^^ 
onheenemy's^leader;  it3Lu"st,t  e     t  ;^^^^^^  ^'-  P--"^ 

shot  him  down  after  a  Ion-  run      TI.p  nV;..       '    i^  ^"  "'*^"'  ^'^^ 

all  curried  to  the  Americano"  n  vf  V  '  p'  '^^T' ^"'^ '^""^  ""^'^ 
fusee  to  hiu,.elf,  W  he  captTed  w?  n  "  ^^'j'f  ^''"^r  ^ropriated  a 
thi.  victory  in  e;ery  subs^iS^expedUr "  "'  '"^   '^  ^^  ^  ^^P"^^  «f 

the:Xu'ix,^tsSi";S^j^t^^d  ^-n— ^  of 

General  St.  Chiir  had    tho   n,nl,lK  •^'  ■^'.^""deroga,  &c,  and  Major 

the  first  scene  to  the  grelt  h  'rand  .f  er  ^  1  /  /  f  ^'"f  on  had  opened 
all  were  ready  for  the  w^n  wl   1  i  the.Av.s^  blood  had  been  spilled 

Pire.  In  July\T76  on  .resltbli  hed'tl  '^TT  ^''"'  '^''  ^'^^^^  ^-^- 
aiid  this  great  event  S.l'urii  '  declaration  of  Independence 
the  -ee^id:;;  ;'"ort,/e  i;^  if^^  ^'^'-SS\^oa  both'sides  for 

preparing  for  tie  recepti  n  o    t^^^",^ /J^i^'"  "^-^  T^'^^^^  ^^ 

ti'um  local  and  nrovin-ial  cnntw.  t  7r  .    P",  '"  '"'"d  was  turned 

contest  now  fiorj  ;    "     /"^f  Jj' ilf/p    "^  Ti^"^''^  ''  ''''  ^''-^^t 

j;-chiefof  the  E^iish  ::^;ny'n'ca:  la  £^!:;:^t^?r;"'""'^"'^^ 

Which  ^.^>l^y  ;;^H^^^^  .^-s  ^ 

it...  a   matter  of  surprise  to   many  of  the   present   d,fv   ,„]..„:„:.   .... 
peratii 


I  scene 


previously  ibrtified  by  any  one  of  th 


pnrtant  eh'Vation    had  never  been 


e  occupants  of  this  ancient  forti 


'ess. 


60 


Legacy  op  Histouio/l  Gleanings. 


and  indeed,  a  nej^'loet  of  the  kind  uoir  '   ,,iid  be  considered  unpardonalle. 
Hut  when  the  wihl  state  of  the  country,  the  entire  want  of  roads,  difficulty 
of  access  and  the  obstacles  opposed  to  sudi  ji  measure  from    the  broken 
nature  of  the  fjround,  are  taken  into  consideration,  the  oversi<rht  in  our 
officers  will  not  appear  so  astonishing;,  particularly,  as  their  more  experi- 
enced predecessors  in   possession  of  this  fort,  both   French   and  English, 
had  deemed  themselves  sufficiently  guarded  in  natural  obstructions,  from 
any  nnnoyi.nce  in  that  qu.irter.     However,   all  those  difficulties  were  sur- 
mounted by  the  enterprise  of  »he  British  army,  who(|uickly  "  scaled  the 
formidable  mount."  (Jeneral  IJurgoyne,  with  a  boldness,  secrecy  and  dis- 
patch almost  unparalleled,  conveyed  a  numberof  cannon,  stores,  and  troops, 
who  soon  cut  roads  through  the  forest  up  the  abrupt  sides  of  the  eminence, 
its  summit  leveled  and  by  "  hoisting  cannon  by  large  brass  tackles  from  free 
to  tree,  and  from  rock  to  rock,  over  dens  of  rattlesnakes  "  they  transporteti 
ordnance  from  their  vessels  to  the  heights  for  the  destruction  of  our  works 
at  Ticonderoga.     At  this  crisis,  the  foresight  of  General  St.  Clair  (juickly 
pointed   out  the  inutility  of  further  defense,  and   in  a  Council   uf  Wa'r 
immediately  convened  by  hini,   it  was  resolved  to  evacuate   the  fort   that 
same  night,  an  act  by  which  "  though  he  had  lost  a  post  he  had   saved  a 
state,"  was  afterwards  verified,     lu  pursuance  of  that  design  the  baggage, 
munitions, ordnance,  hospital  stores,  etc.,  at  three  o'clock,  A.  M.  of  July  tith, 
1777,  were  put  on  board  the  gun  boats  and  bateaux  under  charge  of  the 
heroic  Colonel  Long,  of  New  l]ampsbire,  with  15U  effective  men,  besides 
the  invalids,  and  sent  through  the  South  bay  of  Lake  Champlain,  to  the 
SKcnesborough  falls  on  Wood  creek,  to  be  landed  there,  and  transported 
round  the  falls,  to  other  boats  above,  and  thus  to  be  dispatched  for  Fort 
Ann.     The   main   body  of  our  forces   under  (!en.  St.   Clair,  being  tlius 
divested  of  all  incumbrances,  "  retired  by  an  unfinished  road  through  the 
wilderness,"  and  encajnped  the  next  night  near  Castleton,  six  miles  beyond 
Hubbardton.     Col.  Francis  and  Col.  Seth  Warner  with  the  rear  guard  of  | 
about  8U0  men  in  all,   quartered  at  the  latter  place.     Literim  Gen.   Ikr- 
goyne,  having  ascertained  the  movements  of  our  troops,  lost  no  time  in 
pursuing  them.     Notwithstanding  his  surprise  at  the   unexpected  event, 
and  the  impediments  to  be  surmounted,  by  nine  o'clock  the  following  morn- 
ing, one  division  of  his  army,  after  detaching  two  regiments  to  garrison  the 
abandoned  works,  was  on  full  march  after  the  Aujcrican  main  body.   Th 
other  under  his  own  immediate  command  had  removed  the  ehcvanx-de-/rlse 
(bridge,  boom  and  chain,  which  cost  our  people  such  immense  labor)  placed 
between  torts  Ticonderoga  and   Independence  to  delay  him,  and   in  his 
frigate,  tlie  lioyal  George,  with  his  flotilla,  was  soon  in  full  chase,  with  a 
favoring  breeze  after  Col,  Long.      ' 

At  5  o'clock  the  ensuiny;  morning,  July  Gth,  one-half  of  the  division  in 
pursuit  of  our  .nain  body,  under  command  of  Brigadier  Gen.  Frazer,  hj  I 
a  forced  march  came  up  with  our  rear  guard  at  Hubbardton,  as  it  ^y;li 
parading  to  continue  the  retreat.  An  obstinate  and  bloody  action  ensued, 
in  which  victory  was  for  a  time  doubtful ;  b\it  the  timely  arrival  of  ."Major 
Gen.  Kiedesel  witii  his  Brunswickers  and  Hessians  (furnished  to  Kin; 
George  III  by  the  Duke  of  Brunswick  and  Prince  of  Hesse),  decided  it  I 
against  the  Continental  troops.  Om' loss  was  estimated  at  about  liOU  in 
killed,  wouniied  and  missing  ;  amon.r  tlie  first  was  Col.  Francis  "  who  fell 
with  other  valuable  officers  while  bravely  fighting  with  distinguished 
gallantry."  The  loss  of  the  J]ritish  and  their  allies  was  much  greater, 
After  this  affair,  our  maiu  body   continued  its  retreat  unmolestcdly  by  8 


ton.  Col.  Long  w 
troops  and  that  th 
with  c(|ual  forces  j 
defeat  was  morally 
c'large,  to  the  aruiy 
"'as  so  great  that  1 
la,st. 

The  express  reac 

sif-'iiifiedhi,",  intenti( 

when  every  soldier  i 

«t  out  at  day  break 

loud  din  of  war"  wa 

Long's  jeopardy.      ^ 

"lareli  and  were  soi 

»y  the  occasional  wl 

AmoiuPnt's  halt  the 

of  the  contending  pi 

»ow  prevailing  euem 

"■'.'e''e  the   foe  stooc 

thinned  their  ranks 

to  think   "  it  „eces,s; 

"'   action."     They 

••'ontiimed  to  fall  back 

I  ''"t  ''"••  the  lack  of  an 

"'i"''"I-ited.     "Thee 

•'irreii during,  when  o 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


.     .,.  61 

cirpuifioiis  route,  and   ioinod  finn    <i..\.     i 

their  errand  was  easily  div  nod  b„t  fho  ^'f  ^  ^'^"'"•^'  d"v.n  upon  hi,n, 
"'<;..'  if  possible.  An'^expr^^  ;  rto'ciT'  r'""^'  il'^^---'l  to  balk 
at  F.M-t  Ann,  for  assisfanoo  T'  e  st  1  ^'''v  .""'u^  ^^-  ^""  ii«»««elaer, 
shore,  were  transferred  on  smaller  hn'f'  /"'^  *^'^  ''^'"''^  be  sent  on 
ovoryn.easurewastakent    To    tatetr      '""^  'n"'.  "P  ^'"^   creek,  while 

.no,wlo„.s  fire  was  opened  upon  li,.  from  '  ?"."'"L,'"""«'''  «"^-h  ^  're- 
^^^'''■■''•''■•'11),  that  <'  [he  (ienSr  B  ™th;;:U  '  "'"'"'•""''  (""- 
l^""i  I".s  army  at  Houth  bay.''  A  ""£{;' "f'n  P/'^P^""  *»  ••^^urn  and 
inan.euvro  calculated  t..  cut  ofl' his  rolZt  A  ■^^""^''  Perceiving  a 
keep  this  overwiMdmin.^  fW  i  .li  V  '.T*^  ''"'^^'"^'  '''«  ''""^'iHt;  to 
houses  and  bateaux,  to^ur  v  t,r  f'^hel.*'^  '«^^'  f  "^'  '^^"^^■ 

Pievent  their  falling  into  Hur-royne's  h.n  I.        i  r  1,^^^'"^  '""^  '^'^«''^'«'  *« 
boats,  toward  Fort  A,  ,,    de^tror."  L  J       '  "''"^'"'^  '''*''^''  '"'«  '»«ded 

trees  in  the  road  to  in.p ede  ^h^n  I;.'  .  'J  T'"'  ''''^  ^"^^^  ""<^  ^'^'li^g 
the  transportatio,.  '-(•ordnL  cc^Eo■;    '  Tv'"^'  "•■  "'^"'''  *« '"^''der 

">e"  0"  this  oeca.s.on.  tho^",       i'tU       J  ;  .  «f  Pfi^'-'^cd  no  loss  of 

posed  situation    of  the  eno,  v  th  -t  t^  ^""V'^'  ^''""'  ^''«  "lore  ex- 

i^iout.  Col.  Hill  with  heU  V^;  Let'i  ""'T  ''"?  f  "«"«^«d  severely, 
^vliile  the  other  British    relinS;    "      ""  ^'^ptched  after  Col.  Long, 

about  the  country  to  increase  thp.nh'^.l'^'?  '"  ''?'=""^'°  detachments 
Ticonderoga  and  by  the  dcff^t  o  ■(-;  11?^'  ^  occasioned  by  the  loss  of 
ton.     Col.  Long  was    consdou?  l^at  ih    i  'nrc  "r/^""  ^^"^^"••d. 

troops  and  that  therefor,    u.  "ctio    ti  h  hi'  even  seized   his  own 

with  o.,ual  forces  •  but  wif ,  L;.  '  •  '  P"''s»ers  was  impolitic  even 
defeat  !vas  mor  iVcm  in  vlt  th  '"r'.  ""'"^'^  '''"^  "rde/ of  troops  a 
charge,tothearm7"en;enL„tlv„;bl-";'^ 

j:^^^..at  thatL  nob,rs^K^:^rt^::^Tr^-; 

^i^S^aSS^Sm;;;;.^^  :^r^^^  -^ e  promptly 

when  every  soldier  in  his  c„mm  md  II,    I        f  "  '  '^'^"''^  ^°''  "^^'^'stance, 
r'  -^  --'t  day  break  o    Ju k  "''l   77   bi'  T'' 1    '".  '""''^"'Pf  "^  ''''"•     1^'-^ 
loud  din  of  war"  was  heard  in 'the  ^h'.,^    ""^  T^  proceeded  far  "  ere  the 
I'ong's  jeopar.ly.      \\^  h    ed  ub^V  no"^/'"^  ''"•'"^'^  them  of  the  brave 
'"areh  a„d\vere  soon  c     vi.ced  bv  the  i,       ^  •"''"*"  ^«^^^P»«'-^  their 
y  the  occasional  whiz  of  Ibu  let  ti     f  f  '""'"^"^'"S  ''«"  «f  ^re  arms,  and 
-V  nunuont's  halt  then  satisfied  Co     V       iF  '"'?  ''''"'  '^'  '''^'  "f'  ^^attle. 
•  oHhc  contending  part  cad  o?  his  di  ^'r'^-'!^'^^}^^-rehti.o  position 
"o^v  prevailing  enemy.     Tl       it'       se  7     f   ^'"'"'  "    ""'^'''^  '^'^^^'  the 
hj'"^re  the   foe  stood   thickes       tL,        f  ""V''' '^^^  °^"  ^'«'-  J^o«^^^ 
"'i»"«-l  their  ranks    ,nc,rL..i^''^  ''"  ^^"'^'^   among  them 

^■«  li»-  tl.e  l™k  .,r.,„„„u„i  "o,  ,1  i,  m  ,     '""-;''    ""PoJ'ent  to  pres,  (hen,, 

i™'">;"«i. " The  o„o„;r;;i'i;iV!r.,."t'"':":"""'?> '■'"''• ''°™ 
i """"""=• "'""  »"'■  — "-  bob,  e.p:,ia:™3  :vi';:/;f"i:'' 


62 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


dlans  arrivinj;  and  sotting  up  the  war-whoop,  this  bein<^  followed  by  three 
cheers  from  the  English,  the  Aiuericims  were  induced  to  give  way  and 
retreat."  As  it  was,  our  chief  object  was  obtained,  the  timely  and  vigor- 
ous  onset  of  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  enabled  Col.  Jiong  to  move  off  with  his 
invalids  and  part  of  the  baggage  which  were  subsequently  delivered  over 
to  Gen.  Schuyler  at  Fort  Kilward.  "  Our  army  was  in  very  deploralile 
circumstances,  actually  deficient  in  ammunition"  and  every  neee.s.sary 
article  to  render  it  efficient  against  the  veteran  and  well  supplied  invaders. 
The  following  extract  of  a  letter  from  the  secretary  of  Gen.  Schuyler, 
written  about  this  time,  proves  the  want  of  one  of  the  indispensable 
articles  in  our  army,  viz.  bullets,  and  even  of  the  material  to  make  them. 
It  also  affords  a  criterion  to  estimate  the  value  of  Colonel  Long's  charge, 
as  that  was  one  of  the  principal  items  among  the  articles  saved  from  the 
conflagration  and  enemy's  hand  : 

"  The  citizens  of  Albany  only  can  supply  our  immediate  exigencies ; 
recourse  must  therefore  be  had  to  the  committee,  begging  their  interposi- 
tion to  collect  such  lead  as  is  in  the  city :  the  lead  from  windows  and 
weights  may  perhaps  afford  a  supply  for  the  present.  As  soon  as  it  is 
collected,  Mr.  Rensselaer  [Philip  Van  Ron.sselaer  Esq.  commissary  of 
military  stores  and  member  of  the  Commitee  of  Safety,  the  father  of  iMrs, 
Solomon  Van  llensselaer,  and  proprietor  of  the  old  Cherry  Hill  estate 
near  the  city  of  Albany]  will  have  it  made  into  ball,  and  send  it  up 
without  a  moment's  delay.  Should  a  wagon  be  sent  off  with  one  box,  as 
soon  as  it  is  ready  it  must  be  pushed  off;  also  all  the  buck  shot. 

"  I3y  order  of  Major  general  Schuyler, 

"  J.  Lansing,  Jun.,  Secretary." 

Mr.  Lansing  was  afterwards  chancellor  of  the  state  of  New  York.  It 
may  be  gratifying  to  learn  that  this  requisition  was  in  every  particular 
complied  with  ;  lead  was  taken  from  the  windows  and  shops  at  Albany 
and  soon  moulded  into  bullets.  The  contributions  from  onr  patriotic  an- 
cestors in  lead,  and  pewter  mugs,  cups,  teapots  and  platters,  not  only 
enabled  the  commissary  to  answer  the  call  for  the  then  "  immediate  em- 
ergencies" but  to  supply  a  few  extra  balls  for  the  equipment  of  some  of  I 
the  crowd,  then  constantly  flocking  for  the  defense  of  their  country 'j 
liberty  and  rights.  During  the  most  sevc  o  part  of  the  conflict,  on  July 
8th  "  near  the  narrow  pass  between  some  high  rocks  and  the  river  "  in  close 
proximity  to  the  old  Fort  Ann,  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  in  following  up  | 
the  advantage  he  had  gained  over  the  enemy  was  desperately  wounded 
tiie  efi'ects  of  which  he  severely  felt  through  the  remainder  of  his  lil'e. 
lie  received  a  musket-ball  in  his  leg  as  he  was  in  the  act  of  stepping  over 
a  fallen  tree.  Ti.s  ball  entered  his  thigh,  broke  the  bone  and  glanced  up 
to  the  hip  joint  where  it  lodged  and  remained  for  nearly  forty  years  in  I 
his  person  and  could  not  be  traced  till  after  his  death.  It  was  then  ex- 
tracted, and  found  flattened  out  to  the  diameter  of  near  an  inch,  by  striking  | 
the  thigh  bone  ;  it  was  almost  entirely  covered  with  a  white  ossified  sub- 
stance. This  bullet  is  still  a  relic  of  1777  in  possession  of  our  family. 
Such  a  fearful  wound,  of  course,  put  a  stop  to  his  further  personal  parti- 
cipation in  tlie  fight,  and  threw  him  on  his  back  behind  the  mouldurin;; 
log.  Nothwithstanding  the  agony  he  suffered  now,  his  country  was  still 
uppermost  in  his  thoughts,  and  perceiving  the  consternation  of  the  men 
round  him  at  his  fall  he  called  out :  "  Don't  mind  me,  my  brave  fellows 
leave  me  and  charge  the  enemy,  Charge  !  charge  !  i  say."     The  soUliei.-j 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  63 

tiroly  mustered  on  the  Vnn  Jlen  sSr  „         ''"""•«'"."'<''"  who  were  en- 
over'son-cof  the  finest  tro  ps  of  ot  rj^^^  T      Th^r"  IYY  "'.^""''-""^ 
hM  ]]ur,op,o  in  cheek  an^nthe  .   '    a  d  ".".bled  (o^    S^'^'^^^  *^^ 
move  art    ery  and   stores  frnm    P,.r/o         ^°"^''^''  ^'^^-  ^''chuyler  to  re- 

never  occupied  the  place  in  the  h"storv  o  '  fl.../  "'f^'^'-'f^''^  action  has 
entitles  it  to.     It  occurred  a  shorim/nr  ^"'  ^'^'''^'  '^'  nnpoHnnce 

resulted  in  the  defeat  Ind  su'reLV^?  T;''"'  '"  '\^T'  ^""'^  ^'"«h 
toga,  and  was  swallowed  u,  a"!  fb^oetenr^^^^^^  "V'  't^if^  ''^■'''^"■ 
importance  of  that  <Iccisive^onflict^I  wa  n.  «;  ^  'w'  ^'"•"'""'^e  «nd 
by  a  force  of  about  1000  n,en  I'li^-st  I'va  ^b^'cL^rir'"  ''^ 
army,  and  was  a  series  of  desperate  and  blooSy  sk  J^L^'  S'f' 
in  ^\ashIngton  county  was,  indeed,  an   honoredUd  fo    the' nr!l  °° 

skiiniislies  and  enL'a<'•eu]ent^  hpfwoL,    ,i  .       •  "*^  preliminary 

final  yielding      It  wYS  t  bToTd'       ^'""^'^  ^'^'"^'^  '^' 

impoLnce  of  checki  ,X"  neL's  „dvlc^?^^^^^^  .'''' •"^'''"  7^''  ^''^'^  ^^e 
tions  to  defend  Fort  Ann      Tl  ere  wpX  T  ,^"'"    "'^'^  -'''^'^  ^''-^c- 

arn.y  at  Ticondero.a  anTpoi'  Ge^'^feuv''  ??  /"^^"f'^/"^  ^^ 
consequence  of  hearin-  of  the  invpJM.^nVl  ,  7  ,  ^^^"^  detained  in 
on  Lake  Champlain  :  and  o  favo  tho  dn«i  ^  '7?:^  ?^  T'"'"  ^^"  ""'^  ^^^-^s 
.^c,  sent  to  remove  thoi  suppHes  ba^k  fn  ?  '^.^'^f  ^^'''l"'-"*  of  wagons, 
despatched  Col.  Ilenrv  K   V^n  Tfn        .        }  r^  *"^'^'"'^'  ^«n-  Schuyler 

ancf oppose  the  bIS  who^l-e  i  ^^  ^dt  S"  CoT  f ""  ^"  "^""'  T'''*'^ 
"land.  It  was  in  consequence  of  this  fC  ^u  ^  •  ,^"^' f  scattered  com- 
ment under  Col.  Hill  took  phce  '  '  ^'"''  ^'^'^  '^'  »^''  l^^gi" 

a  vlly  ;t;;arv;::c;';i^"iLsrrid:"aVr''^  \r^7"^-^  ^^^'^ 

finally  a  .secure  retre  t,  thou-^h  not  tHr^t  M  '•"""'''^^  ^  ''^''<^^n^e  and 
But  it  nearly  cost  the  bVave  V  n  K  „  h  Lis  1,^:'""""",'^''^"  '^'''  ""^• 
rate  was  the  encounter  that  he  lav  mMnv?  ^'^  l'^^ '^'^  ^lose  and  despe- 
in.  of  the  groans  of  Cof  n  s tron  of'  ^oVX  ^'  '''^^^  ^•"''»  '^^''- 
badly  injua.d.     Wany  of  7™^  Sp,  ■'"'"''  "'i"'^'  ^''°  W"«  «J«o 

amo no'  whom  was  "  (Snt  Mnnf  """""^'^^^^  ^"^^'J  were  left  to  our  mercy 
oniill's  re"w,  .^;S-yt  1  ftTfJ^:  ibrother-in-law  to  Lord  TownsenS^I 
in  the  acti.;;,,  and  ^^en  ^p.^  wUh  the"  L"  "'''^  ^^^^^'-^  ^«»"Jed  ear/y' 
wound,   which    happened   as  XT  f^'"'"""'"  ^'^  ""''^  dressing  his 

Tbi.s  extract  fromirE  glis .  work  (S;  V/^  «  angi„g  it.  po.siti'^on." 
interior  of  America  in  a^ser L^of  lif  ^^1  r'-^i  ^T-^'  ^'[^""^^^  the 
tlicsame  as  that  of  Gen  BnvJL  .nl  ^Y  "®'^'">  '«  substantially 
considered  as  an  indh-ect  admSon  bv  tL  p'  ''""  fP''''  ^"^  "^'^^  ^-^ 
But  as  it  was  the  first  chLk  heh  hftl!,.  '"^'»3^,«^  ^heu-  discomfiture, 
with,  they  were  loath  to  ckLwled4  it  ^  nl'''''''^r'  P™^'''^^^  ^'"^  "'^^ 
quent  retreat  of  our  men  to  ForT  pft-  J  ^i  'n  ^'"''''  '''"'^  ^'^^  «»l^«e- 
I'ead  quarters,  gave  tTem  a„\nl  f  '  ""i'"''  ^'"-  ^''''»^'«'-  f'<^ld  his 
in^'  extract  of  tli  ex  n  i"a  on  ^of  Snt'ain'  M '""  ^'  I"'"'^"  '^''^  ^''^"«w- 
of  the  British  army,  befo,;  t L  coZi  "e  of'thT','"'^^-  T''''  "'"^^^•' 
'nvostigute  the   causes  of  Gen     Bu     <  i^es   f  r"'  '"'"'""^"^   *« 

opniionof  theEn-dishofiicers    n  ..I    -^      .  '■^'    '"'^"^'•'es   the    real 

f-'ccasion  :  Qn^l^^^::i:f^J:'J'^  -"';»<^^  or  our  n.en  on 
,  feeptcmber  ?"     Ans.  <'  T  was  ''    ^O  .Sf  "  tV  •    i '"''"'  °^  *^^'  ^•'^''  "^ 

I  field  that  day  with  obstinacy  ?"     Ans    "  lliev  did   n'  aTI  ^''^''''  ^''" 

J         ^J-us.      incy  did,  and  the  fire  was  much 


64 


Legacy  op  IIistouical  Gleanings. 


'il;! 


heavier  than  I  ever  Hiiw  it  any  where  uiihjHH  ;it  the  ajfulr  of  Fort  Attn." 
(Jen.  iJiir^oyne  previdii.s  to  leaving;-  Kn^liind  ••  iniJ  v:iuntin;,'ly  declaroil  iti 
the  Hi'itisl<  purliunient  that  his  army  (which  had  one  of  tiiu  he^t  trains  ut' 
artillery  ever  neeii  in   America)    shouM  he    led  hy  him   from  Maine  to 
(ieorjria,  and  that  ho  would  make  an  ea.sy  con((ueat  of  the  whole  colony  uf 
New  York."     The  gallant   leader  at   Fort  Ann   refused   every  proffer  of 
aHnislaiiCi' lifter  receiving  his  wound,  and  persisted  in   the  advance  of  f(// 
hi^t  men  nllor  the  retiring  ioe.      In  conHccjuenee  he  was  soon  left  alone; 
but  his  anxiety  to  calculate  the  result  of  the  onset,  induced  him  ever  and 
anon  to  brave  the  pangs  of  a  movement  to  overlook  the  obstructing  lo;,'. 
When  satisfied  hy  the  still  receding  noise  of  contention,  lie  sought  again 
his  more  comfortable  position  on  the  level  earth.     At  the  expiration  ut' 
those  seemingly  unending  hours,  the  noise  was  hut  indistinctly  heard  afar 
oil',  when  the  souml  of  approaching  footsteps  among  the  rustling  leaves, 
drew  hiai  on''i  moic  to  u  reconnoitering  attitude,  and  he  found  it  occii. 
sioned  by  a  young  rustic,  whose  soiled  garments,  together  with  sundry 
circular  impressions  upon  his  lips,  evidently  made  i'rom  a  foul  gun  barrel, 
proclaimed  him  late  from  the  scene  of  action.      Whether  his  prowess  liail 
been  exerted   in  favor  of  /,•/////  or  rcbil  was  not  known   to  the   colonel, 
To    ascertain    it    he    hailed    him.     "Who   comes    there 'r"'     "Holloa!" 
ejaculated   the  startled   youth,  and   catching  a  glim[)se  of  the  head  from 
which  the  unexpected  demand  had  issued,  ami  of  tlie  I'usee  in  the  act  uf 
being  levelled  at  hiui  over  the  log,  he  (|uickly  made  an  obli(iuc  s])riiig  and 
was  safely  ensconced  behind  the  projecting  trunk  of  a  ueiiihboring  tree. 
Here  the  instinctive  operation  of  loading  his  piece  was  speedily  perfonned, 
when  feeling  and  expressing  himself  "  on  a  I'ooting"  with    his  suppu.Ncd  j 
antagonist  he  declared  himself  "a  continental  soldier,"  and  asked  "  who  j 
the  devil  are  you  'i  "     "  I  am  Coloi.el  Van  Jlen.'sselaer,"   was  the  reply, 
upon  which  the  brave  fellow  lel't  his  hiding  place  and  soon  collected  a  few  I 
of  his  comrades  with   whose  assistance  he  bore  tlie  drooping  cripple  to 
fort.     In  his  latter  days,  the  colonel  often  mentioned  the  manly  conduct 
of  this   soldier  with   pleasure.     At   Fort   Ann,  Col.   V.   ll's  wound  was 
hastily  dressed,   and  as  the  evacuation  of  the  post  was  decided  upon,  lie 
was  again  raised  upon  the  shoulders  of  his  devoted  men  and  borne  fifteen  | 
miles  to   Fort  Edward,  from   whence   he  was  put  on  a  boat,  with   Capt, 
31ontgomery  and   another   prisoner  of  war,  and   floated  down  to  Albiiny.  I 
He   was  too   ill  to  be  taken   to   his  residence  at  (jreeiibush,  so  both  the 
wounded  officers  in  the  same  dwelling  submitted  the  task  of  healing  tlieir 
wounds  to  Mie  skillful  hands  of  Dr.  Samuel  Stringer  (surgeon  general  ot'| 
the  forces  under  (ien.  Schuyler  and  a  man  of  great  eminence  in  the  medi- 
cal profession,  and  ranked  among  the  first  practitioners  of  his  day,  who  I 
died  in   1818).     That  of  Capt  Montgomery  assumed  a  favorable  aspect, 
and  niaugre  his  boding  prediction,  that  our  "sharp  shooters  had  ruiueJ 
his  d — d  fine  legs,"  he  was  soon  in  condition  to  accept  the  invitation  Iroiii 
his  kinsman's  relict  (the   widow  of  General  Richard    31outgouiery)  anJ 
left  the  city  to  pay  her  a  visit  at  lihincbeck  on  the   Hudson  river.     The  | 
citizens   of  Albany  were    in   momentary   expectation   of  liurgoyne's  ap- 
proach ;  all  who   could  leave,  fled   from  the  city.     Colonel    Van  Kensse- 
laer's  younger  brother,   I'liilip,   commissary   of  military  stores,   kept  a  I 
sloop  at  the  dock,  prepared  to  remove  his  suffering  relative  at  the  sliglitejt[ 
alarm.      The  colonel's  case   long  bid  defiance   to   all   the  arts  of  surgery. 
The   position  of  the  ball   rendered  its   extraction    impossible  without  al 
xuauifost  danger  to  his   life,   and  the  frasrmenfs  of  clothin"  which  liiiJj 


Legacv  op  nrsTourcAL  Gi.EAmms. 


65 


been  forced  in  with  it,  kopfc  .       soro  fill.i     m 

w,..inam„,sf„,,uHeou.sHtMto      .     .vov!m-vI^'''. '"'"""''  '*•"  "'°   ^'"""1 
rii-cd  constitution,  ho  .surnmunto.l  in '.  ,  "•"•^^'"I'ttin.fcaro  an.l  a 

was  no,  a.ai„  i„  condition  Tor  o  '  ll       ""V''  ^''". ',""«'"•,  thou.M.  ho 

re.s,,an,si>de  offices;  hut  ho  a  Cs  su        '    l''''''""'  T^  '''  ""  •'*«^«'-"'  "thor 
Lis  wound.     Hove'ral  tin.os  it  K^.^o  <  u   i    '' II   V  ''"•  ^'■"'"  ^''«  •'«'"«^'*  "^ 
;;■!  o.  So,.on.her  .  !«.,  o.utuan/^^r; 'Vi:  Jr^';;;-  :f:l™- 
|..:^;Stt  Kd^^  ^^/^p.^^?  •-['-  -  ^^e  n.unlor  of 

killed  and  ^calpod  l^/a  ^Iky'  I     ,'.  ]    r,'  ,'"  ,  "'Y^-'yo'.^  urn.y:     Sifo  w 
]hitiHhcampthoIo4,Jio   V'u"    w  ^''""   '''°^    ••"•rived   at   the 

|con.h.nnod  throughout  th^cont^'u^^^^^  ''''="•'"  '  '"^  ^^  '"'""y 

Vn.s.  upon  tho  (fonoraKs  St  S/;^    ^^ 

Nlity  vvas  l,id  .p,,.  „„  la  ;;,,",  'Y"-;^^  '-•  •»-•>  o^t^o  ros"pon,s- 
flu.'  northorn  departmont.     This  di.  wl  .    "  C'""'".tndor-iu.chief  of 

fccivod  too  niucn  credence  tht'vL  I  ".''"^ ''""i^'y  reported  and  re- 
Part  of  traitor,  to  thei  oo^ntrv  Z^it  ir''^'"'"  "'^  ?':  ^''^^  acted  tho 
h  the  enemy  in  silorr  ^<///s  ;ilot  to m  I  ^^  ""■■"  P'"^  ''""  '''«''•  ^'-eason 
H  tl.t  they  were  eolloctod'  by"  i'f  "eSrSt '7 'r^'"  T'V^'""P' 
fe  ween  han  and  General  Schuyler  Go,  or  VV  i.  .  '""•  ''""'^  ^'^'J«<^ 
H  con-ress  su.spendod  St  nTk  ^^^""'''^  VVashin-ton  wan  perplexed 
h-a.  Gate.  ^  L  Siilfi^tlilf Su;r"^,rliX^''^'"^'^  ^'^jutant: 
Nil  a  panic,  tho  oeoplo  ran  about  ,s  i  S.    .  V     ^'^  "»'^"^  were  seized 

n  Jurniture.     The  action    ofTl   1  Jth    .f't  I  '"l^  '''"'  f  '''«"'  "^''ds 
<77,  are  wellknovvn  tn  »,..,->  K  ^"^/'^^l  of   September  and   October   7 
|.oud  army.     Tl  e  l'  t  "    to  t  h''"  '^^ir^f  ^'"^  ^'^'^  "^  <^-^»-  Hur'.,y  Jj 

l""urable  to  our  armv  si noo  tC  ,..  ^"""'''  ^^^ttlo,and  the  most 

f.s  completely  ro;:i  od   "everr  Z;""".'  ^^^^f '^'^     T'-  --my 

as  also  many  o'theroffior-l^i^/h;^^^  ^'T"  "^"-    ^^-- 

P  file  (jnarters  uf  Baroness  llio,h.^,.7  ,V^  ^       ""    '  ^  '"■^^"r  "'''^'^  carried 

^'•"•■0  bis  death,  he  r "rested    iVu'/l^"'''''"''^' °"^^^ 

f  should  like  to  be  buri    it, iVclotkih  ""'''/  ^'''^'''  '*> 

I'luatam,  in  a  c^roat  redoubt  wh-^h.  I       the  o  enin-  on  the  top  of  a 

f  corpse  was  carried  up  i    t  t h    T  ^'"'V  u"^"     About^sunset 

H '''View  of  both  armies        'f.'"'"'   "^   ^'^   "^"    ^'''-P^    ^"J 

t^  themselves  in  the  Z  blo^       "^of ''^'S- r'^'l'^^r'  '^'«'^^-' 

■^tlie  adjutant  general,  Cnl.  Kin   st^    o2,.«  ;^''""'"'".  ^'^  the  .statement 

«^'ed,tl.olo.ssoftho2,Jth   A  ini'.i^^^^^  committee  above  men- 

|o'e,outofll00monwl.n  .'"       J-         ■     /^'"''"""^^   ^l'>"c   "'as   500  or 

ht;^40.     Yot  .^,  '  '\7''".-'i\»ff  only  00  „r  60  effective  men  out  of 

h  Ann  un/HlmiSlie  ::a2:  "h  '  m^"'?  "^"^^""^  '"  ^'^  -^-  ^ 

f''-  ^wo.     I.  proved,'::^  aU  :t  K^u'L'::  ^^^^HVl  '"'^^^  ^^^^^ 

,  -1  a  luj.-,!,  ,^..,,e!ieial  tuudeuoy  to  our 


u! 


•    '!] 


66 


TiKdACY   OP    IIlSTOUlCAI,   Gt.KANINGS. 


k 


cause.     The  illnmon  oC  tlic  iiiviiicihlonoHs  of  our  invaders  was  dis  ipatoil, 

l*imic  jiiive  way  tn  eiiiilitlt'iiee,  ami  every  sucfceiliiij,'  battle  in  the  North 

Btreiij,'tiieii(Ml  it  to  sueii  a  iK'<:ree  that  the  vauiitiii-:  15mp>yne  was  event- 

ually  coiiiiH-lie.l   to  yiel.l  to  its   eiTects  on  tlie  lielils  of  Saratoj^'u.     The 

battle  ol'  Saiato;;a  is  universally  aeknowled^ied   tti  have  been  one  of  the 

seven  >;'■*'»''  decisive   battles  in  the  liistory  ol"  the  world.     The  defeat  of 

]Jur;-oyne  settled  the  (|uestion  ol"  the  existeneo  of  this  republie.     The 

result  of  tlio  revolutionary   war  depended  upon   that  day,  and  that  day 

WHS  won  by  the  valor  of  the  Continental  army.     That  tield  bolon^'cd  to 

the  whole   nation,  we  all  gbnied   in   it ;  here  the   IJritish   lion   j;ot  down 

on    his  knees  before  the  .\nieriean  ea;;le.     <i(Mi.  {{urgoyne  died  Au-;.  4, 

171)2.     The  f(.ll.>wiiiK  aneedoto  was  told  by  Jaeob  Van  Alstyne,  who  was 

at  the    taking   of  Hurp)yne.      lie    was  then    adjutant  of  a  ref;iniont  nf 

Kensselaer  eounty  militia,  under  Col.  Stephen  .1.  Sehuyler.      Lieut.  Col, 

Henry  K.  Van  Kensselaer  aeted  in  tlie  two-lold  eapaeity  of  adjutant  miJ 

quarter-master.     Col.  Sehuyler   was  a   brother  of  (len.  I'hilip   Sehuyler, 

and  haviiifi  the  oldest  eonimission  amonj^  the  colonels  on  that  station,  lie 

netod  as  hn;.'adier  f,'eneral  in  the  latter  part  of  the  eanipaitrii.      A  (iernian, 

iiauu>d  .lohn  Tillman,  a  portly  gentleman  who  resided  at  Albany  after  the 

war,  acted  as  (iermaii  interpreter  for  General  Gates,  and  was  requested 

by  the   latter  to  select  a   proper  person  to  go  into  the  British  camp  nsi 

aju/  ;  the  object  of  whose  mission  was  to  drrii/aff  Ifttns  amntiij  the  IM 

si'aii  wldici-H,  to  induce  them  to  desert,  and  to  bring  on  an  cntragemeiit  in 

such  a  manner  as  Gf.tes  desired.     Tillman  selected  (Christopher  Fisher, aj 

private  in  V.o\.  Sehuyler's  regiment,  a  siirewd    fellow  and  always  readjf 

with  an  answer  to  smy  tpiestion  thai  might  be  asked  him  ;  ho  was  a  witlj 

man,  true  as  steel.     Never  at  a  loss  for  a  reply,  bo  it  (|UCfition,  fun,  oi 

joke,  his  Hashes  ba<  k  would  eome  with  jolly  good  cheer,  for  he  was  briraJ 

ful  of  good  nature  and  well  educated.     "fisJier  being  well  acciuaintcd  witk] 

Van  Alstyne,  visited  him  ttt  ask  his  advice  in  the  hazardous  undcrtukin; 

naming  the  reward  olVered.     The  latter  told  him  what  the  consc<iaeiicc 

wouldTjo  if  he  was   detected,  bu.  declined  giving  counsel.     '  Well,' saii 

Fisher,  '  if  you  will  not  advise  mo  how  to  proceed,  then  I  must  act  on  iiijl 

own  judgment ;'  so  saying,  he  took  his  leave  of  Van  Alstyne,  who  thoiii;iill 

but  little  more  of  the  matter  until  after  the  battle.     VVbiJein  his  tentat'icj 

the  engagement,  Fisher  entered  and  showed  him  a  piirxe  of  (/old  <iiidm 

dischan/e  from  the  srrviW,.     Van  Alstyne  then   desired  to  know   howlKJ 

had  proceeded.     Fisher  stated  that  on  the  day  apitointed,  he  approachel 

the  enemy's  picket  with  a  sheep  upon  his  back,  which  had  been  killed  fal 

the  occasion.     He  was  hailed   by  the   guard,  who  demanded  of  binibl 

residence  and  the  object  of  bis  vi"sit.     Fisher  replied,  that  he  livod  a  ftij 

r.'.iles  back  in  the  country,  '  that  the  <I—<f  Y<nih('<:>i  had  destroyed  all  hif 

',ropcrty  but  one  ><hrrp,  which  be   had  killed,  and  was  then  taking  to  ki 

frkiith.'     On  hearing  this  reply,  the  .sentinel  treated  him  kindly,  and  liJ 

livered   him   over  to  an  officer  with   a  favorable   report.     In  the   Hritiilj 

camp,  he  was  asked  by  a  superior  officer,  what  proof  he  could  give  tin' 

he  was  not  deceiving.     Said  Fisher,  '  the  rrhrU  are  preparing  to  k'^'^  )■. 

battle,  and  if  you  wUl  go  with  me,  I  will  convince  you  of  its  truth.'    ill 

officer  followed  Fisher  to  a  certain  place,  from  which  was  visible  a  wociil 

Here  had  been  stationed,  agreeable  to  the  order  of  Gen.  Gates,  a  bodyfl 

Col.  Morgan's  rifle  corps,  who  wore  to  exhibit  themselves^  in  a  steaittl 

manner.     The  riflemen  wore  frocks  aiul  were  easily  distinguished,  '  Iheif 

there,'  says  Fisher,  '  dun'l  you  bOO  ihcm  devils  uf  xMor^^au's  dodging  abflf 


Leoaoy  op  ITihtou 


anion 


;;  tho  trees?'  And  hu 


If' AT.   GlkaNINOS. 


07 


ro  on(tuj,'li,  iiHfuHtiiH  Hi 


til'-  !5rili.sh  ..fliccr  oouirr.oo"fj"io'movin" '(""l''  "1°  fP^"*""'"'!  !>!«  virion 
mn  (o  war,  ..loudin-  uIho  th  •  . .. .  1  .  7  '  ''''^''"  l""''^"'"'"''  '"'  uvor- 
ch,«o,  an.i  ombmco.)  tf     o J!  i.,        '''.''  '^'•\''' ^''"  ^'••""P  wl.cu   I.e 


ch(«o,an.ioi..bn,co.ltr..H,,;,;.tu;;i,Vwi!iiry''  "''\'''^''"  *-■•""?  w!.c»   i.e 
w:.s,  however,  ,ul,„Mod   .-' '  n  Sn  o    1  ''■"'  ^'''•^"""'W-'d-      flo 

u.m.u.,,.10  ,  UH  a  fronuirio  royalist,  and  hoini; 
.'al  lioiirs   With    tI...o I •'■        '."""""""« 

di.si 

Gil 


allnw.d  to   nnn^^ic  h      «<- ,  ral  hours  wfM  "^  "'^■.  "^"  "'"^  ''"'"« 

(lischiir^^ed  the  duti-  ,  of  hi,   "  ■  Z  ..,7.  m   "''"'.  "''"'"'  <^"''"""'.  ''« 

Gat.,s.  "a   party   .i"  Xi  Vr  Z      r  /''"  ■^'.'."r''""'""  '^Hion^ral 


10 

is 
tho 


1841,  a,,cd  ■H.arl,  nitric  ;cr.ry''-     ^'^"  ^''"   ^^'"^^^"^   ^''^^  '»  ^^^"y 

l^<.-..>y.e  drew  li   "I::;^       n,/    :;",!"  r^T  "'   ^^'^ -.'-. 
wisliiaj.' to  tt-.rravuto  th.,  ....ii.c,,!    J"','!'^""-'^    ''■/"    Oonoral    Gates.     Not 

|«li«S  li.eir  nrai»  aiij  iirlillcrv  «  1),    ,  I  „.„  "".'"•"»,"'"  JusraJing  act  of 

tii.'i' ..w„ „ir,„,,.  A "  ,  J„; CO ,n. ; ,  r"'-;','"'- ;"  ""■ "»"""»'"'  »f 
'»"t,  "!■  "■- li-  ..I' .'I^rii^t  ..:„'■,!  ;r';i:,7^««j,';''  -J 

rendi'r  Ook  i)  aco  near  tho  «t.,,f  ,wi,  ,.     .1       ,  "*"*  "•"  i^n^'land.      Ih.e  sur- 

rc»djj  l„r  ,.„  cx„au«).     A,  l,i,  l.o«o  ™S,l  V  ftl    iLt  i'^.|,°"'J 

lend,  of  the  pole  wo^e  used  to  turn  i  ^  V  l'  "  ^""\  '^'  P^^^'^^J^'^^'^  ^^  the 
hl'icl.,  beneath  the  ox  a  fire  wa  "n  ulo  W  V''  '^"^'  "'  '^'  ^"'''^'"d'  '» 
Mlt-wi-ter  were  at  tm  1   to  h  ■  .      "'?  «o"'^"'?<.  several  pails  of 

f"n.in,      WlLf  rt  te'd    i     w"'''  r    ''''\'''''^'V^  '^^'^P  the  .nelt  from 

I^ept  up  during  the  day.  ''"'  '"'^'^  "^  ^'"^'^''^ry  was 

"  Tlio  aired  mot  witli  joy  of  lieart 
„^/i'l'"  youthfn]  met  with  frleo  • ' 
While  little  children  played  their  part, 
Ihe  huppieat  of  the  three." 


t 
!ie 


68  Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 

"In  the  eveninp:  almost  every  dwelling  in  the  city  was  illuminated, 
A  large  pyramid  of  pine  fagots  which  had  been  collected  for  the  occasion, 
in  the  centre  of  which  stood  a  liberty-pole  supporting  on  its  top  a  barrel 


of  tar,  was  set 


itol 


on  dre  on  Pinkster  hill,  whereon  tho  state  capitol  now 
reposes,  near  the  city  early  in  the  evening.  When  the  fire  reached  the 
tar.  it  not  only  illuminated  every  part  of  the  city,  but  sent  its  ominous 
light  for  many  miles  around,  presenting  a  most  imposing  cflFect.  The 
capture  of  Bu.goyne  and  his  army  inspired  Americans  with  confidence  as 
to  their  final  triumph."  In  the  severe  battle  of  the  7th  of  October,  Gen, 
liurgoyne  himself,  had  a  hair-breadth  escape,  having  one  bullet  pasR 
through  his  hat  and  another  tore  his  waistcoat.  At  one  time  a  part  of 
General  Gates 's  army  was  exposed  to  innninent  danger.  "He  had  re- 
ceived what  he  supposed  to  be  certain  intelligence  that  the  main  body  of 
Burgoync's  army  had  marched  off  for  Fort  Kdward,  and  that  a  rearguard 
only  was  left  in  the  camp.  On  this  it  was  concluded  to  advance  and 
attack  the  camp  in  half  an  hour  ;  unknown  to  the  Americans,  Eurgoyne 
had  a  line  formed  behind  a  parcel  of  brushwood  to  support  the  post  of 
artillery  where  the  attack  was  to  be  made.  A  British  soldier,  a  deserter, 
communicated  the  very  important  fact,  that  the  whole  British  army  were 
in  their  encampment.  Gen.  Wilkinson  too,  discovered  the  British  at  their 
post,  through  a  thick  fog  while  his  horse  halted  to  drink  in  fording  the 
creek,  and  he  instantly  arrested  the  march  ol  our  troops.  The  intelligence 
was  conveyed  to  General  Gates,  who  countermanded  his  orders  for  the 
assault,  and  called  back  his  troops  and  thereby  saved  them  from  destruc- 
tion, but  they  sustained  some  loss  from  the  British  artillery.  It  is  knoffii 
that  Burgoyne  has  fre(juently  expressed  hi.'  extreme  disappointment  that 
he  was  bafiied  in  this  stratagem,  and  Americans  should  be  most  thankful." 

"  Fort  Edward,  in  Camp  8th  July  1777. 
"  Received  of  Capt.  Huyck  283  Bullets  Received  By  me 

"  John  0.  Ten  Broeck,  of  the  Continental  Troops." 

In  October,  1777,  Sir  Henry  Clinton  with  the  British  fleet  proceeded 
up  the  Hudson  to  Kingston  intending  to  cut  his  way  through  and  join 
Burgoyne  at  Saratoga,  which  fortunately  was  frustrated  by  Burgoyne's 
surrender.  While  at  Kingston  or  Esopus  he  demolished  the  place  and 
burnt  almost  every  house  ;  among  which  was  the  fine  family  residence, 
dear  Hattie,  of  your  paternal  grandfather,  Peter  E.  Elmendorf,  then  a  lad 
of  12  years. 

"  Saratoga  19  April  1777. 
"  Rcc'  from  iMi    John  Joans  Fifteen  Hundred  &  fifteen  Oars  for  the 
Service  of  the  United  States  of  America, 

"Ei'iii"  Van  Veoiiten  Asst,  D.Q,  M.  General." 

John  Tyson  to  Governor  Lewis. 

Peekskill,  April  23rd  1777. 

Sir  :  The  Bearer  Mr.  Israel  Levano  has  15  Cwt.  of  Round  Shot,  sent 

here  by  Order  of  General  Knox  of  the  Artillery,  &  by  his  desire  forwarded 

to  Albany.     As  we  don't  know  who  is  the  Coniu  'ssary  of  Ordnance  with 

you,  have  addressed  it  to  you  &  beg  you  will  put  it  in  the  proper  Channel, 

On  behalf  of  W.  Huirhs  D.Q.  M,         .         «•    ^^        ,,,     ' 

^  1  am  Sir  lour  hble  Servt. 

Morgan  Lewis,  Esq.  j^o.  Tyson. 


Please  to  dclii 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


r      .        n  69 

Invoice  of  Ordnanop   Sfnma    «„.»*.  j.      <  u 

wa.dccl  With  all  po^ibeW^^  \'  ^f^'"  t^^^e   for- 

lOtl,.  ]5tb,  &   IGth  r.  r  the  feCd  ^^^^^^^^^  ^^"J'  «'^"'  Schuyler  July 

^^^  ir77.  v.:  tThe  li.  wastt/;^^;^^  ^^^i;!^- ^-ip^ 

Received  into  the  Public  Store  of  C^r.^^^^^n'"'  August  6th  1777. 
Livingstons  Kegi.ent  of  Mili^^rTnlSS'^  SSj.^l^^f  ^"^^^^ 

Jasple  Maud'e  01^]^^^^  Conduct. 
Tennis  T'  Van  Veckteu  to  PMlip  Van  Uensselacr. 

''"iLr         .1      ..  Albany  Sepf  12th  1777 

ByordcrofGenl.  Schuyler. 
Please  to  deliver  the  above.  "^""^  Jmnsing  Jun  Secy. 

To  the  1).  Quarter  Master  S^S  llTf^^^^^^  t^JSf ;  «on. 

l.cl!L/c:Si:„yi;;,,!:;'-C^f  ;,^^^--^  of  the  cou„ty  of  Mo„t.o.ery 
tI.o  battle  fin-  the  r  1    fof  l ".r    s't^'w-'  '''{P'^'  F^^*^^^''^'^  Vis.scher  ?„' 
our  nn-Iitia  were  checked  .nil"''"     )^'''  ^'"^  ^'''  detachment  of 
found  necessary  to  S'e  t  e  n hlf     l"""'^'':  '""'"''^y  ^"""^'^d,  it  was 

ordered  to  falli^oka'dlotS  T  ci'd"l/;^/T''" 

to  prevent  the  sava-es  from  t.,L-;„       j  '''""^'''f  by  a  deep  bushy  ravine 

then,  in  the  rear>?he    ™r  it„ ';?^^^^^ 

were  to  have  sallied  out'ani  ?o  hivp  tb^  k^^  '  ^""^'""'^  understanding, 
of  the  relievin.^  partv  unon  h.n  •  ^^7^^  ''^■'*'^'^  '''  diversion  in  favor 
the  fort,  of  the-ae^t  r^  revered  i't"fn,n'  ^U  f''l  ^"'  *''«  ^^^^^^  ^ 
firing  and  the  enen.y  rHuirsunp,  s"„'^"Tb  '  p"'  'Vr  ^'''''''  '«  ^^'^'^  ^^e 
to  relieve  the  fort,  sJnt  a  dX  hE  ^^u  i'l  to 'n '  "^'"'^'"-.^'^  ^^ject  was 
iipto;.'ards  Vol  Wao,,„or   nroto,  1       n    .  .  *""■  '^''^  ^^^^  '"  con.in- 

relieved  and  eontirm'ere  /ee^  in./ttll  o!  "^  '■"^""!1;^  ^^"'^  ^''^'  ?-ri«o'n 
by  their  cries  steppin..  out  ofln-rn  t  "^^  '  """•  ,  :^  '^'^  ^"'•^"'^'  ''"•^'''•'•"f 
was  .seized  by  theS  an7l  i?.  •  ^^^^"^  T^'^^''  ^'-"ds, 
within  the.r  three-fold  lines  •  bu  notbim.  J  "  ff  .*^'''''''"  ""  P'-'«""er 
fon,  he  called  out  to  his  .nei.  in  Gem. "  ^  T  ^  '"  ^""^eroussitua- 
enemy  boys,  don't  nn'nd  n^  but  fi  .^111'  tT  T '-"^T/"  "  ^^  '«  ^''« 
r>-o...ptly  obey  J  and  the  enemy  see  n^thoi  !•'''.  ^''^  "'■'^^•-  ^^'-^^ 
determinaticn  ot  their  nri.onPrn,V.-"  /.  i^"*"  ^''"strated  by  the 
Watts,  Capt.  Hare  Hod  "ni  J  ,  "sf-*  T""  ^■"^^  '^''''  ^ffieers,  Major 
and  fled  without  firin-.  7'4n      Thf   ^,""7'^,?"  wounded,  they  turned 

tl'o  fire  of  his  own  „,c"n  bu  e;cano^  Iff;'  'T-  ^^"^'''""  "«'  ""'jWi 
f  e.npt  after  but  soon ";t'!4ed^ 'iw';:  h'scaptor.s,  who  made  no  other 
five  colors  were  taken  by  S  Col     V  ii.  I  "^^  provisions,  with 

fort,  who  had  accide.,tal  y  discove?  d  tl  t^  l'7i''-"  '"-'^  '^  "^'^  ^■''«"'  ^'^e 
state  of  the  enemy's  can/p  Shin4etl  w  "  '"i  '''"'  '^''  defenceless 
to  Hoheneetady  where  he^ren.a    ed  „  -n  v  n'  "'T'^^  ''""'^^'^^  ^"^^  -'"-'-i^d 

*«-iy  recovered,  he  ^^^^^  :z:^i2:.r::!:^^^  ^ 


fro 


m  a 


1  -...wii^ij    lilt; 

bayonet  which  pas.scd  thro 


■  by  a  ball,  and  in  tl 


ugh  back  of  the 


lie  neck 
windpipe  and 


by  a  til 
occasioned 


rust 


70 


liiKlACY    <»K    lIlHTOlllCAI,    (5  l,KANI  N(IH. 


HUcIi  !ui  olViisiiMi  iil'MiMiil  M.M  111  iiiiliio(t  nut  (inly  liini,  liiil.  Iiis  oiipldi'H  fo 
r<ii)i|iiisi<  (.'tl'lcr  l(>ii(liii:;  liiiii  Iwn  oi'  tliroi<  iiiil(>s)  lliiil.  Ik*  iiitisr  die  in  coiino. 
quonoo.      lie  lioKifcii  his  ciiiitorN  tn   kill   hint,   llit«v   rcl'iivrd  iind   \v\l  liliii 


l.y  1 1 


10   Nil 


io  i.r 


'!iin  niiili-r  llio  sliiulo  nl'  h  Inlils't",  wliorc  lio 


VVtlH    liMIIH 


<l 


N(>(>ll 
lll,S« 


(wo  iliiyn  "uliso(|iionlly  I'ovorotl  willi  lly  Mowm,  ImiI  .slill  iilivtt.  Ilo  was 
honio  liy  nonio  Indiims  lu  Solionooludy  wlioi'o  ho  loiiiuiiiotl  uiilil  .siillioionlly 
rooovoiod  lo  t>ndiiro  u  voyiii;t>  lo  i']n!;liind,  whoi(>  lio  wum  oi'lon  iil'lor  hi 
lini|iiii|^;  til>oul  ('l)ol.soM  liosiiidtl.  'I'lio  siisli  Inkoii  IVoni  him  i  .-ilil!  in  | 
HOMsioh  id'  Iho  Snnd(>r.M  lainily.  l!  w.'is  uluml  lliis  tinio  lliiil  ('ol.  \V"ni|ilo 
oC  Sohonooljidy  hnviiiL',  iiMoovliiiiiod  iIimI  m  Iiitilo  loroo  ol"  n'liijjooM  nnd  lorios 
had  oolloolod  ,il  IJoiivor  ihun,  lor  llio  |nir|ioMo  ol'  doslioviii;;  Mlmny  or 
Hi'lionoiMMiiy  ill  llio  !i1isoim'o  ol' llio  inililiii  who  hud  h(>oii  soul  oil  In  loliiivo 
l'"orl  Slmiwix,  oolloolod  llio  r.iiiiif>fs,  !<ovoiily  in  imnihor.  jind  ii  liody 
of  Now  Kiiul.iiid  troops  J'orly  slrom^,  nnd  I'Mlliii!;  ii|ion  Ihoni  hy  siir| 
'iVooliially  roulod    iind  disporwod    lh(<ni  though    Ihoir   I'oiro,  lo  hin 


inso 


WllH  IM 


lour  lo  ono.  Anollior  linu>  u  similar  hand,  who  had  loiii;  hoon  a  lorror  to 
llio  iiihahilaiils  hy  ihoir  lookloss  doprodalinn  and  inarandini;  propon.silios, 
al'lor  rohhint;  llio  lavorii;  and  odior  dwidlinns  on  iho  liinipiko  holwocii 
Alhany  and  Sohonoolad;,  drank  midi  a  lar;;o  (|iianlily  ol'  li(|iior  at.  I  ho 
half-way  lioiiso,  thai  llioy  woro  innipolh'd  lo  roliro  into  tlio  pino  Ini.shoH, 
a  .short  di,>;lanoo,  wlioro  al'lor  .slulionini!,  a  sentry  thoy  Toll  ;islo(>p.  Ono  o' 
llio  innialos  oi'  iho  tavorn  osoapod  I'nnn  llio  window  dcstilnto  of  ololhiin,' 
savo  his  shirt,  oarriod  tlio  wmd  lo  |)orp,  wlion  llio  !;ood  lniri;'or,s  with 
patrioiio  ardor  lraoi>d  llio  piiindorors  l>y  ihoir  Iraidvs  in  lht>  sjind.  Tim 
pliindor  was  all  rooovorod  and  tlio  inarandors  most  sovoroly  punishod, 
"  'I'ho  ohjool  <d'  iho  oxpodilion  was  I'ar  Ironi  hoin^-  aoooniplishod  hy  ,S(, 
lionor.  notwithstandinix  (ionoral  llorkiinor  Toll  into  iho  anilmsi'ad(>,"  ami 
soon  al'lor  diod  o\'  his  wounds.      Tht*  ooininainhM'  did  not,  howovor,  dosp.iir 


illWlX 


I'or  1 1 


us  pnrposo  ho  soni  in  a 


la" 


ho  nwiralivc, 


ori;oltiiiii   possossion  of  l-'mM  S 

doinandiiii;- a  surrondor,   (\»lonol  (Jansovoorl  noldy  ropliod  in  tl 

hoiiii^  dolorniinod   to  dorond  iho  I'orl   at  ovorv  ha/.anl.      .Vwaro,  howovor, 

of  his  perilous  situation  ho  found  moans  of  sondiiij;-  lo  (ionoral    Solin 

at  Stillwator  for 


VltM- 
1  It 


lanoo.      (ionoral    .\rnold  Wiis  now  dispaloliod  will 
hrij;atlo   o\'  troops   to  atlaok    Iho  hosioirors.      Do    his   way    ln>   oaptnrod  a 
notorious  t>ny    spy,  ll.in  Yost    Soluiylor,  whom  li<>  soiitoiiood    lo  li(>  liiiii". 


Tho  frionds  of  tlio  lory  applied  to    .\riiold  to  spare    his  lilo.      i|i 
oxorahlo.  hiil    w.as   prevailed   upon  hy  >Itijor    Hrooks  to   use   llu'  lory  I 
their  advantiic.o.      If  ho  t'ailod  in  tho  plan  jnoposi'd,  his  hrolhor,  who  Is; 
ooiisontod    to  roniaiii  as  ;•  hostaue.  was  lo  '  i^raoi-    tho  same   iiooso   wliii 


an  ni- 


or 


lii.'h 


liad  hoon  prepared  for  Han  Yost."  'rin>  hfo  o\'  his  hrolhor  hold  il.in 
Yost  true  to  his  ploduv  Sevor.il  of  the  Oneida  Indians  of  his  aeijnaiii- 
(anoo,  fell  in  with  and  readily  eimauod  in  furtluMiiii;  his  design.  Il.m 
Yost  was  aeijnainiod  with  many  of  St.  l,emM*s  Indians,  and  on  arriving; 
at  their  eamp  told  a  sad  story  of  his  e.apliire  and  eseape.  When  askcil 
as  to  the  luimher  of  nun  .Vniold  had.  ho  shook  his  head  myslorioiislv 
and  pointed    to  the  leaves  o\'  the  troos.      Soon  ono  of  llio  Oiioidas  in  tlio 

lit 
irm 


eorot  arrived,  pieseiitlv  another  droppinj;  into  tiio  oainp  as  if  by  aoeid( 
spoke  of  tho  ,;rreat  iimnhors  oi'  warriors  iiiarohiiiij  ugainst  them.      .\l 
and  OiMisieriiation   pervaded  the  whole   body  and  they  resolved  on    imiiii'- 
diate  tUi:ht.     The  t>iieid.i  Indian  had  a  spioe  of  tl 


10  waj;  m  his  ooinposi- 


tion.  for  he  followed  in  tho  iv.ar  and  oeoa.-'ioiially  raised  iho  or 


(D-t.  com  III,, 


th 


r 


'iiij 


fj/  (»)•(  t-oniiihf  . 


li 


tho  iiitolligenoo  of  (ho  approaoh  of  (lon.  Arnolds  ooinmand  and  all  w 


in  \  o,»l  soon  uavo  (uMieral  (Jansovoorl 


ore 


"  Iiivoioo  of 
iStorc  Keeper  ;it 

•  is  Muxes  (if  No 
Tare  ol  lloxes,,, 

Total  Weight,  t; 

Tlio  cafaslropl 

lo  I'lory  active  i 

liopeinioiico.      *' 

iiij:  of  ooinpaiii*? 

m'ce,s.sary  to  t-nol 

lii'l'l  of  iialllo. 

'■I'  ■■'"'•li    niootiiiM 

ill  tlio  ;;.  ;  (,f  ,..xi, 

Wil!; nil  .'ohn.soii 

,j;ri  imJ   wii!-,  hi.s 

where  he  siiippod 

'"'If'-       Tho  oapt 

.V'Hlintlu.  |.|iM,L-  O 

'iioiii,  ;;ir,"  was  t 


X- 

"y 
1 


Iawav.y  ov  IffHTonrcMi,  (JMMNnvns.  71 

Ziu:^',!:!'""' ' ""  "'"«""'  ™-''  «' •■■  I" y  <>n„rc.,  for 

«'  wri...  (o  'vou  to  know  wl.,:  1 , ,  ,  |      •  ''"^'  "''"',  '"'"'•':'( '<'-f,..l  of  ,„„ 

"I'...."..  w„,H,  .„•  ,.ow  in,  wl.,„„  you  w,.H  („  C.Vult  <'<M.(,l.,nan'« 

riiilip  Vdti  MciiHHdladr,  I<;h(|.  J).  IIai^k. 

Al..iil2,   I77!M'hiIi,,   Van   ll.«i.w  .,„  William  Shd.lo,.. 
To  I  wap,„,M  .V,  ImrnoM  n,„,i„.  m.m  Sl.^fli,.!,!  (o  (Jrc..,,  H,,,!.         "''' 

is;::::rr;i,;i:i:^^::  ;rz;::::.^:;!::^.:;-r':'5 .»,  „:  „. 

I5y  Old,!,-  „r  (;,nninari(Jitig  Oflicor. 
Ilnnnlt  Von  Jlook  '/•„  /7u7//,  Van  !tn,mi„v,T. 

IfitANDT  Van  IIofMc,  IJ.  S.(Jlk. 
'■iny,,!,.,,  of  MuHk,.(,    Mall  Sorif,  (.,   |'.   Van  Ilonss,.!.,,.,-     I.'.        >.  1 1- 
^«...v  K..,....'  a(  AlLany  by  Onl...  .,r  (;,.n.,'l  kI.^xT;!;;  ^  l    ""'•    '"''''« 

.'>S  i{i.x.>M.,rN,.w  iMn.skH,  Mall  Wciohi,,., 

iiiic  (il  MoxcH....  "^       '-" 


Si 


Sir 

I 


'Wl     'ir.        11). 

:{-^   I:  24 

2:  0: 


Total  Wci-li(,  (JroHs 


:{0:  1:  2(1: 


Till!  cataslropht?  a(.    LcxiinHon     •,m.;i  \^    i7t  i 

..  Ai-iii    aiKi  mil  lai  V    iKlur  wm  iimih  (nut/.,)  i      ^i 

""■'-'"'   '• ■•'"••«  of  mil.Ma  in   ovory  so,-  i„  "'      ,        '  ''^""'  '"^'«'' 


72 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


that  he  drew  his  pistols,  and  leveling  them  at  the  captain,  he  declared 
that  if  he  did  not  "  disperse  the  d — d  rebels,  I  will  blow  your  brains  out." 
The  words  were   scarcely  out  of  Sir  John's  mouth,  before  h^  saw   one  of 
the  men  bring  over  his  gun   and  take   deliberate  aim  at  him.     The  ex- 
ample was  followed  by  all  tlie  rest,  when,  not  willing  to  risk  the  threatened 
consequence  of  shootiiig  the  captain,  Sir  John  put  up  his  pistols  and  rode 
out  of  the  field  muttering  "  curses  upon  the  contumacious  rebels."     The 
spirit  there  developed  caused  him  very  shortly  after  to  leave  his  ill-gotten 
possessions   and   to    abandon    such    a   dangerous    neighborhood.     Capt. 
Visscher's  promotion  after  this  was  rapid,  so  was  that  of  every  officer  of 
merit  in  those  times.     The  panic  occasioned  among  our  exposed  frontier 
inhabitants  subsequently,  in  consequence  of  Gen.  JJurgoyne's  .signal  suc- 
cess from  Canada  at  the  beginning  of  his  expedition,  together  with  a  well 
founded  apprehension  of  an  attack  from  his  ferocious  Indian  allies,  induced 
many  to  send  tlieir  families  to  a  place  of  better  security  than  that  afforded 
by  their  own  dwellings.     Others,  from  whatever  cause,  more  dilatory  than 
the  rest,  were  destined  to  quaff  deeply  from  that  bitter  cup  of  affliction  .so 
incidental  to  barbarian  warfare.     The  recollections  of  some  such  instances 
weighed  upon  the  hearts  of  the  few  surviving  participators  like  an  incubus, 
and  their  na. rations  were  truly  well  calculated  to  excite  the  most  thrilling 
interest.     Colonel  Frederick    Visscher,  of  Caughnawaga,   was  second  iu 
command  of  the  expedition  sent  for  the  relief  of  Fort  "Stanwix  (or   Fort 
Schuyler  where  the  village  of  Home  now  stands),  against  St.  Leger   and 
Sir  John  Johnson.     When  the  gallant  but   ill-fated  Gen.  Herkimer  fell, 
the  command  devolved  upon  him,  and  the  success  with  which  he  brought 
off  the  remnant  of  his  force  from  that  disastrous  field  proved  him  possessed 
of  as  much  military  talent  as  of  energy.     Subsecjueutiy,  having  received 
tidings  of  the  enemy's  career,  immediately  dispatched  his  wife  and  children 
to  Schenectady,  and   while  occupied   with  arrangements  for   the  removal 
of  his  mother  and  two  sisters,  his  mansion  was  attacked  in  the  night  by 
about  a  dozen  savages.     They  were  greeted,  however,  with  so  warm  a  fire 
from  the  colonel  and  his  two  brothers,  that  they  were  obliged  to  retreat  as 
suddenly  as  they  had  made  the  assault.  At  dawn  of  day  they  returned  again 
with  an  overwhelming  reinforcement  and  breaking  through  every  barrier 
drope  the  family  before  them  from  room  to  room,   and  from  floor  to  floor, 
until  they  reached  the  garret,  where  they  closed  with  the  gallant  brothers. 
In  the  desperate  struggle  which  then  ensued  the  ladies  made  an  attempt 
to  escape  down  the  darkson)e  stairway.     The  mother  being  intercepttid 
by  an  Indian  was  soon  knocked  down  senseless  with  a  heavy  blow  from  the 
butt  end  of  his  fire-lock,   while  the  two  young  ladies  without  hindrance 
gained  the  door  yard.     There  one  of  them  was  seized  by  a"  huge  painted 
Indian"  who  after  tearing  the  bonnet  from  hei  head,  and  the  shawl  from 
her  shoulders,  uttered  in  a  smothered  tone  the  t*ingle  word,   marcliez, 
and  released  her.     Of  course  she  required  no  further  bidding,  but  thank- 
ful for  the  unexpected  permission,  bounded  off  and  secreted  liersclf  in  an 
oven  near  the  dwelling.     Her  flying  sister  escaped  to  the  willow  shaded 
rivulet  in  the  adjoining  meadow,  where  concealed  by  the  thick  foliage, 
they  shortly  after,  each  from  her  respective  hiding  placC;  saw  the  savages 
issuing  in  a  body  from  the  house.     A  .solitary  one  reentered  immediateiy 
and  alter  a  short  interval  returned  to  his  companions,  when  all  tramped 
oft'  togetiier  in  a  north-easterly  direction  up  the  deep,  rocky  ravine,  which 
not  yet  ceased  to  reverberate  with  their  tremendous  whoops  of  exultation 
when  the  sisters  saw  that  the  mansion  was  in  flames,  and  then  every  rem- 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


na,.  c^  hope  for  the  existence  of  .other  or  brothers^v^iiished  fro.  the^ 

se|e:isSc^S:Lf^cr.s:;ei^^^     -^-  -« 

of  h,s  scalp      (The  Indian  n.ode  of  sea  ninf  fT  P'^"^  ^^^  '^'^''^^^ 

a  k„,fe  they  make   a   circular  cut  fCiJ!  f-l,"'" '/'''"'  ^' '^''^  =  ^'^^ 
above  the  ears,  then  takirx'  hold  offh??'  .  ''^*"' '\<^»d.  quite  round,  just 
tl.e  whole  hairy  scalp  u.  an  itan     w  tlT  ""iV'f  ''''^^  '^'y  ^^^^  off 
carefully  dry  a'nd  p4crvc  a    a  "ITv  HJ'^r  ?   ^'"^f"'^"     '^^i.  they 
of  his  various  wounds  he  became  ouSk-  sIS'l  ''''"'^"'"  '^''  ''''''^'y 
d.ca,nent  and  of  the  continued  proxi mit?  Tu^^'  ''^'''"  «^  '''^  «w.  pre- 
0  deceive  then,  with  a  neiublauce  o   "Kll  h  'T'"."\""**  determined 
have  been  inflicted  upon  him      At  firs     h^         ''''"'^  ^^'y  «"PP^««d  to 
satisfaction  of  hearinf^  them  desfenS  i  uo  tirV''"'"'  ""'^ ''^^   ^^e 
Anxiety  to  ascertain   the  fate  oriii     f>      S        •  7"'  ^'^  «^'  'he  house, 
upon  his  elbow,  but  the  .ou Ldt'    botsten    o^„  'iT'^   ''''"  ^'^^"   ^«  -^^ 
h.s  f  rmer  position.     This  motL  o      ^  Sh  s  tTl"'*^  T"^^  ''^  '^'^ 
near  being  conducive  to  a  fatal  end      It  h.,    fh.    l'"^'^.««"d't'on   came 
degree  of"  nervous  irritability  t  h  t  he  h  d   „   'fn '^f'  °^  ""''^''"S  «»«'>  a 
framfi,andthemonster,whoime  toass  ;    i"       .      f'  '""'''''   "^'^'"   ^is 
was  complete  attracted  by  tl  e  twi tchi    "   h     !"'''    '^''''  ^''^  ^^'"^y  ^^rk 
by  cutting  the  sufferer's  tlrMtSt^.^^^^^  '^  «^«P   ^«   it 

across  it,  and  seeing  the  red  iLd  tnir  i",  ^V  '\'  '''''  '''  '^"'^^  twice 
-vered  folds  of  the  black  silk  ot'  In  ""fwr'ff^''-'  •^'"•""°'^  ^1- 
|mag,ne-l  -accomplishment  of  his  info  n  cie  'n  Tl  ?"",'"»  '"  ^'^^ 
''^v-:  <..  ed  no  other  inju.7  from  lis  l-t;  °  h  '  '°^''"'''  '"^^^^«'-' 
o>;e  :w<.  .nimportant  fle  h  fvouiids  wl  V  P'  "P.""  '^'^  '''"«:  ^h^'" 
«'  '^•^  'he  departure  of    hervtes        TT  "''•''''.  ^^  "'^  ■•«««'ii"S 

volume,  of  smoke  that  the  holse  Tsfn  fin  1  l"'V""  '^^  '''"  incroasu^ 
I  ising  u|  from  his  bed  of  gore  he^ercoiv  '  u""^.  '"  ''''''^^  '^'  P"««ible! 
the  other  leaped  from  a  wf.idow  bu  ^s  'ih '1'  ^T''"^[  '^'"^  '^-"' '»  '^i"'- 
corpse  out  of  the  reach  of  the T.mclTv  s  t  ti"!  '"''P'^-  }^'  ^''•'^■^'  "^« 
he  executed  it,  as  also  the  rescue  of  h  s  d i  '  I  1  '"'''T-''  ^'"'^''""^  but 
!".s  .ocredible  exertions  and  Uof' blood  c  n  ll  "'  ''""^'  •""^''"•- ^  but 
111  which  3Irs.  Visscher  xvw  .„  ,    i       ,       J"^"""^  ''im  to  faint.    The  chair 

Jwas  preserved  St  J        3  r''  it  :v;^'r "  7^  ^'^t  '^"^^  --"  ^  : 
Visscher,  his  mother  and  two  si    ers  we.7t".  '''?  ^'''^'''''  ^^'^''  ^^"J 

where   the  mother  and   the  C(Xnc^l' l.;/"  m ''""''«  ^"benectady, 
3Iauj  years  after  this  trag  c^l      ^t  .  Jo  of'  .r"'i''''^  'f'''"^  '«  health 
'"  'f,  while  travelin..  witi   a  m,'/v  nt  ''  '^""'"'"'  ^'"-''''"S  enga-^ed 

«tood  that  Col.  Vissc^e"    ad  ^    fv  d  1:17^  ^  ^''"/^  ^^^•""  -d-' 
ouesaid  he  had  both  scab  d  uui      A  .h's  wounds,  would  not  believe  if 

Col.  Visscher  could  wtf^iffit'^t;:  .''"'^'  ''r'  "^"^^^  ^"  «-  bin : 
"'.^' wretches.  An  intimatil  wi  ^.-^  Lr,?!'''''^;'  ■' ^'^'^^'^  ''^  ^^^'-ia^^e 
;v'«ely  departed   never  to  retmn   to  fl?  "^  "'"  '"''^"^'•^"  ^"^  they 

.('"  17«7J  appointed  by  GoTjeol  rHnt''"'r'    •'^^''"'^''  ^^^-^ber  was 
'  county.     He  Ji-J  Jvne  1)   lS()<i  h  "  f  ^''"^  J"'^^^  «f"  M-^utgomerv 

'he  loss  of  hi.  s^C     His  wiV      "  ?  «^'"P"^"it  in  the  head  caulerbv 
^raff,  died  i„  is]  ^^^     ^^'^  ^'^°^^'  "'^'^^^  '"'^'d-"  "ame  was  Gazena  ^e 

,  'li^-E  If  ^I;:^it::r^r'f  :|:t   --  -^  ^^  ««bcnectady  with 

I  ^'"-^  ^^-^  three  miles  o-^'itda:r:h::^s::f!:„?:^^^: 


74 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


Mohawk  river,  .and  close  by  where  the  New  York  Central  rail  road  now 
runs."  The  faithful  black  slave  who  brouj^ht  water  in  his  hat  from  a 
creek  for  Col.  Visscher  and  cairied  the  stricken  household  to  Schenectady, 
had  a  handsome  horse  and  his  freedom  given  him  by  the  grateful  colonel. 
Gazena,  daughter  of  Herman  Visscher,  had  been  adopted  by  her  father's 
brother  when  quite  young  at  the  death  of  her  parents.  She  was  a  valued 
schoolmate  and  companion  of  myself.  I  wap  present  at  her  marriage  to 
Mr.  Jesse  De  Graff  of  Schenecta  .y,  at  the  abode  of  her  uncle,  Mr.  Visscher 
on  the  old  site.  The  last  surviving  child,  Alfred  De  Graff,  lives  in  a 
brick  dwelling  where  the  old  homestead  once  stood,  which  was  rendered 
memorable  by  such  thrilling  and  harrowing  events  in  May,  1780.  This 
farm  and  grounds  "  where  the  tomahawk  and  the  torch  did  their  sad  work 
of  death  and  destruction  a  century  ago  has  been  in  the  family  to  the  fit'tli 
generation,  over  one  hundred  and  twenty  years." 

When   on  a  visit  to   my  mother's  sister,  Mrs.  Jacob  S.  Glen,  in  Mont- 
gomery county,  I  often  .saw   a  venerable  old  lady,  Aunty  J'utman,  who 
would  graphically  narrate  the  perils  from   the  Indians   in   her  younger 
days.  _   Harassed   by  perpetual  alarms  night  and   day,  in  con:  tant  fear  of 
hostilities,  and  ever  dreading  the  sight  of  the  Indians  in  their  grotesque 
paint  and  feathers,  their  encroachments  kept  all  the  whites  in  a  state  of 
terrible  commotion.     Mie  well  remembered  when  Col.  John  Johnson  in 
1780   with  a  party  of  soldiers  consisting  of  British,  tories  and  Indians, 
made  a  raid   through   that  country,  killing,  burning  and   pillaging;  slie 
recalled  how  the  men  never  neglected  taking  their  guns  to  church,  or  the 
field,  with  them  ;  not  daring  to  venture  out  to  any  distance  for  fear  of  an 
ambuscade  ;  constantly  on  the  alert  regarding  the  treachery  of  the  Indians, 
or  their  creeping  up  stealthily  to  tomahawk  some  unfortunate  individual 
who  had  ventured  too  far  away  from  forts.     Many  a  tale  of  suffering  and 
privation  she  would  most  eloquently  recount.     This  old  lady  was  Margaret, 
sister  of  Col.  Frederick  Visscher;  she  had  four  husbands,  the  last  one  \m 
Victor  Putman  ;  she  survived  her  husband  many  years,  and  died  at  old 
Caughnawaga.     Her  fears  were  awfully  realized  at  last  in  1780  on  May 
20th  at  Tribes  hill,  pan  of  Caughnawaga,  when  barns  and  houses  were 
burnt  and  people  scalped  in  the  march  of  these  savages  and  tories  from 
Johnstown  all  along  the  valley  of  the  Mohawk.     The  inhabitants,  unsus- 
picious of  danger,  were  buried  in  sleep  at  midnight  when  the  Indians  ap- 
proached in  great  numbers,  entered  the  house  of  Capt.  Garret  Putman  with 
horrid  yells,  intending  U>  murder  the  entire  family,  but  fortunately  all  were 
absent;  the  people  occupying  the  house  were  killed;  many  of  her  own 
loved  neighbors  were  instantly  slain  and  scalped.     About  the  same  time 
her  mother's  house  was  assaulted.     She  was  then  a  young  girl  living  with 
her  mother  and  sister  ilebecca  together  with  two  brothers,  her  brother 
Frederick's  family  being  safe  from  all  trouble  in  Schenectady,  he  wis 
staying  with  them.     Alter  her  wonderful  escape    from  the  Indian  she 
secreted   herself  in  a  large  Dutch  oven,  built  a  short  distance  from  the 
hou.se,  where  with  the  most  indescribable  agony  she  could  hear  the  wiiJ 
yells  of  demoniac  triumph,  and  knew  her  own  "  loved  ones"  were  the  un- 
fortunate victims. 

"General  Washington,  while  at  Albany  in  the  summer  of  1782,  was 
invited  by  the  citizens  to  visit  Schenectady  (overthepines).  He  :u- 
cepted  the  invitation,  and  in  company  with  Gen  Schuyler,  rode  therein 
a  carriage  from  Albany  on  the  XOthof  June;  where  be  was  received  with 
no  little  formality  by  the  civil  and  military  authorities  and  escorted  mm 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  75 

(Jen.  Braddock,  then  kept  a  tlvem  i^So  ?p^TT''  '''.  '^T"'"^-'"'-  ""^er 
lie  dinner  was  given.     Havi„t  plvir  n  r^  '^"?^.'"'^  "^  ^'''  ^ouse  a  pub- 
thefirstpersonsVasI  in"to„  i^^uS  T'^  '^'';'   "'^  ^'''  Bufferings,  one  of 
who  was  then  residing  n  the  pC      IjT  """"  ^'^T^  *>ederick  Visscher, 
colonel  had  not  beenlnvi    d  t7,neet  iuZ^^  ""if  '"'"P"^^  ^^^^  '^^ 
messenger   was  sent  for  hiui.      L   wa '"'man  T''?''   '«  ^^'^  request  a 
an.l  retiring  in  his  habits.     On  this  occasiorL  I  ""f  '"T^'  ^"'  '''''^''' 
barn,  which,  under  the  circumstances    hiJ     ^fj^"" ^  *^  ^^''^  '"  '"« 
kindly  greeted  by  the  illustrruTS  ^^  '^^^  .J'  »?  "-^'^^tance,   but  was 
At  the  dinner  table  were  a  semblfd  f  J      Tu    '"'"  '^''^^'^  attention, 
among  whom   was  Gen   Schuyt  '    wSlfn  ''  """^'Z  '''  S«"^'-"«" 
his  own  to  Col.  Visscher.     Tlfir^as  in'S?      ««?'g»ed  the  seat  next 

While  Gen.  Washington   wastll    gf  ;:b'li?re'  il^'co"   ""'' ""-"[P- 
rei^pectable  citizen,  an  old  ne-rrn  wliPHrTn^-       .    ,     J"  company  with  a 

to  bini:  the  grea't  ooZTn^  llZZtZ''  7^ '^^^l^'' '""^  ^'^^^^ 
The  citizen  expressed  much  surS  Int  his  n"'"''^  •^'  compliment, 
this  descendant  of  Ishmael  observ^nrjf  '  f.u  ™P^"'*'"  ^h'^s  noticed 
to  notice  slaves.  '  /  cannot  hr/Z^  v  ^''  "°*  ^^'  '"''«'»  "f  *''«  country 
reply  as  thoy  procee  ? Itl  d ''  Wa  r  V'' ^'^^.''^  -"«  ^-^--^4 
three  different  occasions,  the  first  was^fl  "  "°  ^^  '"  Schenectady  on 
inentof  the  war,  he  staid  wfth  John  Glenfq.^u'l.'^"^'^  '^'  ''«"^'"«»°- 

Cornelius  Ray  to  PMip  Van  Rensselaer. 
^T-^''-        ^      .  ^^"l^delphia,  Dec.  18th   1780 

c:;>;^Shri-s£^iS  T  ?= '  - -= 

by  Brig.  Active,  and  8d  by  Shin  SliHa Iv  I  ^  "P/"" '  ^>'  J-^^i^h'  2nd 
Goods  ordered  by  you  forim  ^'s  e  ^'j^Zt  ^^fr^'  «^«'"«ive  of  the 
plus  in  liohea  &  Laval  Linnen  Vut  some Lr  ^  '"-"^  "^  ''"?  ^'^«  «^er- 
very  plenty  &  cheap,  I  have  this  d  ivZ!;  7  '  ^''"°  '^^^'^  °^^de  Tea 
me  a  larger  quanti^i  of  Laval  ifZns  %  '"^  V "*^  ''  ^'"P  y«»  ^"d 
some  pieces  Nankeens  if  to  be  procured*  t'""'  ^'''"?'  '''''  «'««'  '^"d 
part  of  them  will  be  out  earlv  in  Z  tV  ^^T  '  ^'  ^"""^^  «r  some 

'"av  please  to  send  respec'in  f  thei  «^l  ^  '"^  ^"•■"^'^''  '^'''^''^i^ns  Jou 
I  have  hud  one  s-imll  Tir  vaff  or'An  ^  ..?'  ^"''i"^"^  ^"'"P"*^^  ^^^h. 
Please  to  make  my  best  re7pec  to  vo,  .^  tf'  '".'^  """^  ''•^'"  ^'O^ent. 
Estfiem  Dear  Sir  ^  T    "'"''^  ^^""'^  '^"d  believe  me  with 

Your  most  Obedt.  Servt, 

ihilip  Van  Kensselaer,  Esq.,  Albany.  ^        ' 


The  late  war,  which  brought 
threw  our  commercial  affairs' in 
in  the  old  congress  to  collect  a 
and  domestic  debt,  our  credit 
rassed      Before  the  revolution 
to  the  tra^ie  of  her  American 
•"-'ne,  from  that  country  was  so 
="'"  and  silver  by  the  British. 


about  our  .separation  from  Great  Britain 
groat  confusion.     Through  want  of  pow"; 
revenue  for  the  discharge  of  our  fo^relt 
was  destroyed,  and  trade  greatly  S" 
Great  Bnta  n  claimed  an  exclusive  H^ 
colonies      The  importation  of  dry  goods 
great  that  our  merchants  were  draiueTof 


76 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


Cm'nclius  Ray  to  rhilip  Vdii  liensselaer. 

Dear  Sir:  Philadelphia,  May  15,  1781. 

I  did  myself  the  pleasure  to  write  you  last  week  by  Col.  Liviniistou,  and 
now  am  to  inform  you  of  the  arrival  of  tho  Ship  Ann,  Capt.  Josiah,  from 
L'Orient,  but  throu<j;h  inattention  of  the  Capt.  or  carelessness  in  the 
Merchant,  not  one  sinylo  Letter  is  come. 

Yesterday  I  went  and  looked  over  the  froij,'ht  list,  and  find  three  Chests 
of  Tea  with  your  Mark  &  addressed  to  nio,  which  I  make  no  doubt  are 
yours,  as  such  shall  receive  them,  pay  the  freij^ht  and  leave  them  for  your 
further  Orders.  But,  I  am  sorry,  very  Sorry  to  acquaint  you  that  there 
are  jireat  Grounds  to  believe  the  Ship  Luzerne,  Cnpt.  liell  is  taken,  .she 
sailed  in  Company  with  the  other  ship,  who  saw  her  strike  her  colors  to 
Bomethini;,  whether  friend  or  Knemy,  Capt.  Josiah  could  not  tell  I  thiiijc 
there  is  scarcely  a  doubt  ;'rom  my  last  JiOtters,  that  both  you  and  my,self 
have  very  considerable  in  her  and  I  am  afraid  that  all  the  Goods  for  your 
family's  use  were  put  on  board  her,  though  1  positively  ordered  iMr. 
Cuming  to  divide  them  in  the  two  V^es.sels.  We  must  suspend  our  Jud";- 
ment  untill  some  other  Vessel  arrives  fnmi  that  place,  which  may  be 
shortly,  when  I  shall  forward  your  J^etters.  I  must  refer  you  for  our 
present  Situation  and  News  to  my  Uncles  Letters. 

With  great  Regard  &  Esteem  I  am  your  Sincere  friend,  &c., 

Mr.  Philip  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany.  Coiim.  Ray. 

H.  Froihingham  to  Philip  Van  Rensselaer. 

Sir :  New  York  4th  June,  1781. 

Agreeable  to  General  Knox'.s  Order  I  send  you  :  six  doz"  of  port-fires, 
fifty  pounds  slow  match,  one  hundred  and  fifty  Tubes  for  9  pounders;  it 
is  requested  you  will  forward  them  the  .soonest  possible  to  Fort  Schuyler. 

I  am  your  Hum.  Servant. 

Philip  Van  Rensselaer,  Esq.  1^^^""  i^'^^OTHiNGHAM,  L.  C"-. 

In  January,  1781,  Brant  was  again  upon  the  war  path  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  Fort  Schuyler.  The  provisions  were  scarce  and  if  supplies  were 
not  speedily  obtained  the  post  would  have  to  bo  abandoned.  On  May  I2tii 
the  old  Fort  Schuyler  was  destroyed  by  fire  and  flood,  and  was  never  re- 
built. 

Cornelius  Kay  to  Philip   Van  Rensselaer. 

Dear  Sir  :  Philadelphia,  June  17,  178L 

Enclosed  you  have  Acet  Sales  of  your  three  Chests  of  Tea.  I  got  Gd: 
per  pound  more  for  the  last  chest  than  any  have  been  sold.  You  have 
also  enclosed  your  Acct :  as  far  as  my  present  settlement  will  admit.  I 
could  not  procure  any  more  Bills  and  have  left  a  Ballance  in  the  hands 
of  Mr.  Wni.  Pollard,  as  you  will  see  by  your  Account  for  your  further 
direction.  No  more  of  your  Goods  have  yet  arrived.  I  desired  Mr. 
Cuming  in  my  last  letter,  that  if  he  had  shipped  what  was  ordered  tor 
your  family's  use  in  Capt.  Bell  to  renew  the  Shipment ;  hope  this  order 
will  be  agreeable.  The  3d  and  4th  Bills  I  have  left  in  the  hands  of  our 
friend  W.  P. —  I  now  embark,  and  of  course  have  much  to  do.  Make 
my  best  regards  to  your  family.  I  most  sincerely  wish  you  and  them 
every  happiness.  1  am,  Your  Sincere  friend. 

Philip  Van  Rensselaer,  Esq.  ^<^^^S-  1^'^^'' 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  77 

AU>^}ZnZ::2!^r?^]^  K-s^klakh,  the  fifth  patroon  of 
17S2.  ;'as  left  an  orp  u.  bV  it  do  a?e  n  •' V.l  "'"^"-^  ^"'^'^"'^^  '» 
an.I  of  course  cun.e  into  th/  fS  possesion  ofhis  "''  f  "  '^^^  ^''"'^  i'«' 
of  twenty-one.     That  ever.t  wis  pXk.  ?  ?  i  P'"'"««ly  estate  at  the  aue 

of  llenB/elaerswyck,  by  'rlTio  lin  ?.!  ^  '"  '-''""^'^  ""^  '^^  '--'"""^^y 
f?.tlin^,  and  all^he  d^r^SlZ  '  F  l^ltcliriT;  ?'  ^f"^  ''"'"«  '^ 
fbllowins  anecdote  will  nerve  to  show  fl.i  .  '"':"  ^"'  t' .  '^udal  times.  The 
the  troops  under  Gen.  (  a  es  were  opDu^rn!?''-^'"  '* '^''  P"^--"""  =  VVhea 
Ton  Hrocck.  ^l.o  was  the  'u^d  an  Tt  o"ntr^''^"';  "'"'.  ^''''''S^'  ^''"' 
visited  son,e  of  his  neplK^w^CtJ^^arL  tf  iTld  ?  '"  f  '"'""'•''^' 
then,  to  take  all  the  prnvi-sions  and  .^17.  J^  '^'^'J,Y^<^'--,and  requested 
bare  eon.pe,ency  for  ^heir  fan.ili:  TJ  '  t^rir;  trZ' "  t'T'  ^ 
tied  their  granaries,  pork  barrels  r-Kfl,.  «f..li  j  •  .•'^'  Several  emp- 
their  effects  to  the  comn  issary    epar  ten  t'^^^^^  '"'^  ^^'''^--d 

usual  reward  fbr  so  doin-      IZIJI      i^aratoga,  not  expectin-  any 

patroon  invited  tl'sf  t'^-ntst'l  C/'L::;  ^I 'S  TT'^  ''l  ^"-"' 
ti//r,  to  (h'lr  hnuh.  Such  was  one  ,11},^!  ^'"^'""^''^  ^^'«»*  '«"'*  ^'a/u? 
^li.^ti".uished  through  l^b  his  testvan^  h"''  ''  '^"'  """^  '»»"' 
wife  of  General  Stephen  Van  Tni  'er  w^M,.  "'!"'f""';  ^'^'^  ^''^ 
en  Philip  Schuyler^  who  when  a " ^u  ^g"  r^^^c^^^^ 
tiick  on  the  8chuvler  np)iisinn\  u^.t^        ^   ■  '^^'^^*^^  i'lt  the  time  of  an  at- 

James  Cochran  0^0.."  I""  Vh"  ^^^  "iir'  "'^r''[''^  "'^^  "^"  ^^'«J- 
ot' stairs,  snatched  the  st'iilsleeDn.inZ  *^«  Ai-^ts 

safely,  just  as  a  sharp  t     1  a7k  ^;    J  J IdT/      ""t'  ?^  ^•^''^  '^"^ 
roomjitslightlyiniuredhi  iri,  wtl         r        '?'  "'  "'"'  ^^^  from  the 
A  .reat  de-il  of  troub     wa    c  ea^^d   br^fh^p"''''^''  '^''^^  infant's  head." 
early  part  of  the   revo  uSa™  Wa  not  dT""^\''^'  S"*"^^^'  i"  ^he 
attempt  to  ensnare  him   was  conrinn.Mv  l.?t  J'  ^^'''  '^'^"^'''^  ^very 

in  'lie  capacity  of  a    pv      lie  re  XL        j'^:  '^'"'  '^'  ^''^  of  Albany    . 

ul'iq"ityUut'wherev'c^:,soirh tw/n  eTfound  T"?  ''''  f^^^'^  ^^ 
pressed  he  crawled  under  the  old  market  in  Nn'rl.  Z  iTl  ^'^?,  ''°''^ 
way).  Upon  another  occasion,  bein  hred  at  bl  li!  ''  "''''■'  ^^'''"^• 
n-Mht,  when  paddling  from  them  in  cnn  p  hi  ..^  .  .P"''^"^'-^'  '"  a  dark 
as  if  mortally  \vound^.d       ,  1      '"  ;'f"'^^'  "^^  t'^rew  himself  into  theriver 

'•>e  ^avoring^r  :^l(m:;t^^^£  :^e^;  :;;;s.  ui:  f""  'f  r^  i''^  ^«- 

was  a  scene  also  laid  i..  A  IK...       ",^'^""°  ^^^^^  **>'  the  lover  of  batt  e  fields  " 

■oyalists  to  dampen  t  ^  vSti:  rr';  TrSTtf  ^^^^--■^^d  ^^  ^y  the 
"aturallysupposednothinrw?,    1  1^  ''''''''  'adversaries.     They 

''"dby'carry'in.MhemToctadf  tZw  '^i  T f  ^"''"*^'^''"^  rebels 
^f  exchange  'they  woul  hive  acc.m/n  i  h/"  'j*'  t^'^«'"  ^'<^>-  the  purpose 
the  benefirof  their  r,X       vl    .       '   '    '       "  ^''''^'^"^  achievement  for 

;-..he,-  „,ei„p»  »nd  „  oil,' Mr„t  ;•:  uTr;;;  ° '.""  ■'"''*''"'  -"■-<' 

ilill  to  the  citv      Tl,«  K  11    ..  T.imiJy  from  his  seat  at  Cherrv 

.Sciiuyler   wh    was  u  oft  "V'\  ''"'  ""'^'^  ""  Ool.Gansevoort.     Ge7 

i^y  onus' .Sdl^r    Xw  u bfir "  >"'  ^'^'"''"^  ^'^^'^  'he  v^": 

""ocessary  to  remove      'rheiS  T    ^       P'-«tect,on,  did  not  deem 
J        tmove.      iht  fancied  security  was,  however,  of  little  avail. 


78 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


One  of  the  parties  alluded  to,  in  tiie  ehuructer  of  friend,  jjjuincd  admission 
into  the  kitchen;  when  the  manner  and  pressing  desire  forthwith  to  seo 
the  general,  excited  the  suspicions  of  a  domestic.  She,  with  admirable 
presence  of  mind,  directed  them  to  a  wrong  room  for  the  ohject  of  their 
search,  and  then  ran  to  the  right  one  to  inform  him  of  his  jeopardy.  Dart- 
ing through  a  secret  slide  in  the  wainscot  work,  the  general  gained  im 
upper  room  and  fastened  himself  in.  The  firing  of  his  guns  of  distress, 
brought  the  citizens  quickly  to  his  rescue. 

C^"M  '\f  <i  Itcturn  DcUi'ered  to  Major  Oenl.  Lord  Sterling. 

24th  October  1781,  of  small  Arms  &c  on  handat  Albany  :  llepaired  Arras 
208;  do,  repairable  2445;  do  irrepairable  1225;  repaired  Hayoneta 
303;  do  repairable  581;  do  irrepairable  831;  W'  of  powder  5U0,  w' of 
Musket  Hall  400;  Flints  3000;  Tubes  GK) ;  French  Spunges  for  4 
pounders  13  ;  w'  of  Slow  Match  87  ;  Morter  Beds  1  ;  Hritish  liagage  VVa;;;. 
gons  25;  Iron  Gpd  Cannon  mounted  3;  do  not  Mounted  2;  4  p''  do  not 
Mounted  2  ;  Pistols  irrepairable  17  ;  Kheams  of  3Iusket  Car  :  paper  4  ;  Can- 
non  do  6 ;  pounds  of  thread  15  ;  do  Twine  40 ;  liayonet  Scabbards  &  Hells 
191 ;  Port  fires  06  ;  Musket  Cartridges  9'^UO. 

"  The  youngest  daughter  of  Lord  Stirling  married  Colonel  William 
Duer  and  became  the  mother  of  William  A.  Duer  of  New  York."  In 
the  summer  of  1781  Lord  Stirling  was  ordered  to  the  command  of  the 
Northern  army,  and  he  made  his  head-quarters  at  Albany.  Quite  a  larjje 
British  force  was  at  Ticonderoga  and  vicinity,  under  St  Leger  (who  was 
repulsed  at  Fort  Stanwix  in  1777)  and  much  alarm  prevailed  above  the 
Highlands  as  an  invasion  was  expected.  "  The  vigorous  and  effective 
preparations  made  by  Lord  Stirling  intimidated  St.  Leger  and  he  returned 
to  Canada." 

State  of  New  York  to  John  F.  Pruyn  Dr. 

To  my  Service  as  Clark  to  Philip  Van  Ren.sselaer,  Esq,  the  Store  keeper 
of  the  Public  Militia  Stores,  froui  the  14th  June  1777  to  the  1st.  No- 
vember 1781  is  4  years,  9  months  &  16  days  :  4s.  pr  day     X.  356  :  0  : 0 

Interest  for  9  years  at  6  p^^t 192:4:6 


£  548  :  4 : 6 


I  do  hereby  Certify  that  the  Above  Service  has  been  performed  under 

my  Direction.  t.  -it-       t. 

•'  P.  Van  Rensselaeu. 

Killian  K.,  the  youngest  son  of  Col.  Kiliaen  Van  Rensselaer  and 
Ariaantie  Schuyler,  was  born  in  1703.  We  have  before  us  some  of  his  col- 
lege letters. 

Eillian  K.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Col.  Philip  Van  Rensselaer. 

Yale,  Juuu  15th,  1782. 
"  This  my  dear  Brother  will  be  handed  to  you  by  Mr.  Lee,  an  honest 
Man  and  a  very  obliging  one.  No  conveyance  offering  I  have  not  writtea 
you  a  letter  since  Nicoll  left  us,  tho'  the  Post  rides  Weekly.  I  thouglit 
proper  not  to  trouble  you  before  this.  Notwithstanding  I  was  very 
desirous  to  inform  you  that  my  health  has  been  much  impaired  of  late. 
Let  not  this  alarm  you  iu  the  least,  for  I  am  recovering  fast,  five  students 
belonging  to  this  Society  have  died  within  twenty-five  days.  One  by  a 
fall  olf  a  Barn  and  the  other  four  by  sickness,  these  four  were  no  lesj 


waggoners  to  foi 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  79 

mnarkablo  for  their  Pcliolar.sliin  nn<>  ,.»  „„.i  j-  1 
clon.e,s«  of  heart  and  social  vir  ies  than  (or  n^  T'f^  ormorahty,  ten- 
titu,Ie,  Wit  &  Vivacity  It  is  s"  co  I  i"  /he  ZZ  fr'"''-  ^'""'^  ^'''^ 
to  paint  a  Scene  more  truly  n.ovin«  han  th!f  TVli  "«"",'"'"S*"»''«° 
in,,  their  departure  from  this  Workl  who  to  "^^^ '«""^«'"de»t  witness- 
lelnre  his  Eye.,  for  thaf  .clief  which  he  11^"''^"''  T  '''•"^'^'""^ 
cnouf:h  to  do  in  perfornu,,..  the  hard  tW  1.  ^"'f'     ^  P*^*"**""  ''»« 

without  any  in.pediuient  fr"om  it    1  «     .rr-'^  '"^^  "i   '  ^'^'"'--«  '''« 
this  isaLso  afainl,  that  can  lave  If  I.        ^'T   ""  ^^^^y  but  when 

.uo,sta,rceablf delights.     MysiCtiint  «^«»  ^h« 

very  a,.eeable,  and^happy  woul7 Ihrctld  T  hn  f  f"''^''  ^''' ''"«  ^'''■'>» 
Disorder  has  arisen  from  a  8ea!ntry  life  "h^  h,T  T  l,'*  "'  '^""T"*"  ^^^^ 
at  j.resent  but  little  time  I  arm-onn-n  1  't  «  I  "^  '''"'  ""^  ""''  therefore 
^pon'  in  ridin.  Walking  &  8lS  .  ''h?  .^^w"?  '"?"'^  ''"""  «  '^•'^  '« 
spend  in  perlormin,  Co£,e  ex^in^s.^Iy  ^  t  b"ij  'S'r  ''f  ^  '*? 
yuu  may  judge  what  it  brings  n)e  to   for  vm,  J  "*^  ^^'■''"**  ""'^ 

two  years  ago.  Phil  .t  Dick  .ire  will  /  \^"f  .^^P^nenced  it  about 
tl-.  I  expj'cted.  La:'  T;:u'rsry"fl  r.  I  r^^  Nil  H^'^^f'^ T'  ''''^' 
Town  a  prisoner  offlon--Island  L  J  II  I  ^  1-  ?  '  brought  in  this 
for  homi,  as  he  has  already  ff'ct^d.rL'elnr  ^''^'^f  '" /'-  ^^--g 
ren,cn.ber'd  to  Col.  Mamikon  and  Col    T  o.n     f    f '  'T^'^  '"^  ^« 

latter  was  a  Classma,  -,f  his'n  in  York  (Z7'  t^  ''''',  ^'^''  ^■«»'  '»'« 
then,  each  a  letter  ii  ...e  Tuld  ll^  'admi  t'd  mTi'  'T'  "'■'"^" 
you  make  in  my  goiu  .   to  Cambrid.rp  in    T        Z'  objections  would 

;''oir  Degree,  k,  |,e„  wrUrS  xpeet/7ron?  ^^ .^^"--.^"''e 
^mn  an  answer  back  I  should  willin-lv  LT  ?       •    ^  ^"^'^  W""*^" 

n^e,  he  has  written  me  a^Z  Ty  "s  erZs  V>".?^^f  IT  ^""''^  ^'''"'* 
bare  my  expense  provided  I  woJ^l/l  .         7-       "'*"  ^'^''^  ^^  ^^uld  freely 

^^..angci  to^is  i>e^zt^^iZ^^'::;^r'uYt'  ^°;'''^>'  ^  -"  - 

liow  m  seeing  him  take  his  leavo   S.i  do  sacnhce  some  time 

College,  it  mi^ht  be  a  maUer  i  uld  '.Vref  .^    t  ^!--)H-iV'erd 

no  i^.ys  at  present  i\,v  a  ride  mv  DoefnrTll  t        hereafter  greatly  & 

Cambridge\vith     ack  wherhj  ,^  n  ^^        , '"^  ^-  "'?*  ''^'  ^^''ethe?  to 

tniue.  Commeneen,ent  t  amb  e  ;  tJe  I'th'Tl'?  ^°"t  ".'"^^  '^^^^- 
you  will  write  me  bv  next  S-itnnl^f.  n,  c  8  •  ^  "^  '^"'^-  ^  '''^"  ^^P'^ct 
do  for  [  have  not  heard  from  ilb^v'^r  ^  "'^°'''",  "''  ^°^^  '"J'  <«•*-'" J« 
WrLee  calls  for  mv  letters.  ^    "''  ""''  '^^^  J"""^''/    Adieu 

Col.  Philip  Van'ltensselaer  Albany.    ^-^iLLrAN  K.  Van  Rensselaer. 

J««  in  the  city  councils,  a  fd  ,Z„t     800  h^''     ""  "'r?''  f"''  ""«"' 


Sir, 


p.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Col.  Marinus  Willet. 

Albany,  19th  July,  1782. 


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Hiot)graphic 

Sciences 
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23  WEST  MAIN  S'  jIEET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


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% 


80 


Legacy  op  Historical  GLEANiNas. 


from  fish  Kill  which   have  been  ordered   by  his  Excellency  to  this  place 

for  your  Regt.  on  the  Arrival  of  them   no  time  will  be  lest  in  forwarding 

them  to  you,  by  Dear  3ir,         v       ht    .  /m.  j-     .  rr         o 

•'     '    -^  '         Your  Most  Obedient  Hum.  Servt. 

MarinuB  Willett,  Esqr.  Col.  Com.  ^-  ^^^  Rensselaer. 

No  5059,  I  ceruty,  that  there  is  due  from  the  United  States  to  Arent 
W.  Slingerlandt  the  Sum  of  Six  dollars  and  a  Quarter,  Viz  :  For  Ten 
Loada  of  Wood  at  five  Shillings  pr  Load,  $6|,  Which  J«um  of  Six  Dollars 
and  a  Quarter  .shall  be  paid  to  the  said  Arent  W.  Slingerlandt  or  Ordei, 
in  Specie,  or  other  current  Money  equivalent,  by  the  Tenth  Day  of  Octo- 
ber next;  and  if  not  then  paid,  the  same  shall  afterwards  bear  an  Interest 
of  Six  per  Cent  per  Annum,  until  paid. 

Witness  my  Hand,  this  Twenty  Seventh  Day  of  September,  A.D.,  1782. 

Countersigned  In  behalf  of  the  Public  )       Tim.  Pickering, 

Nicholas  Quackenbu.bh,  D.  Lott,        |        Quarter  Master  General. 

Colonel  Timothy  Pickering  was  a  member  of  the  board  of  war.  In  1780 
h«  succeeded  General  Green  as  quarter  master  general.  In  1791  he  was 
appointed  post  master  general  by  Gen.  Washington,  which  office  he  held 
nearly  four  years,  when  on  the  resignation  of  General  Knox,  iie  was  ap- 
pointed  secretary  of  war.  In  1795  Washington  made  him  his  secretary 
of  state,  which  position  he  held  until  180U,  when  he  was  removed  by 
President  Adams  un  political  grounds.  He  was  a  United  States  senator 
in  1803  and  again  in  1805,  and  in  1814  was  elected  a  member  of  the 
United  States  house  of  representatives.     He  died  in  Salem,  Jan.  29,  1829." 

William  Pollard  to  Philip  Van  Rensselaer. 
I^eai-  Sir  :  Pliilad.,  Mar.  26th,  1783. 

Your  Esteemed  Favour  of  the  23'i  Feb)  is  now  before  me  &  in  conse- 
quence thereof  your  Accounts  shall  be  gone  into  immediately ;  I  have  the 
pleasure  to  acquaint  you  that  you  have  another  small  adventure  arrived, 
the  Goods  arrived  from  Baltimore  last  Week  they  consist  of  Buttons  for 
Cloaths  amounting  to  1044  lb  :  9  oz  :  9  dr  &  I  fear  will  be  very  unsaleable, 
but  you  may  depend  I  will  do  with  them  as  I  wou'd  for  myself. 

It  is  with  great  pleasure  I  acquaint  you  that  at  last  we  have  rec'  the 
agreeable  Ace'^  of  Peace,  a  French  Sloop  of  War  called  the  Triumph  was 
despatched  from  Breast  with  the  News  of  the  Preliminaries  of  Pease  being 
signed  the  20'!'  Jan>  by  all  the  contending  Parties,  she  was  sent  to  Couiit 
D'Estaing  at  Cadiz  to  stop  the  sailing  of  the  Combined  Fleets,  &  he  has 
thought  proper  to  ssnd  her  out  here  to  inform  the  French  Minister 
thereof,  &  said  Minister  &  Congress  have  Letters  confirming  the  same 
from  the  Marquis  La  Fayette,  but  we  have  no  Official  Accounts  from 
France,  but  we  apprehend  there  cannot  be  a  possibility  of  a  Doubt,  re- 
specting the  Matter.  I  beg  leave  to  refer  you  to  the  News  Papers  for  the 
Heads  of  the  Terms,  we  are  in  hourly  expectations  of  a  Confirmation 
either  from  France  or  England.     I  am  with  great  Respect. 

Dear  Sir,  Your  most  obed'  Serv. 

Mr.  Philip  Van  Rensselaer.  ^M.    Pollard. 

A  provi.sional  treaty  of  peace  was  signed  January  20,  1783,  and  "  after 
protracted  negotiations "  the  articles  were  raified  by  a  definitive  treaty 


i'j--.f''rtldfi'>'r'r^ 


^-t^T^'TP'T^^ 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  81 

September  3,  1783.    "  This  peace  was  n3f?otiated  on  the  part  of  the  United 
Sates   by  John   Adam.,   John  Jay,  and   Jienjumin   FrLkiin    Esouires 

Qen.  Oansevoort  to  Philip  ¥■>■    !: 

;icli ver  Lieut.  Ford  Ann-  hnodred  Wui^lu  of  i^> w^tr  S^use 
..H.UU  ou  the  day  the  Procianutioaof  i>eac.«huil  bo  llLZi 
uiued.     Gutis  and.  Cartridge  Fapor.  "rumocea 

f  .  Fhi):     V  .u  Hensselaer,  St    e  Keeper.      '  »*"»*««»• 

n.   1-«th,  the  commander-in-chief  thus  addressed  the  unnv  on 

-0  7  WiliUes.  ''  The  commander-in-chief  orders  the  cessation 

s  httiw^en  the  United  States  of  America  and  the  king  of  Great 

•  J ■*iicl>  proclaimed  to-morrow  at  twelve  o'clock,  at  the  Now 
'    'uit  the  prociamatiou  which  will  be  communicated  here- 

'  '  .'•'T'^  T'r^u  ^^  u^^  ^"^'^  ^*'  «"«^>   '«gi"'«"t.  and 
•    '.A,'  ""?'''  ^h  ^f^'-'P''^'''^.  with  the  several  brigades 
-n*H  to  Alm.ghty  God   for  all  his  mercies,  particularly  for' 
■■    wrath   of  man,  to  his  own  glory,  and  causing  the  rage 
.iwmi  the  nations."  °  ° 

v„;pSetion  of  eight  years  from  the  memorable  battle  of  Lex- 
.  ;*u.atiou  of  the  congress  for  a  cessation  of  hostilities  was 
..-  door  of  the    public  building,  followed  by  tl   ,      huzzas- 
.     '  ^n  ayer  was  oflered  to  the  Al.nighty  Ruler  of  the  world,  and 
^.  r-orformed  by  yoi-'-es  and  instruments.     Though  the  pro- 
■•->i*  only  to  the   prohibition  of  lia^tiiities.  and  not  to  the 
•  *  general  peace,  it  »ive-i  sHticrf.  .sHti-sfartioa." 

f'hUip  VanReimdacr  to  Timot/i,/  I'ickerinff. 

.      J   ,  Albatiy    13th  Oecober.  1783. 

.■^*haude^tomeUiiHd«^  Bs  «i,..!:    ■  your  tkmijy 

»*'iug  tor  One  Anchor  and  0150  Ooil  .  ..;i  di'livered 

Soon  after  I    had  received    ti,.   .^rtkies  I  requested 

' '       f;'  uf":!*  ^'"''P'  "^  '^^  Highlands,  an.l  Lost  my  Anchor 

*  <.uble  for  which  I  have  had  his  promise  fj  return  me 

.   !    never  accomplish  it  fur  lie  .stood  in  need  of  them      I 

u,y  pay  tor  the  Service  of  the  Sloop,  and  wish  that  the 

.  iii.rged  to  Major  (^lackenboss  as  parr,  of  payment  to  me 

•  ■   >>loop  and  lioss  of  my  Anchor  and  (.'able. 

■    ttnpect  and  Esteem  I  am  Sir, 

ycur  Most  Obedt.  Humble  Servt. 
.     ,v      „     «•        •        .,         I'HiL'i'  Van  Rensselaer. 

*  I  unothy  Pickering,  Ksq.,  Q.  iMa^tcr  General,  Fishkill. 

^••ops  had  gone  home  on  furlough  and  this  year  General 

-i'.g  leisure,   proceeded  up  the   Hudson   with  Governor 

nnrrr  ^'""^  ^'"^  P'"""i>:'!  fi<'l'iH  of  military  op.Tation^  at  the 

norta.    .^e  passeu  over  the   battle  ground  at  Stillwafei.with  Geuei^s 

11 


tl 


^m 


September  3,  1 
States  by  Joh 
The  itidepende 
foreinrn  doiuini 


liiJVitthar- 


Sir: 

Please  delive 
of  firirif^'  Can  no 
and  proclaimed 

To  Mr.  Phili 

On  April  18 
the  cessation  of 
of  h  )at.ilities,  be 
Britiiiii,  to  be  pi 
Building;  and 
with,  be  read  t 
corps  of  the  am 
will  reader  than 
his  overruling  tl 
ot  war  to  cease  i 

"  On  the  com; 
ington,  the  proci 
published  at  the 
after  which,  a  pi 
an  anthem  was  j 
claiuation  extend 
aunuuciation  of; 


Sir: 

An  Account  w 
of«e?5:  11.  Be 
to  me  in  May  lasl 
Major  Quackenbc 
thefallof  1781  tc 
and  part  of  a  new 
again.  But  coulc 
Iiave  not  received 
Account  may  be  c 
for  the  use  of  the 
With  r 


The  Honble.  Ti 

Many  of  the  tro 
Washington,  havir 
George  Clinton  to 
north.     He  passed 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  81 

September  3  1783  "  This  peace  was  negotiated  on  the  part  of  the  Unit.d 
States  by  John  Adams,  John  Jay,  and  ]ienjamin  FrS'/kH  ,  J^  ref 
rhe  independence  of  the  United  States  was  then  acknowled-'ed  by  ill  he 
foreign  dominions.  "ii-ugcu  uy  mi  me 

Om.  Qatmwon  to  Philip  Van  Rensselaer. 

"Please  deliver  Lieut  Ford  four  hundred  ^N'^^o'Z^!:tT... 
of  firuiK  Cannon  on  the  day  the  Proclamation  of  Peace  shall  be  announced 
and  proclaimed.     Guns  and  Cartridge  Paper.  announced 

Tn  ATr  Pi.;i-    ir      B         ,        ^         Peter  Gansevoort  B.  Genl. 
lo  Mr.  Philip  Van  Rensselaer,  Store  Keeper. 

On  April  18th,  the  commander-in-chief  thus  addressed  the  army  on 
the  cessation  of  hostilities :  u  The  commander-in-chief  orders  the  cesSion 
of  . fines,  between  the  United  States  of  America  and  the  king  oT^ 
r>  :.,,  to  be  publicly  proclaimed  to-morrow  at  twelve  o'clock,  at  the  New 
wiTh  h?;  '3  /''"'  "''  proclamation  which  will  be  communicated  here- 
with,  be  read  to-morrow  evening,  at  the  head  of  every  regiment  and 
corps  of  the  army ;  after  which,  the  chaplains,  with  the  LerTbrldes 
will  render  thanks  to  Almighty  God  for  all  his  mercies,  particSffor' 
h.s  overruling  the  wrath  of  man,  to  his  own  glory,  and  causint  he  ra'e 
of  war  to  cease  among  the  nations."  i-iusin^  tne  rage 

"On  the  completion  of  eight  years  from  the  memorable  battle  of  Lex- 
ington  the  proclamation  of  the  congress  for  a  cessation  of  hostilities  was 
pubhshed  at  the  door  of  the  public  building,  followed  by  three  huzzl^ 
after  wh.ch,  a  prayer  was  oflered  to  the  Almighty  Ruler  of  the  world  and 
an  anthem  was  performed  by  yoices  and  inst^ruments.  ThouTt  e  pro 
clamation  extends  only  to  the  prohibition  of  hostilities,  and  no  to  U,e 
aunuucation  of  a  general  peace,  it  gives  sincere  satisfaction.'' 

PhUip  Van  Reimelaer  to  Timothy  Pickering. 

"a'     a  ^         ,       ,   ,  Albany,  13th  October,  1783. 

An  Account  was  handed  to  me  this  day  Ry  a  Gentleman  of  your  family 
ot  i.  -D  .  11.  Being  ror  One  Anchor  and  one  Coil  of  Riggin^  delivered 
me  in  May  h^t.  Soon  after  I  had  received  the  articfes  f  requested 
Major  Quackenboss  to  Settle  for  the  Same,  as  he  had  Taken  my  sC  in 
the  fall  of  1781  to  go  With  Troops  to  the  Highlands,  and  Lost  my  Anchor 
"  io'"r  t'^M  ^^^''^  '"  which  I  have  had  his  'promise  to  rLura  me 
I  :r;„f  i     "'''''  ^'^^'^■'^P''^'^  >t  fur  he  stood  in  need  of  them.     I 

^ave  not  received  any  pay  for  the  Service  of  the  Sloop,  and  wish  thrt  the 
Account  may  be  charged  to  Major  Quackenboss  as  par   of  payment  to  me 
for  the  use  of  the  Sloop  and  Loss  of  my  Anchor  and  Cable    ^ 
With  respect  and  Esteem  I  am  Sir, 

your  Most  Obedt.  Humble  Servt. 

Ti,o  u    ui     m-       1     T^-  ,     .  Philip  Van  Rensselaer. 

The  Honble.  Timothy  Pickering,  Esq.,  Q.  Master  General,  Fishkill. 

Many  of  the  troops  had  gone  home  on  furlough  and  this  year  General 
GeTrrfTV''"'""-'''^".''''  P^^'^^^dedup  the  ^iudson  wifhGoveTnor 
Wge  Clinton  to  visit  the  principal  fields  of  military  operations  at  the 
aoith.     He  passed  over  the   battle  ground  at  Stillwafer,  with  Generals 

11 


82 


LEaACY  OF  Historical  Gleanings. 


Pcluiyk-  and  Gnnsevoort.  and  extended  his  journey  as  far  northwiird  as 
Ticdiiderofja  and  Ciown  Point,  and  westward  to  Fort  Schuyler  (now  Home) 
on  the  3Iohawk,  being  absent  nineteen  days. 

Philip  Van  ItensHclucr  to  Cin-ncUus  Ray. 
I*ear  Sir :  New  York,  15  November,  1783. 

Misfortune  seems  to  attend  us  that  we  may  not  have  the  pleasure  of 
Meeting  and  spending  a  few  days  with  e:'.ch  other.  I  have  now  been 
here  14  Days,  in  hopes  to  see  you  every  day  to  return,  but  to  my  greiit 
Disappointment,  will  not  have  that  pleasure.  And  for  the  want  of  your 
Good  Advice  and  assistance  I  have  Jiost  Considerable  by  it;  the  articles 
which  I  wanted  to  purchase  have  risen  dayly  since  I  came  to  this  place, 

I  have  purchased  this  day  of  Mr.  Governeur  40  Hhds  :  Hum  and  some 
Dry  Goods ;  but  he  cannot  deliver  nie  more  than  30  Hhds  :  the  re- 
mainder which  he  has  is  Spirits  in  which  he  informs  me  you  are  Con- 
cerned in,  and  cannot  Deliver  me  until  you  return.  Which  you  will 
please  to  Consider,  and  if  you  approve  of  it  you  will  plea.se  to  send  me 
10  IJhds  :  and  a  IJox  of  your  fine  Sugar,  and  one  Tierce  of  Kice.  I  have 
Keceived  of  Mr.  Governeur  to  the  amount  of  £8U2  :  15  in  Rum  andi:i45: 

II  :  1  in  Dry  Goods,  together  £1008  :  6:  1.     And  of  Mr.  13.  Swarthout 
to  the  amount  of —  which  I  must  Trouble  you  to  Settle  for  me  as  soon  as 
money  Comes  to  your  hands  Belonging  to  me,  and  Take  receipts  for  the 
eame,  which  you  will  please  to  transmit  to  me.     Inclosed  you  have  an 
order  on    M'.  Jacob   Cuyier,  and  he  is  expected  to  pay  you  the  Sum  of 
£31:  14:  5  in   Now   York  Currency.     And  an   order  on   Mr.  Williara 
Pollard  of  Philadelphia,  to  pay  to  you  or  your  order  the  Sum  of  £513: 
16  :  11. ^  Penn.  Currency.     And  I  have  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Martin,  At- 
torney at  Law  at  Boston  a  Considerable  Sum  which  will  in   my  opinion 
amount  to  about  £820,  or  more  which  I  hav,  requested  him  to  remit  to 
you  as  Soon  as   possible.     Which  when   received   you  will  first  pay  Mr. 
Swarthout  the   Sum  of£— ;  and  Mr.  Governeur  £1008:  6:  1  and  die 
remainder  you  will  please   to  pay  yourself  with  for  such  articles  as  you 
may  send  me.     And  should  you  not  send  me  any,  you  will  please  to  keep 
the  money  in  your  hands  until  my  further  orders.     I  have  a  Quantity  of 
Barr  Iron  at  Clavcraek  Landing  and  will  have  fifteen  or  twenty  Tons  by 
next  Spring.     If  you  will  send  good  India  Bum  at  the  New  York  price 
and  allow  me  the  price  for  the  Iron  as  it  Sells  when  delivered,  you  will 
please  to  send  it  by  the  Bearer  Leonard  Van  Buren,  and  you  will  greatly 
oblige  Dear  Sir,  your  sincere  friend  and  Humble  Servt. 

Mr.  Cornelius  Hay,  New  York.  ^-  ^^^  Rensselaer. 

"  New  York  city  at  this  time  was  esteemed  the  most  eligible  situation 
for  commerce  in  the  United  States.  It  has  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  a 
short  and  easy  access  to  the  ocean,  and  with  respect  to  foreign  markets, 
has  decidedly  the  preference  to  any  of  the  states.  The  exports  to  tlie 
"\\  est  Indies  are  constantly  going  on  quite  largely." 

This  certificate  issued  from  the  treasury  : 

I  Do  Hereby  Certify,  That  Daniel  Jones  Capt.,  or  his  Assigns,  are  en- 
titled to  receive  out  of  the  Treasury  of  the  State  of  New  York,  the  Sum 
of  Twenty-five  pounds  two  shilling  &  four  pence  Current  Lawful  Money 
ot  the  said  State,  with  Interest  at  Five  per  cent  per  Annum,  from  the 
twentieth  Day  of  December  One   thousand  seven   hundred  and  eighty, 


lii 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleaninqs.  gs 

pursuanfctr,  the  Direction  of  a  Uw  entitled  "  An  Act  for  the  Settlement  of 
ho    uy  of  the  Le ves  and  M.litia,  for  their  Sorvices  in  the  late  WaH  and 
f.rotlw^r  Purposes  therein  mentioned  "  passed  the  27th  Day  of  April'  1784. 
""  ■  "'    ■  Ueuaud  Banckeu,  Treusurec. 

During  the  war,   vast  sums  of  paper  currency  had  been  emitted  bv 
on.Tess,  and   large   quantities  of  specie  had   been  introduced    to^ardl 
the  close  ot  the  war  by  the  French  arn.y  a,.d  the  Spanish  trade      Th  a 
plen.y  of  money  enabed  the  states  to  comply  with  the  first  requisitions  of 
congress;  so  that  during  two  or  three  years,  the  federal  trea  u  y  w^sia 
some  nioasuro  supplied      But  when  the   danger  of  war  had   oeaLd   a,  d 
lie  vast  impor^Uions  of  foreign  goods  had  lessened  the  qu  ntity  o   circu 
at, ng  specie,  the  officers  .ind  soldiers  of  the  late  army,  and  tL  e   who 
farnishe-l  supplies  for  public  exigencies,  were  obliged  to  rece  ve   for 
wages  cer  -.ficates  or  promissory  notes,  which  passed  at  a  fifth  or  even  a 
teatli  of  their  nominal  value.  * 

This  is  to  Certify  that  Mr.  Abraham  G.  Lansingh  has  due  to  him  from 
the  United  .States  the  Sum  of  Ninety-Eight  pounds,  Sixteen  Shilfn.     in 
November  1777  and  in  Feby.  1779,   and  the  Sum  of  One  Thousand  nn« 
hujulrod  and  sixty  Dollars,  in  Transporting   Military  S^es  froTspnag 
lield  to  this  place  for  public  use  in  June  1777.  "^pnaj,. 

P.  Van  Rensselaer,  Public  Storekeeper 

mrk  done  for  the  use  of  the  Indians,  by  the  request  of  the  GommissioneSs 
of  Indians  to  me  :n  1779-1780.  v^u'umissioners 

Albany  20th,  Sept.  1784.        ^-  ^^^  Rensselaer,,  Public  Storekeeper. 
A  WeMing  Imitation  90  years  ago  -  J  dies  Fonda  to  John  Sanders. 

„.    -.     _  .  Sincere  frinde  and  Hmnhlo  S»,7i 


To  3Ir.  John  Sanders,  Scotia, 


Sincere  frinde  and  Humble  SeV. 

Jelles  Fon- 


When  Sir  John  Johnson  Logan  a  devastating  march  up  the  Mohawk 
.1  ey,  among  the  many  suflFerers  on  October  18,  1780,  was  Maj^r  JelTes 
onda,  from  whom  the  present  village  of  Fonda,  near  old  CauXnaw.ia 

IX.  ^STV  ,"'  r  '^^-»^^-'»  home^t  the  time,  atlendint^'^ 
mcctmg  of  the  state  legislature,  of  which  he  was  a  member,  then  in  session 
Poughkeepsie,  Dutchess  county.  His  mansion  was  a  a  place  caed 
e  Nose,  m  the  town  of  Palatine.  His  wife  escaped  under  cover  of  a 
tlHck  fog,  and  on  foot  made  her  way  to  Schenectadv.  The  house  was 
burned  together  with  property  valued  at  $60,000.    "The  veo    ab  e  o  d 

SiUo  "  h7"'  ^'^'f  •  "'^  '''Y^  ^^  ^"  ^"^^^'"   P-^^  attached  to  the 
xpedition.he  was  cut  in  several  parts  of  his  head  with  a  tomahawk 

I  ;'•  5,"°Ja^  was  a  citizen  of  great  respectability,  eighty  years  of  a-e  aman 

wliohir  W.lham  Johnson  said,  was  like  a  fafher^to  him  when  he'setUed 

n  -Johnstown  and  Kiugsborough,  yet  his  son,  Sir  John  Johnson,  w  ied 

a    uel  wa^  against  him  and  his  neighbors,  robbing  them  of  propertv  and 

^'aj.ng  prisoners.     Weddings   in  those  days  were%elebrated  dSntly 


84 


Leoacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


from  whnt  thoy  now  are.  The  liiw  then  required  the  pubHshin<j  of  the 
banns  three  succuHHivo  tinien,  in  a  reli<(iouH  meeting,  before  the  couple  could 
get  niiirried.  After  the  notice  hud  been  once  read,  the  young  friends 
usually  had  u  dance,  and  after  the  couple  were  united,  they  had  several 
dances.  In  thi^^  jolly  manner  the  festivities  were  continued  for  three  sue. 
cessive  days.  It  was  customary  for  the  groom,  after  the  ordeal  of  pro- 
posing the  question,  to  make  his  intended  a  present  of  some  kind,  usually 
a  pair  of  silver  shoe  buckle.^,  sleeve  buttons,  or  snuff-box.  The  ill-bred 
custom,  of  celebrating  weddings  in  the  streets,  usually  termed  horninij,  is 
Btill  sometimes  continued. 

There  is  an  amusing  account  of  a  novel  marriage  of  these  early  times 
well  worthy  of  preservation,  when  clergymen  were  not  so  very  plenty  as 
they  now  are.     A  young  Dutch  swain  and  his  Dulcinea  were  anxiously 
awaiting  the  happy  day  which  was  to  see  them  united  in  the  silken  bunds 
of  matrimony.     They  resided  on  the  north  side  of  Tomhenick  creek,  and 
the  minister  who  had  been  engaged  to  tie  the  knot  lived  on  the  south 
side  of  the  same  stream.     As  the  fates  would  have  it  a  severe  storm  arose 
with  heavy  rains  falling  the  night  previous  to  the  nuptial  day,  and  the 
creek  became  fearfully  swollen  which  rendered  it  impassable.     Its  waters 
were  rising,  and  its  current  becoming  more  rapid  every  hour.     The  Dutch 
Reformed  clergyman   arrived  at  the  appointed  time  at  a  place  where  he 
had  been  in  the  habit  of  fording  the  creek  ;  but  it  was  as  much  as  his 
life  was  wo.th  to  attempt  to  cross  it  then.     Here  was  a  dilemma.     He 
turned  his  horse's  head  to  return,  when   he  was  hailed  by  two  voices  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  stream,  they  were  those  of  the  groom  and  bride 
who  entreated  him  to  stay.     After  some  debate,  it  waa  agreed  that  the 
ceremony  should  proceed :  "Stop!"  cried  the  domineto  theanxious  couple. 
"  Stand  vere  you  be,  and  I  will  make  you  man  and  wife."  In  the  meantime 
the  friends  of  the  betrothed  arrived  from  the  bride's  house  in  the  nei-jh- 
borhood.     Then  was  presented  a  singular  spectacle,  the  like  whereof  ms 
never  seen    before,  and   probably  will  not  be  again.      The  domine  read 
the  marriage  service  on  the  margin  of  the  creek,  while  the  parties  stood 
on  the  opposite  side.    'After  the   ceremony  was   over   the  happy  couple 
turned  to  leave.     Here  was  another  dilemma,  which  cast  a  cloud  of  deep 
anxiety  over  the  tranquil  features  of  the  good  old  man.     "  Stop,  den.  my 
young  friends,  von   moment,  if  you  please.     You  cannot  toss  the  few 
guilders  across  the  creek,  but  you  can  leave  them  atder  first  house  below. 
Tell  dem  it  is  Domine  Van  IJunschooten's  marriage  fee,  and  I  will  call 
and   get  it."     He  put   these  directions  in    pure  Dutch   then  mounted 
his    horse    and    proceeded    homewards,   and   the    married  couple  did 
the  same.     This  is  only  one  instance  of  the  peculiar  trials  the  inhabitants 
had  to   contend  with,  but  there  are  many  others  showing  the  exciting 
occurrences  that  engrossed  their  attention,  and  the  nature  of  the  enjoy- 
ments they  found  amid  so  many  privations.     And  yet,  with  all  their  hard- 
ships, they  p-.  ospered ;  their  wants  were  few,  and  their  pleasures  were 
keenly  enjoyed.     There  were  but  few  families,  living  quite  distant  from 
each  other,  a  visit  was  enjoyed  to  th(>  utmost  and  there  was  no  fear  of 
criticism,  gossip  or  backbiting  to  mar  the  full  flow  of  friendliness.  Modern 
fashionable  calls  and  tea-parties,  frcm  the  very  hollowness  of  the  preten- 
sions made,  suffer  much  in  comparison  with  the  noble  friendship  developed 
amid   untold  trials.     The  inhabitants,  however,  generally  were  endowed 
with  physical   health,  strength,  and  activity,  and   also  were  engaged  in 
busy  scenes  of  general  usefulness. 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  95 

Lancinp  Assembly. 

Stn.  V.  Rensfieluer.  1  r  r»,.  11      nr  1  > 

Ju.o.Fairlio,         'I         Managers.  S^V^C„S 

SanderH  La„«u.g,      f  ( John  V   flen^. 

As  regards   the  customs  of  our  ancestral  patriarchy,  their  habits  and 
n>odeH  ot  enjoying  then.selves,  and  how  they  differ  from  the    resent  time 
18  always  entertaining  and  aff-ords  rare  amusement  ■  wl  1«  U  «  ' 

tcnng  stores.'  As  population  multiplied,  and  demands  oJa  social  nafu; 
iDcreased  parties  of  pleasure  sweetened  the  days  of  toil.  Ari  a  ^rnoo„.« 
visit,  perhaps  a  bee  of  some  nature,  the  ouiltinc  bees  Ln !  • 
bees,  spinning  bees,  wool  picking,  w'ere  all  W  iLs  0  'raTe'fur"'}? 
a^ay  be  a  huskmg  is  planned,  to  which  the  young  ladies  for  many  milp« 
are  invited,  the  young  men  in  the  evening  coming  i„  on  horseback  to  snem! 
a  remaining  festive  hours,  bringing  a  violinisF  with  tSe  party  Ifter 
the  work,  to  bark  corn,  was  accomplished,  the  gay  dance  and  warn  sunnor 
would  be  the  sequel  to  the  pleasant  gathering  In  earlier  dJ-nf  .'^^P^ 
iiines   Albany  would  presenf  the  gayfty  of  a  Colonial  court    Ta'l      Zues 

Washington  divided  his  time  into  the  four  grand  departments  of «1^Pn 
devotion,  recreation  and  business.  On  the  hours  of  bTstneTs  whetherfn 
\wZ\Z      "  """"^'^'^  ^^^'°«'  ^'  ^«"'d  allow  noth  n7  to   in  •  in'4 

.     no  co„?rr'T"^  '•"'^"^'^^  '""^^'••«"«'  "«  P'e««ures  howeve  ele 
gaiit  no  conversation  however  asrreeable,  could  prevail  on  him  fin!  i     . 

hold  nf  fw!         I         i       •     .*^^^'"^'  by  some  extraordinary  luck  cot'en 

havin-turned    ff7Cl     I  -T'le  officers  were    thunderstruck,   but 

wliVf":   n      •  ,       glasses,  rose  up,  one  and  all    to  go      "Hev  Hpv! 

what  s  all  this,  gentlemen,  what's  all  th  ,s  ?"  "  Why  did  not  von  Jr;?^n!^ 
repos  or  good  ni.'ht?"  <<  VVliof  t    ;„  fi    .\i.     " 'Vi/na  not  you  drink  bon 
"  Wr.Il  th      A     ^  I-  ^'  •    '^  ^'^^^  *h«  meaning  of  it  ?"  "  Yes  Sir  " 

Wlshinln"        '"  tV^"''  '^"^  ''^'  y^"'-  «^»t«  «Sain,  for  by  the  lift  of 
Washington,  you  shan't  stir  a  peg,  till  we  have  started  every  drop  of  our 


86 


Legacy  of  TTrsToRicAi.  Gleaninos. 


! 


exfollont  drink,  bo  Hontod,  bo  seated  Koritlcmen."  [n  a  <^'bu9H  case  at  tlio 
rooiiiH  of  the  ffiHtoriciil  liibrary  in  I'liila<lelpbii»,  with  other  relics,  is  this 
identical  silver  wino  cup,  bearing  t\u>,  ii/'iais  of  ^1.  W.  It  was  used  by 
Genera!  Wayne  in  the  rovobuion,  and  presented  to  the  society  by  a  pon- 
tlonian  of  that  city,  together  with  a  small  brass  camp  kettle,  belonging  to 
the  same  notable  officer,  both  of  which  had  seen  much  service. 

At    Mrs.   Washington's  levoi!  the  visitors  were  seated,  then  tea  and 
coffee  were  handed,  with  plain  and  plum  cake.     The  company  was  expected 
to  retire  early.     "  The  general  retires  at  nine,  and  I  usually  precede  him," 
the  lady  would  si.y.      At  the  presidential  receptions  Washint'ton   wore 
his  hair  powdered  and  gathered    behind  in  a  silk  bag.      His  coat  and 
breeches  were  of  a  plain  black  velvet;  he  wore  a  white  or  pearl  colored 
vest  and  yellow  gloves,  and  had  a  cocked  hat  in  his  hand,  with  silver 
kneo  and  shoe  buckles  and  a  long  sword  with  a  finely-wrought  and  glit- 
tering stetl  hilt.     The  coat  was  worn  over  this  and  its  scabbard  of"po. 
Ushed  white  leather.     He  never  sliook  hands  at  tl\ose  receptions,  even 
with  his  most  intimate  friends,  but  all  his  visitors  were  received  with  a 
dignified  bow,  and  passed  on.     At  jMrs.  Washington's  levees  the  president 
appeared  simply  as  a  private  gen'  eman,  with  neither  hat  nor  sword,  he 
was  constantly  engaged  in  conve.  ation,  without  restraint  and  most  gene- 
rally with  the  ladies,  adorned  by  all  tliio  graces  of  true  courtesy.      At 
cue  of  her  lady.ship's  Friday  evening  drawing-rooms,  owing  to  the  en- 
trome  lowness  of  the  ceiling,  the  ostrioh  feathers  in  the  head-dress     "a 
most  di.stinguished  belle  in  New  York  city,  unfortunately  took  fire  iroin 
the  chandelier,  to  the  general  confusion  and  alarm.     Major  Jackson,  aid- 
de-camp  to  the  President  Washington,  flew  to  the  rescue,  and,  clappin-' 
the  burning  plumes  between  his  hands,  extinguished  them.     This  lady" 
who  was  Miss  Mary  McEvors,  married  Edward  Livingston,  the  minister 
to  France.     3Irs.  Washington  as  a  belle  at  the  colonial  court  in  V/illianis- 
burg,  as  a  beautiful  young  widow  (Mrs.    Custis)    reigning   among   the 
chivalrous  Virginians,  as  the  wife  of  the  commander  in  chief  and  prcsi- 
dont  of  the  new  nation,  was  a  general  favorite  and  her  benign  aspect  is 
familiar  to  all.     She  was  accustomed  to  join  Gen.   VVashingiou  in  camp, 
traveling  with    postillions  in    white  and  scarlet  liveri'^s.     Every  thing 
about  her  house  had  an  air  of  simplicity ;  the  table  good,  but  not  osten"- 
tatious,  and  no  deviation  was  seen  from  regularity  and  domestic  economy. 
She  superintended  the  whole  and  joined  to  the  qualities  of  an  excellent 
housewife  the  simple  dignity  which  ought  to  characterize  a  woman  whose 
husband  has  acted  the  greatest  part  on  the  theatre  of  human  affairs. 

The  subject  of  the  president's  title  had  caused  much  discussion  in 
society.  General  Muhlenberg,  who  had  once  been  an  earnest  clergyman 
but  had  in  1775  espoused  his  country's  cause,  thought  General  Washing- 
ton wo-'ld  like  the  title  hi(jhmi«htincss,  used  by  the  stadtholder  of  Holland. 
The  general,  dining  with  Washington,  observed  on  the  subject :  "If  the 
office  could  always  be  held  by  men  as  large  as  yourself  or  Wynkoop,  it 
would  be  very  appropriate  ;  but  if  by  chance  a  president  as  stnall  as  niy 
opposite  neighbor  were  elected  it  would  be  truly  ridiculous."  He  therefore 
voted  against  any  title.  When  Rev.  Mr.  Muhlenburg  enlisted  his  regi- 
ment, he  entered  his  pulpit  with  his  sword  and  cockade  and  preached 
his  farewell  sermon. 


Leo  ACT  OP  Historical  Gleanings. 


87 


Union  College  Committee  to  Hon.  Philip  Schuyler. 

V      1         1.     ,  ,       ,  SchcnoctadyOtli  Jnnuv.  179? 

you  have  DoubtloHs  been  informcu  t;  m  tl.o  Citizens  of  ,Sci-„ootady 
have  hud  .t  ,n  cnten.plation  for  a  nnn.bor  of  years  to  obtain  a  hH 
Scnonaryof  heurnu..M„  thin  Town.  In  the /oar  1780  or  81  prCS 
W..T  n,ado  on  the.r  part  to  the  Lo«i«lature  then  Setting  at  AvLX  to 
Kndow  a  College  .f  innt  tuted  in  thin  ph.co.  with  an  Estate  of  ten  tCand 

..(•X  pr  Annum  fe-nco  that  period  and  after  the  paHsing  of  the  rneversitj 
Law,  they  have  been  prevented  from  publiekly'purHuinK  the  obll      b^ 

he   evval  ot  an  Anc.ent  Law  Di.pute  which  eomprehended  the  p  olej 
kstato  and  on  which  huhorto  no  decision  had  been  obtained,  thi.  however 
ksnot  made  them  Lose  Si^ht  of  the  buMness.     A  eonvi  tioihTthe 
DKjtauce  of   h.s  part  of  the  Stato  with  the  charges  Attending  a  residence 
eMher  at  Columbm  or  .ts  noiKhbouring  Colleges  cannot  but  operate  usa 
very  great  d.scouragen.ent  of  moderate  tho'  comfortable  Circumsta  cc    to 
devote  the.r  Cludren  to  a  regular  course  of  Education  Leads  them    o 
persevere      And  .f  we  Add  to  these  considerations  tho  amazing  incr™    e 
0  population,  the  well  known  Centrality  and  Cheapness  of  bo^d   n       « 
low.,  the  Comparatively   few  fashionable  Vices  with  o  her  advantages 
winch  are  obvious  we  flatter  ourselves  every  disinterest  C  .tlenian  of  be- 
n    0  unce  and  Lebirality  within  this  State  will  afford  us  ti..ir  friend  l^n 
"d  Aid  in  the  persecution.     We  conceive  a  Cri.es  to  offe.^  at  present 
iavourable  to  our  views  at  Liast  if  we  can  have  the  happines.  of  meeS 
mh  the  approbation  and  Countenance  of  the  Legislature.^   Di-  k  V   In. 'en 
K^.,rofth.s  place  with  others  having  obtained  a  Leas  fo,  the  Term"of 

tne  treaty  of  ,  H8  the  Residue  of  their  reservation,  bus  with  his  AssociatoM 
?m7rr  ^^^1?^/5a60  Acres  there  of  for  the  purpose  of  rouudinJfZ 
feu  por  ing  A  College  in  the  Town  of  Schenectadv^eservin.'  an  Annual 
r  n  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  Dollars  for  the  benifet'of  said   ndian.      The 

H     Slel     ''^l'  ^'"'"^'oi'  ^^'""f''^  P""'^^^  '"^-^^'^J  i-to  the  lands  of 
lie  Ge.itlemen  acting  as  Trustees  of  the  Academy  in  this  Town   these 

in^';  '?Wrr  "'T/'''^'""i'"  ^"'•■^•^"'^  •"  its  proceeds  and  trmr,:; 
in  )ts  Na  ure  have  determined  to  petition  the  Legislature  for  a  Law  to 

resen'tiof  t"  tts' D    T  ^^^^^-^   ''  ^^^^^^^^  ^""^    "'^  I"di:ns  die 
restr\..tion  to  this  Donation.     This  petition  supported  by  a  Number  of 

he  u^st  respectable  Characters  in  the  City  and  CoLty  of  Albany  wi  I  be 

laid  before  the  Legislature  at  an  Early  Stage  of  the  season      We  cannot 

or,»  .,„  doubt  of  its  propriety.     Instead  of  injuring  the  interests  of'tl^e 

tt 'id"  '^iZLtr'^  '3  Tf'' ''  ''''''.  ''''  -"^^^  Sub'tntidTdt::  ag 
e  Idea  ot  supporting  and  Educating  a  few  of  their  young  Man  has  been 

brown  out  to  some  of  their  principal  Chiefs  who  appeared   o  be  exceed 

gly  pleased  and  Expressed  their  Wishes  that  we  niight  Succeed  besdes" 

ter  deducting  the  above  Quantity  they  retain  in  their  llesrvlttnm^^^^^^ 

tl-en  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  Acres  to  be  CuItivatTrylbouron! 

hundred  families      And  it  must  be  obvums  that  such  instUutioVwou  d  Se 

the  greatest  advantage  to  Society  &  the  Stat..     But  Sever  Tacts  Z 

■sons  may  be  plead  in  behalf  of  the  Subject  we  are  conSs  thft  Z 

er  to  succeed  we  need  the  interest  and  iid  of  friom  s  in    he  L  gi  |a- 

t      'the  iloi^^'T'^"'   ''^''■''"''°  °^' y«"r  candour  and  liberalYty  I 
t-^l^e  the  Liberty  humbly  to  request  your  Council  and  Assistance  in  fhe 


' -11 


88 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


business  at  Least  as  far  as  you  shall  Conceive  Consistant  and  beg  further 
to  Suggest  that  We  wish  you  to  make  such  use  of  this  Letter  as  you  shall 
think  conducive  to  promote  our  wishes. 

We  are  Sir,  Your  very  Humble  Serv*8, 

Abr"  Ogtiiout. 

Mynd'  S.  Ten  Eyck,     Nicholas  Veeder. 

John  Glen,  Cornelia.:*  N.  Van  Slyck. 

Honorable  Philip  Schuyler,  Esqr.,  Membei  of  the  Senate,  New  York, 

Philip  Van,  Rensselaer  to  Gov.  George  Clinton. 

Dear  Sir,  Albany  1  Febr,  1792. 

I  take  the  Liberty  to  inform  your  Excellency,  that  I  have  not  been  so 
Successful  as  to  have  my  .\ccoi  adjusted  by  the  Gentlemen  Appointed  by 
Law  for  my  Service  during  the  Late  war,  and  for  which  I  have  your  Excel- 
lency's promise  that  I  should  be  well  Rewarded,  this  will  be  Delivered  to 
your  Excellency  by  Capt.  Mathew  Trotter  by  whom  I  wish  to  Receive  a 
Line  from  the  Governor  with  Advice  what  Steps  I  must  Take  in  order  to 
obtain  my  Just  Right.  I  have  Requested  Gol"  Varick  to  call  on  your 
Excellency  on  this  Business. 

With  Este'jLi  I  am  your  Excellency's  Real  and  Sincere  friend 

a  ad  Humbie  Serv'. 

His  Excellency  Governor  George  Clinton.   ^'«'^'^  ^^^  Rensselaer. 

Philip  Van  Bensselaer  to  Richard  Varick, 

Dear  Colonel : 

I  take  the  Liberty  to  trouble  you  to  call  on  the  Governor  to  know  what 
Steps  I  must  take  to  obtain  my  pay  for  my  Service  during  the  Late  War, 
for  which  I  have  his  promise  that  I  should  be  well  Rewarded,  his  Ex- 
cellency's oppinion,  together  with  your  good  advice,  will  be  my  Guide  on 
this  head,  which  you  will  pleuse  to  Communicate  to  me  by  a  Line  with 
the  Return  of  the  Bearer  Captain  Trotter.     I  am  yours  Sincerely. 

The  Worshipful  Richard  Varick,  Esq.,  New  York.^'  ^-  I^^'Nsselaer. 

"  In  1792  a  sort  of  stage  was  established  to  run  from  Albany  to  Whites- 
town,  near  Utica,  which  performed  the  route  once  a  fortnight.  Some 
enterprising  persons  residing  in  the  Genesee  county,  which  was  the  great 
west  of  that  day  established  another  to  meet  the  one  at  Whitestown, 
The  next  year  a  stage  undertook  to  carry  passengers  from  Albany  to 
Coopers  town." 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


89 


CHAPTER  IV. 

General  Wayne's  Campaign. 

Under  the  authority  of  the  act  of  congress  1791,  Arthur  ?t  Clair 
governor  of  the  north  western  territory?  had  been  appointed  S 
general  and  commander  ,n  chief  Every  exertion  ^vas^  mlde  to  ra ie 
an  army  and  provide  provisions  and  arms  for  it  after  whioh  i^  u  ^ 

at  Fort  Washington.     On  the  17th   day  of  Sep^^^^^^^^^ 
left  Fort  Washington,  and  cut  a  road   through  ^ewderne;  to ^^.1 
Iam.lton  now  stands.   Here  a  fort  was  erected,  and  c Jl  fForTHfJltor 

father  due  north    he  established  Another' miliry  prScSi. ^^^ 
Jefferson    More  than  two  thousand  warriors  had  been  watchin.  St  Cllir's 
movements  for  several  days,  all  night  long  the  sentinels  Td^been  fi    ,,. 
upon  prowling  Indians,  and  the  men,  by  order  of  the  Pnm,  o.  i  '" 

ral  had  slept  upon  their  arms.  Alaj'or  Z.tatu.ad T  t:p^,Si"c:i 
w  1 1  a  sufficient  force  to  bring  back  about  sixty  men  who  had  de  e  tod  n 
a  ody  a„d  the  main  army,  only  fourteen  hundred  strong  moved  fo' 
ward  .0  where  afterwards  Fort  llecovery  was  erected  wi  h  n  ViL  r  .' 
ot  Mercer  omintv      'VU^  *,.  i     i   l     "^        ,  ^"^^'^^'^)  witnin  the  limits 

or  luercer  county      I  he  troops   had  been  early  mustered  and  dismi.*,.^ 

fecrs  exorled  themselves,  to  the  uttnast,  l„  restore  onle     hat  ?„  ,2- 
,  however,  d,d  tho.r  duty  bravely,  „„d  were  shot  dow„    „  Rrea,  mm 
2'   \     .  '"'""•>''  S'"  '"''  "  ""■■«  «"''  '■»"'l  "im  «t  them      The  I  ,di  .„, 
7d±     "  I""  f  u ''•     ^''°'"''  **'  «l"!'-  ""  »°  wor„  down  bySo 

'"S^xrt^°"£i;t:ts-:5r^::nis£  SF 

,    --.I  .ir,.„u!ne  .Miller,  lived  in  Cmciuuati  till  lier  death  in  1838. 


90 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


.'1 


This  woman  ran  ahead  of  the  whole  army,  in  their  flin;ht  from  the  field  of 
battle.  Jler  larp;c  (luantity  of  long  red  iiiiir,  floated  in  the  breeze,  which 
the  soldiers  followed  through  the  woods,  as  their  avant  courier  that  moved 
rapidly  onward,  to  the  place  of  their  ultimate  destination.  Many  of  tlie 
prisoners  taken  were  by  the  Indians  roasted  alive  by  a  slow  tire. 

This  defeat  of  Oeneral  Arthur  St.  Clair  had  produced  the  greatest  alarm 
among  all  the  settlers  in  the  West,  and  it  cast  a  gloom  over  society  in  all 
parts  of  the  Union,  and  checked  for  a  short  time  the  tide  of  emigration  in 
tliC  direction  of  Ohio.     St.  Clair  was  condemned  in  unmeasured  terms  by 
men  of  all  classes  and  parties,  and  the  indignation  of  President  Washington 
was  exceeding  hot.     Although  naturally  of  a  mild  disposition,  Waslutm. 
ton  had  a  temper  which  was  vehement  and  almost  irresistible.     The  sad 
news  had  greatly  excited  the  general ;   he  walked  slowly  backward  and 
forward  in  silence,  he  seemed  much  agitated,  and  broke  out  suddenly; 
•'  It's  all  over,  St.  Clair  is  defeated,  routed,  the  officers  nearly  all  killed,  the 
men  by  wholesale.     The  rout  is  complete,  and  a  surprise  in  the  bargain!" 
All  this  was  said  with  great  vehemence;  then  pausing,  he  again  paced  the 
floor  in  silence,  violently  agitated.      When  near  the  door  he  stopped  short, 
stood  for  a  moment,  and  then  there  was  another  terrible  explosion  of  wrath, 
"  Yes,"  he  exclaimed,  "on  this  very  spot  I  took  leave  of  him  ;  I  said,  Be- 
ware of  a  surprise.     You  know   how  the   Indians  fight   us,   I   repeated' 
Beware  of  a  surprise.      He  went  off  with  this  warning  in  his  ears,  and  yet 
to  suffer  the  army  to  be  butchered  by  a  surprise,  the  very  thing  I  guarded 
him  against.     Oh,  God  !  Oh,  God  !"    lie  threw  up  his  hand,  and  while 
his  frame  sliook  heekclaimed  :  "  He  is  worse  than  a  murderer.      How  can 
he  answer  itto  his  country  ?  The  curse  of  widows  and  orphans  is  upon  him," 
The  president's  private  secretary,  Tobias  Lear,  was  present  and  reuiaiued 
speechless  till  the  paroxysm  passed  away.     He  was  charged  by  the  general 
never  to  divulge  his  display  of  temper,  and  that  he  was  in  a  passion.  Gen, 
Washington,  however,  was  both  generous  and  just,  and  St.  Clair  found  in 
him  a  most  faithful  friend  ;  his  case  was  investigated  by  a  committee  of  the 
hou.se  of  repiesentatives  and  he  was  honorably  acquitted,  having  no  court 
martial  to  try  him.     General  Anthony  Wayne  was  appointed  to  fill  his 
place.     Congress  authorized   an  increase  of  the   regular  army  to  a  little 
over  five  thousand  men,  and  a  part  of  it,  the  Legion,  was  assigned  to  him, 

For  many  years  the  Indians  had  been  very  troublesome  on  our  north- 
western frontier,  and  were  ever  on  "  the  old  war  path."  The  first 
settlers  there  were  constantly  armed;  they  always  went  to  their  work 
with  their  guns  near  them,  and  had  sentinels  posted  also  close  by,  on  some 
high  stump  of  a  tree.  All  males  capable  of  bearing  arms,  were  orJerc<i 
to  carry  them  even  while  attending  public  worship,  liy  neglecting  .some' 
times  to  obey  this  order,  not  a  few  men  lost  their  lives.  The  con.sumiu;i- 
tion  of  our  Independence  was  not  only  a  source  of  mortification  to  the 
government  ^f  Great  Britain,  and  to  the  monarchists  generally  of  theolJ 
continent,  but  to  companies  and  to  individuals  engaged  in  the  valuable 
fur  trade  of  the  new  one.  It  was  their  policy  to  throw  every  obstacle  in 
the  way  of  our  prosperity  ;  and  us  one  great  step  to  further  their  objec;, 
they  instigated  the  unfortunate  Indians  to  lift  the  hatchet  once  more 
against  us,  and  now  unfortunately  these  "  kings  of  the  forest"  had  broken 
the  "  pipe  of  peace,"  and  unearthed  the  buried  weapon  symbolical  of 
hatred,  and  the  Indian  war  assumed  a  serious  aspect.  Our  two  aniiie-, 
under  General  Josiah  llarmar  and  General  Arthur  St.  Clair,  had  alreadj 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  91 

fallen  victims  to  the  subtle  fury  of  such  implacable  foes,  an>I  in  the  con- 
se^iiient  confldence  inspired  by  success,  their  blood  thirsty  propensity 
know  no  bounds.  _  Almost  every  settler  north  of  the  Ohio,  and  west  of  the 
Alle-Iiany,  were  either  carried  into  captivity  or  cruelly  murdered,  for  "  the 
torch  ot  war  was  kindled."  In  auf,^menting  the  army  at  this  crisis,  the 
wisdom  oi  President  Washingtuu,  most  judiciously,  directed  him  to  the 
intrepid  Wayne  or  '  Mad  Anthony"  (a  title  gained  him  for  the  im- 
potuos.ty  exhibited  during  the  old  war  for  independence),  as  the  proper 
oihcer  to  crush  the  grow.ngev.  and  to  compel  the  savages  to  cease  their 
depredations.  He  was  destined  in  his  victorious  career  to  achieve  noace 
and  penuanent  security  to  a  dreaded  wilderness.  It  was,  however  very 
difficult  to  enhst  soldiers  for  that  hazardous  service,  and  now  a  new 
champion  for  his  country's  rights  appears  on  the  military  field 

Solomon  the  fourth  child  of  Major  General  Henry  R.  Van  Rensselaer 
and  A  Ida  Bradt,  was  born  August  6,  1774,  het oroenhasch  orGreenbush 
opposite  Albany,  in  what  was  subsequently  called  the  old  Genet  mansion.' 
"'^  '■^'«.ffJ   his   Illustrious  father's  military  disposition;    and  in   the 
jw  1^92,  before  he  was  eighteen,  told  his  sire,  who  was  a  man  of  posi- 
tion and  influence  that  he  must  <jo  if  only  as  a  private  soldier  to  join  the 
army     General  Van   Rensselaer  obtained  for  his  son  a  commission  as 
ornet  ot  dragoons  in  the  4th  legion  of  cavalry,  and  he  immediately  en- 
teied  upon  dug  as  a  recruiting  officer  at  Albany,  N.  Y.,  as  the  principal 
rendezvous.     His  instructions  say  :  "  You  will  recruit  for  the  serv  ce  of 
the  cavalry  only.     No  foreigners  are  to  be  enlisted.     None  but  active 
healthy  young  men  ol   good  characters  and  morals  are  to   be   engaged" 
The  youthful  cornet  raised  the  new  soldiers  in  his  own  county  of  Re'nsse- 
laer,  and  with  the  most  determined  perseverance  surmounted  every  annoy- 
ance  inciden ta    to  the   charge  of  raw  recruits,   ardently  impelled  to  tlfe 
uty  by  a  noble  love  of  country.     With  the  sacred  commission  of  Gen 
)\ashington  in  his  pocket,  ,„  obedience  to  the  secretary  of  war's  direol 
.oiis  he  soon  left  the  amenities  and  courtesies  of  life  i/his  early  hime 
and  'joined  Genera   Anthony  Wayne's  expedition  to  the  Maumee  in  tLe 
.ime  batta  ion  with  Gen.  William  H.  Harrison,  and  before  he  Ts  twenty 
«^s  promoted  to  the  command  of  a  troop  in   1794."     It  was  under  thi^ 
effieientsoldier  Wayne,  that  the  young  Dutchman  with  his  heart  "full  of 
onrage,  lion-like,  afraid  of  none,"  commenced  his  military  career      On 
t  oir  westward  route  our  little  corps  of  valiant  Greenbushers  marched 
rough  a  dense  wilderness  of  several  hundred  miles,  far  from  succor  del. 
tute  of  comforts,  constantly  in  danger  of  falling  into  an  ambuSe  for 
he  wily  savages  were  concealed  in   the  bushy  mvines  and  en^S  in 
many  diabolical  stratagems   to  entrap  the   unwary.     They  encounLred 
majy  troubles,  and  had  much  toil  on  their  porilous^vay,  but  in  due     1 
Without  a  single  desertion,  they  reached  thecintonment  at  Fort  VVashingt^n! 

General  Henry  Knox  to  Solomon  Van  liensselner. 

^'ti..  p     ^^     .    r  X.    rr  .     ,  „  ^^^'^  department,  March  15th,  1792. 

The  President  of  the  United  States  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent 
ot  the  benate  has  appointed  you  a  Cornet  of  a  troop  of  Light  Dra-oons 
a-.re?f7l!     P''^"««''"'"^^if«ly|o«isnifyyour  acceptance  or  non-accept: 
acce  of  this  appointment.   In  order  that  you  may  judge  of  the  pay  rations 
ana  emoluments  for  the  commissioned,  and  non-com  missioned  Officers  and 


\    m 


9' 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


privates  in   the  Service  of  the  United  States,  I  enclose  you  the  act  of 
Congress  v-lative  to  the  military  establishment. 

I  am  Sir,  Your  humble  Servant. 


Cornet  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer. 


The  above  warrant  was  received  nnd  the  appointment  accepted  with 
joy.  It  was  true  also  his  enthusiastic  feelings  were  greatly  excited  by  the 
anxiety  and  continual  alarm  that  harassed  the  people,  for  a  dark  and 
ominous  cloud  gathered  over  the  colony  and  filled  the  inhabitants  with 
alarm.  The  banner  of  hostility  was  again  raised  and  the  savages  were 
preparing  to  go  out  upon  the  old  war  paths.  Ah  was  said  of  another  so 
of  him :  "  The  bud  of  the  young  cornet's  life  was  just  developing  into 
the  blossom  of  youth,  and  his  plastic  mind  was  continually  impressed  with 
words  and  deeds  that  left  ineffaceable  records  of  memory  there,  to  be 
consulted  in  future  years."  And  now  the  great  question  of  his  life  work 
was  decided. 

Oen.  Knox  to  Captain  Bodgera. 

Sir,  War  department,  June  28,  1792. 

lour  letter  of  the  15  instant  is  received.  I  enclose  you  a  copy  of  my 
letter  to  you  of  the  d5th  inst.  directing  you  to  come  forward  to  New 
Brunswick,  in  New  Jersey,  with  all  your  recruits.  This  request  I  again 
repeat. 

I  am  Sir,  Your  humble  Servant. 

Captain  Jedediah  Rodgers.  ^-  Knox,  Secy,  of  War. 

_        „,  Gapt.  Rodgers  to  Cornet  Van  Rensselaer. 

Dear  Sir, 

I  have  this  moment  recevd  your  Letter  of  this  day's  date  by  the  trum- 
peter, also  those  from  the  department  of  War.  I  know  of  no  circumstance 
that  will  prevent  my  embarking  on  Fryday  at  12  o'clock.  You  be  pleased 
to  accomodate  your  business  to  that  Hour.  1  wrote  to  Mr.  Hale  this 
morning  informing  him  of  the  time,  tomorrow  morning  will  see  you  in 
Albany,  be  so  kind  as  to  ask  Mr.  Hale  if  the  troops  can  be  furnished  with 
hard  bre'd  _      .  ^ 

I  am  Dr  Sir,  Yours  Sincerely, 

Cornet  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer.  Jedidiah  Rogers. 

The  captain  was  then  in  Troy ;  but  having  been  arrested,  after  orders 
for  marching  arrived  from  General  Henry  Knox,  secretary  of  war,  the 
command,  consequently  of  the  company,  devolved  upon  the  cornet. 

Marching  Orders.—  General  Knox  to  Captain  Rodgers. 
Sir  :       _  War  department,  July  12th,  1792. 

Captain  Mills  is  instructed  to  muster  and  inspect  your  recruits,  and  to 
place  in  your  hands  one  Months  pay  for  them.  He  will  also  deliver  ynu 
four  Months  pay  and  three  Months  subsistence  and  forage  for  yourself, 
and  four  Months  pay  and  three  Months  subsistence  and  forage  for  Cornet 
Van  Rensselaer,  and  a  further  sum  of  fifty  dollars  for  the  contingent  ex- 
penses of  your  march. 


) 

■ 

ttl, , 


1 


K4S 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  98 

As  soon  as  the  clothing  arrives,  and  which  is  now  on  the  road  to  New 
Brunswick,  I  request  that  after  clothing  your  men,  you  will  immediately 
-----nrr  your  march   agreeably  to  the   -rder.  wluch  are  enclosed. 

.     1  wil    apply  to  Mr   Bray  to  furniHh  y..»  a  wa^^rou  to  transport  the 
.£..'  ot  your,  detachment  from  JJrunswii^k   t,.  Tri^Dton,   where  Mr 
.,11  occomodate  you  in  the  same  manner  to  Jlcadii.K  in  Pennsylva- 
Vt  Keadin^r  Janies  Collins,   Esqr,  will  procure  you   the  means  of 
TluHou  to  Pittsburg. 

tm-  hear  from  you  by  every  opportuu.ty  wf»ile  o«  th«  aiftrch, 
I  am  Sir,  Your  humble  Servant, 

1    J  ,i;  k  n  J  T  1-.  -.^  ^*-  ^^^'^>  Secy,  of  War.' 

U-iUifliah  KodgerSjJwght  Dragoons. 

WHt^'rford,  10  miles  above  Albany,  State  of  New  York. 

-  iiH'    I*i!h  of  June,  1775,  the   day   before  the  battle  of  Bunker's 

V.  un;;  American  patriot,   Henry  Knox,  escaped  from  Boston  in 

■       n,  was  accompanied  by  his  wife,  and  she  had  quilted  into  the 

'    her  fioak  a  sword,  for  whi.h  it  was  expected,   there   would  be 

i  uo  use      He  made  his  way  to  the  headquarters  of  the  American 

.!  <  umbridge ;  he  was  employed,  and  that  sword  was  a  busy  one 

'>- St  oight  years.     The  commission  is  decorated  with  the  \meri. 

••  holding  the  olive  branch  in  one  talon,  and  a  bundle  of  thirteen 

Hthe  other,  while  his  beak  holds  a  scroll  with  the  motto  i7 

<  ««m,  in  the  centre  at  the  head  of  the  parchment;  with  the 

ot  the  United  States  Board  of  War  and  Ordnknce 


-^«;ai 


,^.  Washington    President  of  the  United  States  op  Ame- 

hioa.     lo  all  who  shall  see  these  Presents  Greeting  : 
•    Vk,  That  reposinp;  special  Trust  and  confidence  in  the  Patriot- 
:ur    fidelity  and  Abilities  of  Solomon  Van  Rknbseimer    I 
..  Mmted  and  by  and  with  the  Advic,  a„d  ConHont  of  the  Senate 
■<  Inrna  Lieutenant  ot'  Lnuii    Dragoons,  iu  the  Service  of 
^  KO  bTATEs  :  To  take  Rank  from  the  Eighteenth  of  September 
usand  seven  hundred  &  ninety-two.     He  i^  therefore  carefully 
nt  y  to  discharge,  the  Duty  of  J.ieutknant,  by  doing  and  per- 
d    Manner  of  Things  thereunto  belonging.     And  I  do  Stnctlv 
^'.d  require  all  Officers  and  Soldiers  under  his  (Jommand,  to  be 
■  ro  his  Orders  as  Lieutenant.     And  he  is  toobserve-and  Follow 
'  .i.M>  and  Directions  from  time  to  time,  as  he  shall  receive  from 
"k  luture  I'resident  of  the  United  States,  or  the  General  or 
^i.^nor  Oftcers  set  over  him,  according  to  the   Rules  and  Disci- 
.  vv  ar.     Ihis  Commission  to  continue  in  Force  during  the  Pleasure 
'rusulent  of  the  United  States  for  the  Time  bou..- 
V  ,»ader  my  Hand,  at  Philadelphia  this  Nineteenth  day  of  March 
Y  iir  ot  our  Lord  One  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Ninety  Three 
•he  .Seventeenth  Year  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States. 

1    /•  .1     T>     .,  G°:  Washington 

"iMi.d  of  the  President  of  the  United  ) 

■'e*  of  America.  i 

H.  Knox,  Secretary  of  War. 


-sU 


f 


■*•■  AT' «,;.■  J &„«/.;•-"-"' -"^ 


JffVfo^yfLj. 


As  soon  OS 
Urunswi'3k,  ] 
coiniuence  yc 

You  will  £ 
bafrj:age  of  ; 
Hunt  will  aci 
Ilia.  At  Reii 
transportatioi 

Let  lue  hei 


Capt.  Jededic 
Water 

On  the  16i 
hill,  a  youug 
disguise.  He 
lining  of  her 
immediate  us( 
general  at  Cai 
i'or  the  next  e 
can  eagle  hole 
arrows  in  the 
Flnrihus  Unii\ 
great  seal  of  tl 

"George  W^ 

RICA 

Know  Ye, 
ism,  Valour,   1 
have  nominate 
do  appoint  him 
the  United  Si 
one  thousand 
and  diligently  i 
forming  all  Ma 
charge  and  req 
obedient  to  his 
such  Orders  an 
me,  or  the  futu 
other  superior 
pline  of  War. 
of  the  Presiden 
Given  undei 
in  the  Year  of  ( 
and  in  the  Seve 

%  Command  o 
States  of  A 


111 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  93 

As  soon  as  the  clothing  arrives  and  which  is  now  on  the  road  to  New 
l^runsw.ck,  I  request  that  after  clothing  your  men,  you  will  immo.liately 
cuinmence  your  march  agreeably  to  the  orders  which  are  enclosed 

iou  will  apply  to  Mr  Bray  to  furnish  you  a  waggon  to  transport  the 
baggage  of  your  detachment  from   Brunswick  to  Trenton,   where  Mr 
Hunt  w.ll  accomodate  you  in  the  same  manner  to  Reading  in  Pennsylva 

llspltn'^^PuXrg'^"'"^'  ^^^^^'^"'  P---  y'-  ^^— '   of 
Let  me  hear  from  you  by  every  opportunity  while  on  the  march 

I  am  Sir,  Your  humble  Servant, 

n    *  T  J  J-  I,  r>  J         1 .  ,    ^  ^^-  Knox,  Scey.  of  War. 

Capt  Jedediah  Rodgers,  Light  Dragoons.  ^ 

Waterford,  10  miles  above  Albany,  State  of  New  York. 

On  the  16th  of  June,  1775,  the  day  before  the  battle  of  Bunker's 
h.ll,  a  young  American  patriot,  IIenrv  Knox,  esnaped  from  Boston  in 
d..gu.se  He  was  accompanied  by  his  wife,  and  she  had  quiUed  into  the 
h.m.g  of  her  cloak  a  sword  for  which  it  was  expected,  there  would  be 
.n.n,ed>ate  use      He  made  his  way  to  the  headquarters 'of  the  American 

ir^o  nt^ri^'^"''  ^'^u  '^"'P'^y^'^'  '""^  '^■''  «^«rd  was  a  busy  one 
ior  the  next  eight  years  The  commission  is  decorated  with  the  \mTri. 
can  eagle  holding  the  olive  branch  in  one  talon,  and  abundle  of  thirteen 
arrows  in  the  other,  while  his  beak  holds  a  Ull  with  the  motto  1 
l.nhuslm.m,  in  the  centre  at  the  head  of  the  parchment,  wTh  the 
great  seal  of  the  United  States  Board  of  War  and  Ordnance. 

''George  Washinoton   President  of  the  United  States  oe  Ame- 
RICA.     To  all  who  shall  ,^^  these  Presents  Greeting  : 
Know  Ye,  That  reposing  special  Trust  and  confidence  in  the  Patriot 
ism,  Valour,  Fidelity  and  .ibilities  of  Solomon  Van  Renssfp  aIp    t 

ave  nominated  and  by  and  with  the  Advice  and  Consen  of  the  Senate 
do  appoint  him  a  Lieutenant  op  Light  Dragoons,  in  the  Service  of 
the  United  States  :  To  take  Rank  from  the  Eic.hteenth  oTZZlTu 
one  thousand  seven  hundred  &  ninety-two.  ^^^PrisTerelfSu^ 
and  diligently  to  discharge  the  Duty  of  Lieutenant  hv7Zl  °L  ^ 
f  riningall  Manner  of  Things  thereunto  beEng  '  ZndTi  Stri^r 
charge  and  require  all  Officers  and  Soldiers  undef  his  Command  t?l^ 
sth'orV''  h-Ordersas  Lieutenant.  Andret^oobs'e  ve  and  Fo  i'^ 
such  Orders  and  Directions  from  time  to  time,  as  he  shall  receive  from 
me    r  the  future  President  of  the  United  States,  or  the  General  0^ 

ne  of^'waT  Vj^T  "' ''"  'r™'  ''-''''''^  ^'^  *^«  Rules  and  Disci- 
pine  ot  War.  1  his  Commission  to  continue  in  Force  durin-  the  PleasnrP 
of  the  President  of  the  United  States  for  the  Time  being 

in  mIJv  f'  "^^r  ^^f .1'  '*  P^^'adelphia  this  Nineteenth  day  of  March 
in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  One  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Ninetv  Thrp! 
and  in  the  Seventeenth  Year  of  the  Independence  of  the  UniLd  States! 

13y  Command  of  the  President  of  the  United  )         ^" ''  ^^^^^^^'^o^' 
otates  of  America.  r 

H.  Knox,  Secretary  of  War. 


04 


Leoacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


AhftraH  of  Sumlrie»froin  the  Quarter  Afimter'H  Hook. 
Invoick  of  Ci.otiiino  remuining  in  Hoxes  No.  2  &  3  for  Cupt.  Rogers 
"      "     ^  No.  3. 


Box  No  2 
10  Vests  9  Coats  I  Frock 
45  P'  L.  Breeches,  108  Shirts 
5  Linen  ovorulls  1(5  P'  Stockinjjjs, 
8  Stocks  9  Valceces  52  J  '  Shoes 


Keccivcfl 


10  Caps, 

45   V  Boots  11  Swords  &  Bolts  9 

Slings 
10  Blankets. 


puper, 


hulf 


The  Size  IloLr,,  bein'j;  a  Descriptive  list  o."  Recruits  inlisted  in  the 
Company  of  Capt.  Jedodiah  Rogers.  Containing  Names,  Age,  Size,  in  feet 
and  in'jhes.  Complexion,  Hair,  Eyes,  Trade,  Where  Kulisted,  and  for 
what  number  of  years,  What  Town,  What  State  was  Bora,  What  County 
and  Town,  in  which  he  was  Born. 

Place  of  Residence,  What  State,  County  and  Town,  Remarks. 

The  oldest  man  of  the  troop  was  32  years  of  age,  and  the  youngest  was 
19  years,  the  average  age  was  23.  The  recruits  were  enlisted  for  three 
years  ;  each  recruit  received  a  bounty  of  eight  dollars ;  each  recruit  wa.s 
over  five  feet  and  five  inches  in  height,  without  shoes,  one  was  5  feet  lOJ 
inches.  The  clothing,  arms  and  accoutrements  were  furnished  the  re- 
cruits; also  with  rations,  barracks,  barrack  utensils,  straw,  fuel  and  such 
necesary  medical  assistance  as  they  might  requiie. 

Invoice  of  Equipments  furnished  Sergt.  Major  Breck. 

1  Cap,  1  Coat,  1  Stock,  1  Cloak,  1  P'  Leather  Breeches,  1  P'  Boots,  1 
P'  Shoes,  1  P'  Boot  Buckles,  1  P  Spurs,  1  P'  Spur  Leathers,  2  P'^Stock- 
ings,  1  Vaieece,  1  Saddle,  1  Bridle,  1  Halter,  1  Nose  Bag,  1  P'  PistoU, 
1  Cartouch  Box,  1  Stable  frock,  1  Sword  Belt  &  sliug,  IP'  Brushes  & 
Black  Ball. 

Received  the  above  articles. 

Fort  Washington,  December  10,  1792.  '^^  ^R^ck,  S.  Major. 

Fort  Hamilton,  May  11th,  1793. 
Received  of  Lieut.  Van  Rensselaer  Qr.  Mr.  L.  D.,  One  Cap,  one  Coat, 
one  pair  Leather  Breeches,  one  Pair  Linen  Overalls,  four  shirts,  two  Pair 
Stockings,  two  Pr.  Boots,  two  Pr.  Shoes,  one  Pr.  boot  bucklers,  one  S^ock, 
one  clasp,  one  Stable  frock,  and  one  Pair  Spurs  for  the  use  of  a  Sei^eant 
Major  in  Capt.  Henry  Bowyer's  Troop.        ^  Covington,  Lieut.  L.D. 

Fort  Hamilton,  May  16th,  1793. 
Received  of  Lieut.  Van  Rensselaer  Qr.  Mr.  L.  D.,  Eleven  dozen  pistol 
Cartridges  for  the  use  of  a  detachment  of  Dragoons  for  Command. 

Geo.  H.  Dunn,  Cornet,  L.D. 

Hobson's  Choice,'  June  1st,  1793. 
Received  of  Lieut.  Van  Rensselaer  Qr.   Mr.  L.  D.,  Ten  Swords  and 
Scabbards  for  the  use  of  my  Troop. 

Robert  Ms.  Campbell,  Capt.  2nd  T.L.D. 

Hobson's  Choice,  June  1st,  1793. 
Received  of  Lieut.  Van  Rensselaer  Qr.    Mr.  L.  D.,  Thirty-six  horse 
brushes  and  thirty-six  main  Combs  for  the  use  of  Capt.  Winston's  Troop, 

J.  Webb,  Jr.,  Cornet  L.  Dragoons. 

'  The  low  grounds  near  Fort  Washington. 


Books  of  Han 
the  u.se  of  my 


Received  oi 
Antimony,  tw 
cofipuniM,  ten 
ianl,  ten  yards 
one  old  camp 


In  the  sumi 

dians,  and   Fo 

ajiainst  New  C 

scut  out,  in  su 

of  truce,  medi 

peace  with  the 

as  soon  as  thej 

sent  by  them, 

who  slew  the  I 

of  a  gentlemat 

Washington's 

General  Wuyn 

but  all  in   vain 

efforts  to  make 

prepare  for  a  v 

of  General  Wt 

the  nation  wei 

attention  on  th 

had  turned  the 

object  and  at   t 

draw  our  natioi 

expedition  '  on 

object  being  n( 

failure,  but   noi 

etlects  upon  the 

ington,  in  conif 

Indians  of  Wes 

savages,  and  to 

as  they  had  don 

were  present  at 

Received  at  I 
late  Qr.  Master 


Revived  of  ] 
Shoes  for  the  usi 

Fort  Ilamiltoi 


Leqaoy  op  IltsTORioAL  Qleaninqs.  85 

i>      •    J     i-T-     .  ir       .,  Hobson's  Choice,  June  6th,  1793 

Heceivcd  of  L.eut  Van    HcnHHclaer  Q.  M.L.I).,  One  quire  o     wrkln^ 
puptr,  Imif  a  pupor  of  mlc  powder,  five  quilLs,  half  a  box  of  wafer.,   fbur 

Jirurlfliirivoot"     '  '""^"^'""^ "''' """  ^''^''y »-«''  f- 

W.  A.  Lee,  Capt.  Ist.  Troop,  L.D. 

1,      •     1    ry     .  ir      ,.  Hf'l'son's  Choice,  June  1 1th,  1793 

1  cce.vod  of  Lieut  Van  RensselncT  ten  pounds  BHuKstone.  five  pounds 
An.nnony  two  p..»nd8  salt-petre,  ten  pounds  CuHtiel  Soap,  five  pound' 
coppenis,  ten  pounds  tobacco,  ten  pound,  bees-wax,  twenty  pounds  S 
i«nl,  en  yards  t.ek  hn«  burgh,  four  gallons  tar,  twelve  fathom  rope  and 
one  old  cau.p  kettle  for  the  use  of  the  Squadron  under  my  eonunand 

11.  Ms.  Cami'Bkll,  Capt.  Couinian.  L.  Dragoons. 

In  the  summer  of  1793,  General  Wayne   tried   to  treat  ^ith   the  In 
d.a„s,  and  Fort  Massae  was  built  under  him,  to  prevent  an   expedit  on 
aoa.nst  New  Orleans,  which   Citizen  Genet  wL  planning.     Gen.  W  vne 
«cu   out,  .n  Huccess.on,   Colonel  Hardin,  and  Major  Tru^man  with  a  flag 
of  truce  medals,  talks  and   presents  to  the  Indians  in   order  to  make  a 
peace  w.th    hem.     These  messengers  of  peace  were  killed  in  suersion 
as  soon  as  they  arrived  among  the  savages.     Their  medals,  and  speecTes' 
sent  by  them   and  all  they  had   with  them,  were  taken  by  theTndia„s 
who  slew  the  bearers  of  them.     These  n.edals  were  made  at  the  exnense 
of  a  gent  eman  of  Philadelphia  and  by  him  sent  as  a  token'of  Gene  a 
\UHh,ngton  s  friendship  to  the  Indians.     Every  other  effort  was  made  by 
G  ne  a    Wayne,  that  summer,  to  bring  about  a  peace  with  the  Tva^es^ 
but    11  in   vain,  and  worse  than   in   vain.     But  notwithstanding  a  1    ufe 
efforts  to  make  a  peace,  yet,  nothing  was  omitted  that  could  be  done    o 
prepare  for  a  vigorous  war  against  them.     Notwithstanding  all  theefforts 

General  Washington,  ,n  favor  of  this  bleeding  frontier,  congress  and 
the  nation  were  too  much  engaged  with  other  objects  to' bestow t"eh 
attention  on  his  war  in  the  distant  far  West.  The  French  revolution 
had  turned  tie  heads  of  many  members  of  congress  towards  that  datw 
object  and  at  this  time  Genet  was  busily  engaged  in  his  endeavors  to 
dn.w  our  nation  into  the  vortex  of  European  pditics.  His  'filibuster  n' 
expedition    on  an   extended  scale,  against  the  Spanish  domi  ion       hf 

e  t;^n?  ^Z-W'-  '\''''''''  ''  l^^'^'-'^^  -^  ^-  Orleans  was  a 
lailu  e,  but  not,  until   his  schemes  of  conouest  bad  produced  annovimt 

effects  upon  the  national  government.  Early  in  this  ye.'r  Srd  W^ sh' 
jngton,  in  company  with  Colonel  Timothy  pikering,^m  d^  a  ^urlo  the" 
1  dians  of  Western  New  York.  This  visit  was  mad^  to  conci  Lte  thl 
su  ges,  and  to  prevent  their  joining  in  the  war,  with  the  British  ndins 
as  they  had  done  all  along  before  this  period.  Many  New  York  Indiana 
were  present  at  St.  Clair's  defeat,  and  some  fought  agaS  Gen   Wayne 

laffSr^MasJer^rD^""'''"'  "^^If  ^^^^  ^^^^'  "^  ^^'^"*-  ^^  «^»««elaer 
late  yr.  iVJaster  L.  D.  one  pair  of  boots  for  my  own  use. 

Heucules  Whaley,  Sergt.  4th  Troop. 
Received  of  Lieut.  Van   Rensselaer,  Q.  M.  L.  D.  Six  Setts  of  HorsP 
Shoes  for  the  use  of  a  detachment  of  Light  Dragoons  under  my  Command! 


Fort  Hamilton,  July  24th,  1793. 


Jon.  Taylor,  Lieut,  of  L.  D. 


9e 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleaninqs. 


\W 


1 


)  "  Fort  Hamilton"  was  built  by  General  Arthur  St  Clair,  governor 
Nortli  Western  Territory.  On  the  17th  day  of  September,  17!)1, 
my  left  Fort  \\''ashinf,'ton,  and  cut  a  road  through  the  wilderness' 


Heooivod  at  Fort  Hamilton,  Oritobor  i)th,  1793,  of  Captain  Van  llonsHe- 
laer  four  Saddles  and  four  pistols  oomplete,  which  I  promise  to  deliver 
him  when  called  for.  F.  Salandkr,  Asst.  Qr.  Master. 

Greene  Villo,  October  29th  1793. 
Received   of  Capt.    Solomon    Van  UonHsclaor   Seven    pounds,  Sever. 
Shillings  &  Kight  pence  in  full  on  Troop  Account.        .     ,, 

A.  Hunt  &  Co. 

Received  of  Captain  Van  Rensselaer  Hve  pack  Horses  and  three  pack 
Saddles  which  I  am  to  Deliver  to  Captain  Hcnhem,  from  whom  they  were 
rect    3d.  Danikl  Touhky,  Cornet  &  U.  Mr.  L.  1). 

Nov.  Ist,  1793. 

Received  of  Cornet  John  Posey,  One  Damaged  Horseman's  Tent. 

Robert  Lee,  Pay  k  Qr.  Master  of  the  4th  Sub  Legion. 
Camp  11th  November,  1793. 

The 
of  the 
the  army 

to  where  Hamilton  now  stands.  Hero  a  fort  was  erected,  and  called  Fort 
Hamilton.  It  was  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Great  Miami  river,  about 
twenty  mile's  within  the  present  limits  of  this  state. 

Capt.  R.  Ms.  Camjibell  to  Capt.  Van  Renmlaer. 
My  Dear  Rensselaer,  Fort  Washington,  Jany  29th,  1794. 

Here  I  am  and  shall  bo  untill  tomorrow,  when  I  shall  set  out  with  Genl. 
Wilkinson  for  Greenville,  in  a  sleigh.    There  is  a  fine  Snow  on  the  ground! 
There  is  no  great  news  here  to  inform  you  of.  My  family  connections  all 
broke  up,  tho'  the  Dulcinia  is  still  on  the  ground.    I  am  anxious  to  Return 
to  Camp,  I  fear  I  shall  not  be  able  to  ace  you  so  soon  as  I  contemplated.  I 
fear  Capt.  Lee's  Tryal  will  be  Tedious  But  I  shall  press  my  Return  as 
soon  as  possible.    I  am  to  take  on   the  army  papers   to  Head  Quarters.  I 
hope  I  shall   be  able  to  Bring  on  Some  Money  for   the  Corps.     Let  me 
hear  from  you  by  Every  opportunity.     Make  my  compliments  to  the  "en- 
tlemen  of  the  Corps,  tell   Posey  I  shall  write  him  from   Head  Quarters, 
and  that  he  must  not  be  oflFended  at  the  fatherly  Liberty  I  have  taken  in 
my  Severe  letter  to  him,  if  he  find."  himself  able  to  Read  it.     I  love  the 
young  man  for   his  amiable   Disposition,  therefore  cannot   Refrain  from 
giving  my  advice.     I  wish  to  have  something  to  Say  with    Posey  before 
he  accepts  finally  of  tho  Staff  appointment  he  is  about  to  have  Conferred 
on  him.     What  a  pitty  it  is  that  all  men  are  Born    to  be  Slaves,  but  as 
this  misfortune^pervades  the  universe  of  Mankind,  be  my  situation  what- 
soever it  may,  T  am  determined  to  possess  a  happy  mind  ;  that's  enough 
for  me  or  for  any  soldier.     Indeed  it's  victuals,  drink  and  clot'.iiv  to  Jl 
men  who  possess  it,  give  me  health  of  Body,  Peace  of  Mind,  a  JVtty 
Girl,  a  clean  shirt,  and   a  Guinea,  and  I'm  Rich  and  happy.      ..i  r'.,  fi.e 
time  my  Dear  Rensselaer  to  look  forward  to  great  and  Brilliant  actions  in 
the   East,  it  is   now  said  that  a  War  with   Great  Britain  is  inevitable, 
though  not  actually  declared.     I  am  my  Dear  Rensselaer  your  friend  &c. 

Capt.    Sol.    V.    Rensselaer  of 
Dragons. 
Bellipherontia,  Kentucky. 


^ 


^ ■ 


^i-O^-y.yf^f'^-^--'^^^ 


W"<""«  ("I'milroit  e/Llrt}it  n„,^„„„_     ■   ,/    a'    ■       />  , 

yf)"t  -'-r -"i'y^'  »//#i«  »v/^/^<.  .„i£ 


General  W; 
in  preparing  f 
tnifc  into  the 
army  and  esta 
viilaj,'e  ot'Gret 
mciJt  and  wint 
the  g-ound  wi 
where  he  erect 

We  copy  a 
father's  packai^ 


Dear  Van, 

I  will  thank 
is  probable  we 
to  me.  If  you 
Dolhirs  to  Hoot 
chasing  one  abc 
not  object,  at  i 
If  wlien  you  t 
bring  mo  eithei 
suppose  would  1 
be  procured  anu 
you  and  pay  the 

Have  your  Tr 
To  Capt.  8.  V 


Dear  Van  : 

I  must  trouble 

have  left  before 

uiulcr  his  charge 

have  the  ciiar^e  ( 

of  him  I  could  w 

an  expn..ss  we  are 

quently  threatan( 

"  to  <h)  or  not  to  • 

Gentleman  is  him 

bode  no  good  to  t 

of  Congress  will  a 

Army  will  be  call 

I  suppose  the  12 

the  Winter. 

Capt.  S,  Van  Ren 

"  The  climate  oi 
'leat  and  cold  wei 
Christmas,  is  neve 
can  subsist  withou 
good  pasturage." 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  97 

General  Wayne  had  been  employed  in  endeavoring  to  make  peace  and 
in  preparing  for  war  and  now  found  the  season  too  far  -idv.nLfl T 
tnife  into  the  heart  of  the  Indian  counfX  I rl/i  '\r ^"^^^^  Pene- 
anuy  and  established  a  can.p  f  F  rt  G^nvi  le  rtt'st'f".  "''^''^  '''^ 
village  of  Greenville  in  Oh"  )  and  fortified  it  rS  "'"/^./'^  P'-^^^nt 
mont  and  wintered  in  it,  c  .r  yhit  lext  nrin  of  l^of  f  ''"'  "'."""P- 
thog..nd  where  Gen,  S.  l^.irl.J^::^^^,l^J::,:^f^ 
where  he  erected  a  fortification,  and  called  it  Fort  R;covery  ' 

We  copy  a  few  of  the   letters  from   brother  officers  f.Zrl   .. 
father's  package  of  correspondence.  "'^"^'^er  omcers  found  among  my 

LieM.  Turner  to  Capt.  Vmi  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Van,  n  .,,      .,  , 

.  I  will  thank  you  in  case  you  have  not  sold  „^y"Hon^no: t  d'o  •;'';  > 
IS  probable  we  may  make  an  expedition  shortly.^lvhe'K  w  1  be  of  en-  ce 
tome.  ^Ityo"  can  swap  him  and  obtain  a  better,  by  gTvin' W  19 
Dollars  to  Hoot  I  should  1  ke  it.  By  sellin-'  him  fnr  h.%  1  .iT  j 
cha,si„g  one  about  45  or  50  Dollars^hT  i^^ejual  to  th'-t  ^m  Ti^^, 
not  o,,eet,at  any  rate  bring  him  or  unotherlh       y  ;  arTordered  0 

Jli^ISer  Z^^  S,^  ■  k^yt'X  ^^J^^ 
Huppose  would  be  acceptable,  ata  reasonable  rate^hieh  I  u,  derst-L^.!^ 

Yours,  EdW  D.  Turner. 
Have  your  Troop  in  good  order  or  I  shall  give  you  larry  ! 
To  Cupt.  S.  Van  Rensselaer,  Kentucky.  ^-  ^-  Vissciier. 

^'^i't-  'J-'wncr  to  Vapt.  Van  Rensselaer. 
r       \1      II  l^'^'"''  ^^'"shington,  March  .^0    17Q4 

och3  no  good  t.  the  Army,  wnat  the  final  Issue  of  theToSt  do  iber^tits 

t^'S^r^Ti'  ''r^'  ^''"J«^^--«'  ^'^«  knowing  on  s  si;    he 
I    I;      tt  T     n^r"^  ''  '^'  ^^'T-^  ''  ''  "°^  «'^'  '«  inJifferent1-o'me 

Cant  «!  V,'..  T>  I  rr^  ^our  I  riend  and  Servant    ' 

Upt.  S,  Van  Rensselaer,  Kentucky.  Edward  D.  Turner. 

I.o'r!!Hj''i"l'''  "^  Kentucky  was  healthy  and  delightful,  the  extremes  of 
J       ..id  cola  were   not  experienced.     The  winter,  which  be-Wns To.^f 

good  pasturage  '"  ^  ""'  "''"  '"'''■'^*^  ''''^'  S^^^'  ^^^  '-^'^^d 

13 


I 


98  Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 

General  Washington  was  beset  on  all  sides  and  the  oppopition  to  the 
present  constitution  hiid  hold  of  everything  within  their  reach  to  render 
the  president  unpopular.  They  pretended  to  fear  so  large  a  standing 
army  of  five  thousand  four  hundred  men !  The  efforts  of  Citizen  Genet 
and  other  considerations  operated  on  the  mind  of  Gen.  Washington  to 
make  this  a  very  trying  period  to  him.  "  The  difficulties  of  tran.^porta- 
tiou  in  these  gloomy  times  arc  almost  inconceivable.  The  roads  were 
wretched,  with  many  swamps ;  the  pack-horses  sank  to  their  knees,  and 
wagon-wheels  to  their  hub  in  mud." 

Received  at  Belepherontia,  April  20th,  1794,  of  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer 
six  pounds,  twelve   Shillings  &  nine   pence  in  full  for  keeping  one  black 

horse  4  weeks  @  6  .s i;1.4.lj 

To  keeping  1  horse  15  weeks, 4.10,0 

To  23  bus.  Oats, O.l^g 


iE6.12.9 
N.  SiiAW,  Asst:  Quarter  Master, 

Fort  Washington,  May  3rd,  1794. 

Received  about  the  6th  April,  of  a  Mr.  Sanders  a  Sorrel  horse  belontrin" 

to  the  Sorrel  Troop  commanded  by  Captain  Van  Rensselaer,  Totally  unfit 

for  any  kind  of  service  and  which  was  sold  at  vendue  on  the  2Gth  April. 

Jno.  Belli  D.  Q.  M.  G. 

Green  Ville,  July  17,  1794.     Received  of  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer,  five 
Dragoon  Horses,  unfit  for  Service,  also  one  Pack  Horse. 

John  Posey,  Cornet  &  Qr.  Mr,  T.  Light  Dragoon. 

Received  Greenville,  July  25th.    1794,  of  Capt.  Sol.  A^an  Rensselaer 
fifteen  pounds,  four  Shillings  and  two  pence,  in  lull  to  this  date,  beini'a 
balance  due  on   His  Mess 
also  three 


,e  on   His  Mess   account  with  Cornet  Torry  and  Cornet  Posey, 
Dollars  in  full  for  an  order  drawn  in  favor  of  Will.  Gorman,  a 


Private  in  Captain  W.  A.  Lee's  Troop. 


Jas.  Macconnel. 


Received  at  Greenville,  July  25,  1794,  of  Capt.  Sol.  Vau  Rensselaer 
payment  in  full  of  hisaccount  of  Sundries,  £22.5  8.  O.  Ormsuy. 

Green  Ville,  25  July,  1794.  Received  from  Captain  Van  Rensselaer 
of  the  4th  Sub  Legion,  Three  privates  Shirts,  two  pairs  of  Linen  Over- 
halls,  Three  pairs  of  Boots. 

Jonathan  Taylor,  Lieut.  Pay  &  Qr.  Mr.  of  4th  Sub  Legion. 

Received  of  Captain  S.  Van  Rensselaer  two  Dragoon  horses  on  August 
4,  1794.  R.  liENHAM,  Capt.  Troop,  L.D. 

Lieut.  Nanning  L  Visscher  to  Capt.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Dear  Van  Munickhovsm:  Cincinnati,  Gth  April,  1794 

Your  Letter  of  the  2d  Inst,  was  handed  to  mc  yesterday,  by  a  Dragoon, 
I  am  surprised  that  my  Letter  of  the  20th  Ult.  (sent  by  Cap,  Earnest) 
had  not  reached  you  at  that  time,  in  which  1  requested  you  to  send  uiy 
Horse  to  this  place.  I  do  not  mean  that  you  shou'd  send  him  in  the  Let- 
ter, I  only  wish'd  you  to  forward  liim  to  this  place  by  the  first  opportunity. 
I  think  a  Band-box  wou'd  be  a  convenient  piece  of  Furniture  to  put  him 
in.     You  doubtless  must  have  rec'd  mine  by    Cap.  Ernest   bel'ore  this, 


LEaACY  OP  Historical  Gleanings.  99 

sinne  which,  T  have  written  you  by  a  Soldier  who  was  directed  to  brin.. 
a  lew  ot  the  Paymasters  horses  to  this  phice,  viz  Turners,  Lee's  and  my 
o^^n.  I  expect  to  see  him  momently.  I  have  nothing  very  new  for  you 
save  that  we  have  taken  quarters  at  Munson's  Tavern,  where  we  live  ia 
Clover,  and  even  this,  I  expect  is  not  better  living  than  your  Horses  have. 
but  we  poor  Infantry  boys  are  glad  to  take  up  with  this,  and  think  wo 
are  up  u\\  amost  any  capers.  We  shall  leave  this  for  Head  Quarters  ia 
about  SIX  days  ;  on.  or  before  which  time,  I  order  that  you  will  now  repair 
to  th,s  place  with  your  Troop  of  Snorters,  for  the  express  purpose  of  escort- 
,>,^^  nie  to  that  place.  I  close  with  this  my  order  to  you,  and  request  that 
you  11  write  me  on  the  rec't.     Dear  Munic,  Yrs.  etc., 


Cap.  Van  Rensselaer,  Bellipherontia,  Kentucky. 


N.  1.  ViSSCHER. 


f  '•  «  the  troop  was  quartered  at  this  place  for  purpose  of  organization 
and  dnli.ng,  the  officer-like  deportment  of  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer  gained 
the  favorable  notice  oth.s  supc-iors  and  paved  his  way  to  promotion 

1  hough  extremely  rigid  as  a  disciplinarian  he  was  ever  attentive  to  the 
wants  of  his  soldiers  and  an  unbending  supporter  of  their  ri-hts      Thus 
he  gained  their  respect,  confidence  and  good  will,  but  it  led"  him  some- 
times to  unpleasant  dilemmas  with  others.     Upon  one  occasion  he  stopped 
wo  ofh.s  troop  who  had  been  ordered  off  by  an  officer,  contrary  to  instruc- 
tions from  head  quarters,  upon  express  duty.     A  threat  of  arrest  was 
thrown  out  fur  the  act,  but  he  laughed  at  it  and  defied.     It  was  not  carried 
into  execution,  nor  was  any  attempt  afterwards  made  to  force  either  his 
men  or  h.s  horses  upon  this  injurious  service  ;  consequently  he  was  ena- 
bled to  keep  them  in  admirable  condition  for  any  sudden  emerc^ency 
Qhore  were  four  troops  of  dragoons  attached  to  the  army,  the  sorrefs  the 
greys,  the  chestnuts,  and  the  bays,  and  because  this  kind  of  force 'had 
never  been  used  against  the  Indians,  it  was  hoped  that  they  would  prove 
very  efficient  in  the  contemplated  action  which  occurred  on   Au-ust  20 
hJi.     To  th.send.care  was  taken  to  exercise  them  upon  every  des'cription 
of  service,  whether  cleared  or  wooded,  broken  or  smooth,  and  they  were 
taught  never  to  consider  any  obstacle  impassible    without   a   fliir   trial 
llie  youthful  officer  was  very  energetic  in  the  instruction  of  his  men   and 
encouraged  them  in  all  things  appertaining  to  their  vocation 
An  anecdote  was   frequently  related,  to  elucidate  the    proficiency  of 

UCoV\v!'r         '  '"'''''^  "''"P  ^"  '^''  P'^-ticular,  with  great  gusto 
by  (xen.  Wilkinson  in  more  recent  times.     Once   when  the  troop  was 
p^.  .ding  near   his   quarters  on  the  Wabash   river,  General   Wilk  nson 
wislimg  to  test  the  metal  of  his  youthful  officer,  vvaited  till  they  were 

re"'' <.W  Z'M  i  "''"'-^  --rroun^^A  his  fine  garden,  and  then  gJve  the 
orau     daujP.    !  Supposing,  of  course,  that  they  necessarily  would  ston -it 

0  high  inclosure  ;  but  far  from  it.  Capt.  Solomon  clapped  tlie  spu  s  0  Ms 
fine  y  strung  horse  that  stood  with  his  neck  proudly  Arched,  hi  immense 
nosr.l  dilated  his  teeth  impatiently  champe'  the  heavy  cavalry  b^ 
withaflymg  leap  the  result  of  a  muscular  energy  that  wouu/un  eat  a 
c  rcless  ruler,  handsomoly  cleared  the  stone  wall  followed  by  allof  lis  cav 
ary;  some  had  struck  it  down  but  all  scampered  over  the  fine  vegetables" 
rt'i   to  S7"-T  '^r-  '"  ^'--,P'.-f--     Having  prompted  thi^Su 

w K  ;  "^  ■'''  ^"i''""''  ^^•■'^  ^■'^'^  ""'^'-  destruction  of  his  garden 
It?  h  ";}TT-'^^  ?"fi  r^^  ^''f  S'-^^'ity  of  a  stoic  brought  the  uZJhTol 
nakeis  back  t,.  tho,. „,.,  .t^nd.     Though  as  an  offset  for  the  spoiling 


I  1] 


ers  back  to  their  original 


100 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings, 


»    i| 


of  his  cherished  garden,  after  a  few  more  manoeuvres,  when  they  were 
facin«:  the  river,  again  came  the  order,  "  chart/c"  !  At  the  word  of  com- 
maud,  under  full  speed  in  a  sweeping  gallop,  tiie  dauntless  captain  with 
his  well  disciplined  troop  dashed  down  the  steep  bank  into  the  river  and 
plunged  headlong  in  the  deep  water  before  they  could  be  countermanded. 
Unmoved  by  danger  the  nerve  and  bearing  of  the  leader  inspired  courage. 
If  the  chagrin  of  die  general  had  been  great  before,  it  all  evaporated  now 
in  apprehension  for  the  safety  of  the  obedient,  reckless  troop.  He  watched 
their  motions  in  silent  agony.  One  of  them,  a  cornet,  he  saw  separated 
from  his  own  steed,  in  imminent  danger  of  being  killed  by  the  struggles  of 
other  ones,  but  grappled  in  time  and  taken  in  tow  by  the  vigilant  captain, 
who.se  cheering  voice  was  heard  now  and  then  above  the  uproar,  all  the 
gallant  fellows  ascended  the  opposite  bank  in  triumph,  then  General 
Wilkinson  felt  as  if  released  from  the  burden  of  Atlas.  He  expressed 
himself  quite  satisfied  with  the  result,  and  never  afterwards  thought  it 
expedient  to  try  any  more  experiments  with  that  troop,  and  from  that  time 
they  were  his  particular  favorites. 

General  Wayne  was  not  idle,  but  urged  forward  all  his  measures  vigor- 
ously, prudently,  and  in  the  end  effectually.  The  reiterated  attempts 
which  had  been  made  to  effect  a  pacification  with  the  Indians,  had  issued 
only  in  new  and  outrageous  proofs  of  per.severing  hostility  on  the  part  of 
the  tribes,  with  whom  we  were  at  war.  The  only  basis  they  would  allow 
to  the  proposed  armistice,  was,  that  the  United  States  should  withdraw 
their  troops  from  the  western  side  of  the  Ohio  river.  Nothing  could  be 
more  explicit,  than  thib  ultimatum  of  the  Indians.  Their  sine  qua  non, 
was  the  Ohio  for  the  boundary.  To  this  proposition,  the  commissioners 
would  never  assent,  and  tliey  accordingly  wrote  to  the  chiefs  and  warriors 
of  the  council,  at  tha  rapids  of  the  iMiami,  on  the  13th  day  of  August, 
1793,  that,  "  the  negotiation  was  at  an  end."  The  council  fire  was  "hen 
put  out. 

General  Wayne  was  compelled  to  wait  until  late  in  the  summer  of 
1794  before  he  felt  strong  enough  to  move  forward.  Meantime  the 
Indians  appeared  in  force.  On  the  30th  of  June,  about  a  thousand  of 
them,  accompanied  by  a  number  of  JJritish  soldiers  and  French  Canadian 
volunteers,  made  their  appearance  before  Fort  Ilecovery(so  called  in  com- 
memoration of  the  fact  that  they  had  recovered  the  territory  lost  by 
St  Clair,  as  well  as  all  but  one  of  the  cannon  which  he  was  compelled  to 
leave  behind),  and  during  the  day  assailed  the  garrison  .several  times, 
During  these  assaults  the  Americans  lost  fifty-seven  men  in  killed, 
wounded  and  missing  and  two  hundred  and  twenty-one  horses.  The  In- 
dians lost  more  than  in  their  battle  with  St  Clair.  Less  than  a  month 
after  this  engagement,  Wayne  moved  forward  with  his  whole  force 
toward  the  RIaumee.  Admonished  by  the  fate  of  St  Clair,  he  marched 
cautiously  and  slowly,  so  slowly  and  stealthily  that  the  Indians  called  him 
the  Blacksnake.  Little  Turtle  was  again  upon  the  alert,  with  two  thou- 
sand warriors  of  his  own,  and  neighboring  tribes  within  call.  The 
vigilant  Wayne  well  knew  this.  He  had  faithful  and  competent  scouts 
and  guides,  and  by  unfrequented  ways  and  with  perplexing  feints,  he 
moved  steadily  onward,  leaving  strength  and  security  in  his  rear.  At 
Fort  Recovery  a  company  of  artillery  and  also  of  riflemen  were  left  there 
as  a  garrison  under  the  command  of  Lieut  N.  I.  Visscher.  On  the  8th 
of  August  Gen.  Wayne  with  his  army  reached  the  mouth  of  the  Auglaize, 
a  tributary  of  the  Maumee,  forty-five  miles  or  more  below  Fort  VVajfue. 


LEaACY  OP  Historical  Gleanings.  iqi 

Here,  in  the  forks  of  these  rivers    he  pr^ot^A  a  =t,„  -i-. 

Fort  Defiance  it  was  called.  '  ^  '*'°"^  ""'^'^^'y  ^«rk. 

Lieut.  JSr.  I.  Visscher  to  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer.  ; 

^This  le"tter  you'll  receive  by  a  Militia  ma'n  w^'"-^  "l-^"''  ^  ^^^4- 
quarters  (with  dispatches)  where  he'll  arrive  Ss  J-f"  ^''  T  ^'.'^^"•^- 
be  any  letters  for  me  fron.  hou'e    I  wish  vnnfn  f        '"/°f '  '^"''^  '^^^« 
opportunity,  and  to  inform  r^htWyrhave'vIttr  '"  '''  '"* 
of  slashing  with  temporary  advantages  •  ?f  not  f  £  opportunity 

that  you  may  even  be  honorably  killed'       To  heJrTf  ^'"  "T  T^^  ^°^ 
beagoodstoryformetocarryhome  .ndwou'dsow!?!    1    ^"""n  ^^^'^  ^""''^ 
Keufember  nfe  for  the  lastC    ^  T.ltrTrrnef  few '^^^^^^^ 
other  young  fellows  should  they  be  Hvl^^g  wTe^V  u1Seti,%tT 
however  is  very  improbable.     Excuse  this  scrawl  the  bearer  awdts' 

Capt.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Head  Quarter^'"""'  ^^  ^^  ^^««'^"^^- 

General  Wayne  fully  informed  himself  of  .hp  <.frpn.,tK\,P  ^u 
wanted  war,  not  peace,  and  havinc^^^en  Toitd Tv^^'^^jj^  ^ 

on  July  27th,  with  ele'ven  hundred  weU  i^ou„ted  niel  iT  "^'T'v  ^'''\l 
him  from  Kentucky  he  leff  Fnrf  rvlfi    "^''""*^"  ni^n,  whom  he  had  with 

and  at  once  rnarcS  down    hf  Maume^^^  l'.\'-^'^  ^""^  ''  ^"S"«^ 

river.     On  the  19th  he  wL  a    thXad  of  th^  ?-   "H    "^ '"'''''^  ^^  '^' 
porary  works  to  protect  his  baggagj  and  to  recoZte  thf "°  """^  *^"" 

called  Fort  Deposit,  and  here  on  the  lOth  Wnvnp?1l  /  '  ""^J'^'  ^'^^ 
and  adopted  a  plan  of  march  and  o  b  ittle'sibm^i^ted  bv  1 '  '"""'"^  ^-^/f"' 
camp,  Lieutenant  William  H   Harrison      Su^  »hs young  aid-de- 

in  good  fighting  condi^lfotTwayL'^uTd'oS'tr"^'^^^ 
aga.nst  the   enemy,  who  by'  this   time  had  col  ected  111^.*^''^'^'"^ 

»V.  had  been  Sed'lJ  To's  p  ir'^^en  r'lV  '"=  ^"=--' 
Ml  have  been  better  orotoete,!    ih.n  ,1  !.'     "^  """""J  """'"i 

force  as  Wayne'"    '^,^71,^1^.     ^  ^  were    from  sueh  a  nionntad 

river,  and  bjl  i  ,d  ZlZTZt'l'^,  '•''''  ""'  °''"'° 

tap  nun,be,-  of  broken  birnchercatd  La  ,„nLi",™'r    '",?'     """ 

«»"".  i.  ««.e5,  „„nv:r^  A;t,f;nr*-,r4&£'si;Lt 


102 


Legacy  op  Historical  GLEANI^ds, 


1 


they  wore  obliged  to  yield  to  the  superior  prowess  of  the  novel  force  wl  'oh 
pressed  the  enemy  so  closely  as  not  to  give  him  time  to  reload  his  guns. 
The  strong  adversary  was  broken,  routed  and  slain,  or  driven  two  miles 
in  one  hour,  through  this  windfall  and  thicket,  until  they  "rero  within 
pistol  shot  of  the  British  garrison.  Their  killed  and  wounded  and  that 
of  their  painted  Canadian  allies  in  this  last  great  battle  in  the  north 
against  the  United  States  was  immense;  but  our  loss  was  almost  equalK 
great,  particularly  in  officers.  Of  the  four  dragoon  captains,  only  one 
left  the  field  unhurt.  This  campaign  (ranquilized  the  whole  Indian  fron- 
tier from  Florida  to  the  northern  lakes.  The  Indians  were  just  on  the 
point  of  making  one  general  war,  when  this  timely,  great  and  decisive 
victory  saved  the  United  States  from  it,  as  all  the  natives  who  lived  any 
where  near  our  frontier  lines,  between  us  and  Canada  and  between  us  and 
Spain  were  pledged  to  unite  in  concerted  action  against  our  nation. 

It  was  in  this  notable  battle  at  the  foot  of  the  rapids  of  the  Miami  or 
Maumee  on  August  20,  1794,  as  a  boy  of  twenty  summers  that  Captain 
Van  Itensselaer  particularly  signalized  himself  at  the  head  of  his  cavalry, 
in  one  of  the  most  brilliant  and  eft'ective  charges  ever  made  against  the 
savages  of  that  region.  While  in  the  midst  of  hard  fighting,  he  saw  by 
the  manoeuvering  that  the  enemy  was  trying  to  turn  our  left  flank,  the 
order  was  given  to  "  charge,"  and  in  that  terrible  battle,  while  in  the  act 
of  cutting  down  an  Indian  who  was  aiming  at  the  troop  from  behind  a 
tree,  he  was  shot  through  the  lungs,  being  struck  in  the  center  of  the 
breast-bone  by  a  rifle  bullet  which  passed  out  transversely  near  the  right 
shoulder.  But  with  the  blood  rushing  from  his  breast,  mouth  and  nose, 
maugre  the  dangerous  wound,  refused  to  be  dismounted  from  his  charger, 
but  maintained  his  seat  in  his  saddle  until  the  enemy  were  efiiectually 
routed,  when,  and  not  till  then,  would  he  consent  to  be  lifted  oflF.  General 
Wilkinson  found  "  the  youthful  soldier,"  after  the  action,  sitting  against 
a  tree,  "  smiling  with  complacency  while  the  blood  was  oozing  from  his 
lungs."  The  wound  was  at  first  considered  by  the  surgeons  to  be  mortal, 
but  youthful  vigor  and  a  fine  constitution  enabled  him  to  resist  the  effects 
of  the  wound  and  recover  his  health.  An  order  for  the  battle,  stained 
with  the  blood  of  the  gallant  soldier,  was  found  in  his  breast  coat-pocket 
and  is  still  preserved  as  a  precious  relic.  Captain  Robert  Ms.  Campbell 
of  the  cavalry,  in  that  action  was  wounded  in  the  same  manner,  in  the 
first  charge.  He  bequeathed  his  sword  to  my  father  and  it  is  among  his 
effects  in  the  old  domicile. 

An  Extract  from  the  will  of  Capt.  Robert  Ms.  Campbell. 

"  Green  Ville,  July  25th,  1794. 
*  *  *  "  My  Silver  Hilted  Sword  I  give  to  my  beloved  friend  Capt, 
Soln.  Van  Rensselaer  in  confidence  that  ho  will  never  disgrace  it,  this 
Sword  and  Belt  is  at  Mr.  Hunts." 

At  the  close  of  the  action,  two  litters  were  brought  out  for  the  convey- 
ance of  the  two  similarly  wounded  captains  back  to  Fort  Deposit,  into 
one  of  which  Capt.  Campbell  was  placed  ;  but  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer  re- 
fused to  be  laid  on  a  litter  to  go  from  a  victorious  batt'efield.  Genl. 
Wayne  said,  "  You  young  dog  !  how  then  are  you  going  '(  "  "  I  am  an 
officer  of  the  cavalry,  and  shall  go  on  horseback,"  was  the  reply.  "  You 
will  drop  by  the  way."  "  If  I  do,  just  cover  me  up  and  let  mo  lie  there," 
was  the  unflincliing  response  of  the  brave  soldier.  At  his  solicitation,  he 
was  mounted  on  his  own  charger,  and  one  of  his  dragoons  on  either  side 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  103 

supported  the  suffering  officer  on  the  horse.     As  the  army  moved  those 
five  or  8U  milGHata  slow  pace  the  jjen tie  action  on  his^ystem,  while 
go.n.  up  and  down  hill  was  ,ery  beneficial,  and  the  blooa  or  pus  was  by 
he  motion  thrown  up.     Thus  that  decided  refusal  to  dismount  saved  Ms 
hte,  as  the  blood  was  prevented  from  conf,^ealing.     The  best  surgeons  in 
the  army  attended  him  ;  we  have  their  certificates  regarding  his  dangerois 
wound,  and  it  was  a  matter  of  surprise  to  them   that  he  ever  recovered 
Neither  of  these  gentlemen  believed,  on  the  day  of  the  battle,  that  h^ 
could  survive,  st.l  each  exerted  himself  to  afford  what  relief  mi..h    be 
given  to  the  youthful  captain  ;  and  each  said,  after  his  recovery   thit  not 
one  of  a  thousand  lived  after  such  wound.  '  They  attrirutcH;  ent lely 
to  his  upright  position,  which   facilitated   the  escape   of  the   putrefying 
blood,  and  the  action  impacted  by  the  motion  of  the  horse  which  kepthi^ 
wound  in  a  cleanly  state      General  Wayne  directed  his  aid,  the  Eoble 
Harrison  my  father's  early  friend,  to  have  him  carried  to  th^  command- 
orsown  tent  where  the  poor  invalid  was  nursed   as  a  son   by  the  kTnd 
general  and     ks  friends      Although  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer  was  actually 
sensible  of    he  effects  of  this  severe  wound  to  his  last  day.  yet  he  wag 
enabled  wituin  a  few  months  to  proceed  homeward,  and  at  thJexpiratTon 
of  wo  years  to  report  himself  again  fit  for  duty.     Poor  Captain  clmTn 
had  not  sufficient  strength  to  rally,  the  blood  clogged  on  his  breaTand 
he  "passed  away,"  on   the  route,   from   suffocation.     Some  years  after 
when  Dr.  John  F  Carmichael,  surgeon  of  U.  S.  troops,  Js  ofa  vis     ai 
our  house,  my  father  had  ordered  a  new  pair  of  boots  which  were  bio ulh 
home;  trying  them  on,  and  finding  them  too  tight,  he  damned  the  boots 
My  mother  reproved  him  for  so  doing,  when  Dr.  Carmichrel  who  was  in 
an  adjoining  room  called  out;  "  Oh  !  my  dear  madam,  do  not  clsu  e 
your  husband  for  using  that  word,  it  once  saved  his  life."     He  then  re- 
la  ed,  that  when  he  in  company  with  the  other  surgeons,  Dr.  Scotrand 
Dr.  Heyward    came  to  Captain  Van  Rensselaer,  after  the  terrific  battle 
of  August  20th,  they  all  thought  him  dead.     He  had,  however    fainted 
f^roin  lossof  blood;  the  handling  of  him,  roused   him' to  consciousness 
Just  hen  one  of  them  remarked,  "  this  poor  fellow  is  too  frrTne    „o 
u     attending  to  h.m,"  and  were  passing  on  to  the  other  sufferers    when 
a  ^^damn  you  dress  me,"  startled  tham,  and  they  quickly  decided    that 
such  a  plucky  one  who  had  so  much  energy,  shodd  bewared  for  and 

wiri'w.'T.'^    .''"•     ^''''^'  '^"••^'^'  the  distinguished  M.am ichief 

w        d    he  Indian  forces,  a  few  years  subsequent  toNhose  stirring  scenes 

1  the  late  IJarent  Sanders  of  Albany,  then  a  merchant  at  Detroit  whea 

onversing  of  that  battle  and  Captain  Van  Rensselaer,  "  The  little  flllow 
had  given  him  so  much  trouble,  that  he  ordered  a  do  en  of  hi  t„.i  to 
watch  for  him  and  shoot  him  down  ;  but  he  was  too  active  for  them  thev 

oukl  not  harm  him  till  just  at  the  close  of  the  action."     General  Wilk/ 

a  "00";    TndJl    7T"  '"  ^™V"°^''   '"^  ^••'^^••«'  as  a  cornet  of 
ara„oons    and  at  the  tender  age  was  distinguished  for  his  coolne  s  and 

r^lo'lifti"  "'•'^"-     "i^  !'''r  ^"'  ^^'-^^^  -  ^  lieutenant    1  ela 
t  e   eyolutonary  war,  and  fought  and  bled  for  his  country  in  the  affai^ 

nrl<ort  Ann,  against  the  9th  British  regiment  of  infantry  in  17777 he 
J  d  transfused  h.s  spirit  and  patriotism  into  his  son,  who  in  my  pre  ence 

t^lZr'Tr  i  '"'S  '^"^'^^  "••^'^  ^•'^"^  >-'^^'  -'d'fferwith 
toniiiidccncy       Rising  by  regular  promotion  to  a  troop   he  was  narrim, 

iariy  noticed  by  General  Washington,  and  raised  toThe  command  of  a" 


104 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


squadron.  The  friendships  of  those  days  were  pure  and  distinterested  ; 
and  no  small  portion  of  the  true  and  ancient  friendships  was  ever  pre- 
served not  only  by  the  old  settlors  but  their  posterity." 

Capt.  Van  lienaaelaer  to  Lieut.  Vmcher. 

My  dear  Van  Munickhousen.  ^^""^  ^^P°«'*'  ^"--  ^2,  HW. 

Your  letter  of  the  1st  Inst.,  was  handed  me  by  a  Militia  man;  there 
were  no  letters  with  the  dispatches  for  Headquarters  for  you  or  me  from 
our  friend?  at  Albany.  I  have  been  at  a  place  where  I  might  have 
slashed  with  temporary  advautaj^es,  had  not  a  Rifle  Ball  from  an  Indiaa 
of  the  "  Charley's  "  slashed  through  my  lungs  on  the  2Uth  Inst.  The 
wound  is  considered  very  dangerous  by  the  Surgeons,  but  has  not  taken 
away  appetite  or  Spirits,  nor  shall  it  till  the  last  moment.  If  you  write 
home  don't  make  my  friends  at  all  uneasy  by  letting  them  know  that  I 
am  in  danger  until  there  is  a  certainty  of  its  proving  my  dissolution  ;  and 
even  then  I  do  hope  they  will  not  repine  at  my  lot,  as  I  will  die  in  the 
arms  of  victory  and  in  a  glorious  cause.  The  gallant  Campbell  is  no 
more;  perhaps  I  shall  soon  lay  with  him  in  the  grave. 

My  aged  Parents  will   grieve.     Adieu,  Adieu  my  dear  Visscher,  may 

you  be  well   and   happy  is   the  wish  (and  perhaps  the  last  one)  of  your 

sincere  friend  oi  ^r       t» 

Solomon  Van  Rensselaer. 

For  Lieut.  Nanning  I.  Visscher,  at  Fort  Recovery. 

The  germ  of  discipline  unfolded,  and  the  laboring  mind  is  shown  in 
the  delicate  manner  in  which  the  suffering  soldier  speaks  of  his  services, 
and  most  zealous  in  doing  justice  to  the  merits  of  others.  General  Wayne 
who  was  well  inured  to  hardships  was  so  ill,  two  days  before  the  engage- 
ment, that  it  took  four  men  to  mount  and  dismount  him,  yet  the  brave 
old  warrior  fought  that  wonderful  battle  with  all  his  usual  energetic 
boldness,  but  received  no  thanks. 

Having  thoroughly  accomplished  his  work,  General  Wayne  returned 
with  his  army  to  Fort  Defiance,  while  the  Indians,  utterly  defeated  and 
disheartened,  retired  to  the  borders  of  Maumee  bay,  in  the  vicinity  of 
Toledo,  to  brood  over  their  misfortunes  and  ponder  upon  the  future. 
On  the  opening  of  the  next  session  of  congress,  General  Washington  in 
his  speech,  before  congress,  mentioned  Wayne's  operations  with  well 
merited  applause,  but  congre.«s  in  their  reply,  refused  even  to  allude  to 
them  and  no  mention  was  made  of  Wayne,  nor  of  his  meritorious  services 
by  that  body.  Next  summer  VVayne  held  a  council  with  all  the  Indians 
living  in  this  territory,  and  on  the  third  day  of  August  1795,  at  Green- 
ville, he  purchased  all  the  territory,  not  before  ceded,  within  certain  limits, 
comprehending  in  all,  about  four  fifths  of  the  present  state  of  Ohio.  The 
line  is  called  to  this  day,  the  Greenville  line. 

After  all  these  great,  splendid  and  meritorious  services  of  General 
Wayne,  congress  took  no  notice  of  him.  On  his  way  home,  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, he  was  seized  with  the  gout,  and  died  at  a  wretched  hovel  '  an 
inn,  in  the  then  paltry  village  of  Presque  Isle,  in  December,  1796,  a^'cd 
fifty-one  years.  He  was  buried,  at  his  own  request,  under  the  flag-.<taff 
of  the  fort,  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Erie,  without  a  .stone  to  mark  the  spot. 
Years  afterwards,  in  1S09,  his  son  Colonel  Isaac  Wayne  accompanied  by 
a  few  of  his  old  frier  ds  and  neighbors  conveyed  his  bones  to  the  place  of 
his  nativity;  in  the  Radnor  church-yard  in  Delaware  county.     The  Penn- 


Gen'  Author 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


105 


sylvania  State  Society  of  the  Cincinnati  erected  over  his  remains  a  hand- 
gome  luonuoicnt  of  white  tnurblo  on  July  4th,  1809. 

Capt.  Van  RenasHaer  to  Ocneral  Wayne. 
My  Dear  Gen'  :  Fort  Defiance,  August  27th,  1 794. 

iMom  tiie  information  of  my  F'hysician,  and  from  my  own  feelin<-8  I 
find  my  wound  of  such  a  nature  as  will  debar  me  for  some  time  of  bein-r 
any  bencut  to  the  Service  of  my  Country.  ° 

Therefore  as  there  is  an  opportunity  of  an  Kscort,  I  beg  leave  to  roquost 
your  j-ixcellency  s  permission  for  leave  of  absence  till  the  return  of  my 
health,  at  which  time  I  shall  be  extremely  happy  to  execute  any  Com- 
mands your  Excellency  plea.ses  to  give. 

1  am  with  the  highest  Respect  and  Esteem 

Your  Excellency's  Most  Obt.  &  Hum'  St. 
Gen'  Anthony  Wayne.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer. 

When  the  news  of  that  bloody  victory,  at  the  celebrated  buttle  of 
August  .iO,  1794,  reached  Loudon,  it  brought  to  immediate  conclusion 
the  long  protracted  negotiations  between  the  British  minister  Lord  Gren- 
villc  and  our  repre.sentative  John  Jay,  whose  mission  there  was  to  obtain 
the  evacuation  of  the  forts,  which  England  still  held  on  the  frontier  of 
the  United  States,  contrary  to  the  treaty  of  1G83.  Mr.  Jay  havino- 
brought  these  affairs  to  a  successful  termination,  returned  to  New  York 
in  May,  1795,  and  found  two  days  previous  to  landing,  he  had  been 
elected  governor  of  the  state  of  New  York.  This  decisive  victory  which 
had  been  productive  of  so  much  good  was  the  closing  work  of  the  revolu- 

tlOQ  ■ 

Capt.  Webb  to  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Rensselaer  :  Camp  Fort  Defiance,  Septem^  3d    1 794 

Ue  are  in  the  same  Camp  that  we  occupied  when  you  left  us  bat  not 
ha U  so  well  ofl  The  poor  pittance  of  Provision  :>awn  at  present  would 
not  keep  body  &  soul  together,  was  it  not  for  the  Vegitables,  that  we  ob- 
tain  when  l^oraging  and  even  these,  we  have  to  bring  from  the  Deserted 
lowns  twelve  miles  above  our  Encampment,  up  the  River  Miami  It 
w!l  be  serious  &  alarming  times,  with  us  shou'd  Gen.  Todd's  Escort  fail 
ij  the  prevailing  opinion  is  that  He  will  surdi/  be  attacked.  If  He  fails' 
the  consequence  is  obvious.  The  Whole  must  move,  but  God  Knows 
wha-e,  I  should  suppose  for  Green  Ville.  The  Autumnal  Equinox  is  ni-h 
at  hand,  &  we  may  expect  a  long  continuance  of  bad  Weather.  I  heartOv 
coMgiut:ilateyou  on  yourescape  from  this  inclement,  inhospitable  Country 
hut  do  most  sincerely  condole  with  you  on  the  cuuse. 

Our  friend  Lieut  Smith  mends  very  fast  &  is  now  in  Camp.  We  have 
heard  notning  of  the  Savages  since  you  left  us,  which  leads  me  to  suppose 
ha  hey  are  either  collecting  their  force,  to  give  us  battle  once  again  "or 
that  they  have  Drawn  off,  determined  to  force  us  from  their  Countrv'bv 
cutting  up  our  Escorts  with  Provisions.  This  last  is  certainly  their 
nios  effectual  mode  of  Warfare,  for  fight  us  when  &  where  they  will  we 
shall  always  beat  them.     I  yesterday  took  out  the  Squadron,  &  ventured 

elds'  f^P  ''^P  '^""'-i  ^  ^'""^^  T"-'^  J^^""<^^  ^^  ^'^'^  ^^^ 
Tn  PI  '  ^«^"toes,  beans,  peas,  ic  Poinpions,  than  those  Destroyed  on 
tne  u  Lrlaize.     I  believe  it  is  now  Determined  that  our  Rout  will  bu  up 

14 


106 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


this  River  to  the  Maumi  Villngo,  where  wo  are  to  fortify  &  Winter,  Kx- 
cej)t  the  Dragoons,  who  will  I  bolieve  return  to  Kentucky,  &  when  there 
I  suppose,  wo  wont  cut  mmc  /ootinh  CajierH,  no  not  at  all!  !  If  we  reach 
Kentucky  once  more,  you  shall  hear  of  some  rare  Doings,  Courting, 
Gallanting,  Balls  &  Assemblies.  You  will  wish  to  be  with  us.  I  have 
but  little  Expectations  of  a  furlough  &  shall  therefore  not  apply.  Our 
Wounded  are  fust  recovering  k  will  all  do  well,  Except  poor  Jones 
L.Ij.D  whose  wounded  mind,  or  entrails  Laudanum  alone  can  heal.  He 
has  been  several  times  Distracted,  See  the  Effect  of  Hard  Drink  !  It 
cannot  bo  long,  if  the  Savages  mean  to  fight  us  again,  before  you  will  hear 
of  a  hard  fought  field,  for  if  they  try  once  more  it  will  be  with  all  tlicir 
allied  Strength.  Prepare  then  to  hear  of  noble  Deeds.  If  I  out  live  that 
Day,  I  think  I  may  without  fear  of  a  Denial  ask  for  a  greater  Commission 
than  I  now  bear.  Two  Epaulets  at  least,  and  then  Girls  have  at  you  all! 
But  as  it  is  we  must  wait  the  call  of  imperious  Commanders  k  when  we 
Do  our  Duty  well,  if  they  but  smile,  we  must  think  ourselves  overpaid 
altho:  they  found  their  fame  upon  our  Merits.  There  still  exists  in  the 
Legion  the  same  Seism,  only  a  little  more  extended.  Out  of  14  swnrds 
of  the  Kill'd  &  wounded  only  one  can  be  found  &  a  quantity  of  other 
Equipments  gone,  no  one  knows  how.  1  wish  to,  I  cou'd  be  call'd  to  the 
Command  of  the  Troop  that  now  must  shortly  fall  to  my  Lott.  Our 
Horses  are  going  fast,  I  think  your  Troop  at  pfeseno  much  the  best,  hav- 
ing but  one  Horse  unfit  for  Duty,  whilst  the  Troop  that  is  to  fall  to  mo 
is  twice  as  strong  &  Musters  two  Horses  Less.  The  Commander-in-Chief 
this  day  inform'd  me  that  it  wou'd  be  sometime  before  we  shou'd  make 
out  forage  returns  k  that  we  shou'd  pass  through  innumerable  Prairies  as 
we  progress'd  up  the  River  Miami  of  the  Lakes.  I  wish  He  may  not 
have  been  wofully  Deeeiv'd  in  his  information  for  if  we  are  to  pass  throu"h 
a  Country  bare  of  Grass  all  will  soon  be  over  wiih  our  Horses.  I  am 
writing  without  a  Conveyance  k  am  only  preparing  for  the  first  oppor- 
tunity as  we  generally  have  but  short  notice,  shall  therefore  fold  but  not 
seal  this  as  many  things  may  turn  up  between  this  k  the  next  Express, 
Adieu  my  Dear  fellow,  may  you  be  well  &  happy  is  the  wish  of  your 
Sincere, 
Captain  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Green  Ville. 


J. 


Wkbb,  Junr. 


Lieut.  Wm.  K.  Blue  to  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer. 
My  Dear  Capt :  Camp  near  Fort  Defiance  Sept.  6,  1794. 

I  take  the  liberty  of  enclosing  to  you  a  letter  to  my  father  who  I  hope 
you  k  Capt.  Slough  will  call  and  see  as  you  pass  through  Virginia.  I 
would  have  wrote  more  but  have  not  time  as  we  to  day  was  reviewed  k 
had  then  to  go  off  at  least  five  3Iiles  for  plunder,  it  was  nearly  run  down 
when  we  returned,  I  was  then  told  that  an  Express  was  going  to  iiij^bt. 
I  beg  you  will  be  particular  in  delivering  the  letter  I  committed  to  your 
Charge  in  a  private  manner,  observing  at  the  same  time  that  you  could 
contrive  to  send  me  a  letter  privately,  and  safely  at  least  not  letting  it  be 
known  who  it  was  from. 

Silver  lace  for  a  Coat  would  be  a  good  thing  to  wear  in  Lexington 
amongst  the  Ladys.     I  am  D""  Sir  your  friend  k  most  Obt:  Svt. 

Capt.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Green  Ville.  ^-   ^'   '^^'^^' 


Legacy  op  IIisTourcAL  Gleanings. 


107 


Capt.  Turner  to  Lieut.  Vmcher 
Do:>v  Viischor,  o,,„j  (5,^;^^^  j^ 

-  om  the  Accounts  we  have  received  respecting  V<m[  certainly  had  a 
r.,h    toexpecta  l.ne  from  you  giving  the  particulars  of  his  "ifuation 
lis  r.en,Is  are  very  n.uch  alar.ued,  you  will  confer  a  particular  obliga  ton 
to  let  us  know  every  circumstance  concerning  him.     Give  my  fr'endshin 
kc  to  h.m,  ami  ^/  he  is  ..//  enough,  tell   him  I  should   be  Imppy  to   Z 
from  h,n..     We  have  nothing  new,  we  expect  to  move  towards  the  M  am 
ViIl:..a.H  m  three  days   where  Genl.  IJarber  is  to  meet  us.     The  Gcner" 
Hs:Mi.un.e  that  he  will  finish  his  business  of  the  Campaign  in  aro»fl 
from  this,  at  the  expiration  of  which  ho  returns.  *  *  *     Miam    v    !"  ' 
Sept.  20   1794,  I  am   happy  to  find   by  your  Letter  that  T^J  la^  oTr 
recovered  as   to  proceed  to  a  phice  where   he  can   be  well  furnished  wth 
necessaries  for  his  situation.    You  should  write  him  and  endeavou    toT- 
press  inn  with  a  sense  of  prudence,  otherwise  he  will   bo  too  apt  to  put 
himself  forward  to  exertions  that  his  situation  will  not  admit  of  Campbel 
Smith  IS  with  us  in  fine  spirits  and  nearly  well.    We  have  nothin-^  newex 
cept  day  before  yesterday  4  British  Deserters  came  in  who  say,  the  Indians 
are  s. II  in  force  below  the  British  Garrison  amounting  to  abou     1600 
hat  they  seem  disposed    or  peace.    But  it  is  .ojijectured"that  befo  e  they 
deternime  that,  they  will  wait  the  Issue  of  soine  negotiations  McGee  k 
mkuig  in  Canada.     I  am  in  hopes  to  see  you  in   sil  weeeks  from  thi 
We  commence  upon  the  Garrison  tomorrow,  it  must  take  nearly  a  month 
to  make  It  tenable.     God   bless  you.    Compts.  to  Drake      Write  me  bv 
every  opportunity  and  believe  me  to  be  with  sincerity  Yours  ^ 

Lieut.  N.  I.  Visscher.  Edwd  D.  Turner. 


What  few  mails  reached  the  territory  were  carried  on  horseback,  and  they 
were  so  chimed  unti   after  the  late  war  in  1812;  in  1815  carriages  beS 
to  be  used  in  conveying  the  mails  and  passengers      There  beinc^  no  brid'o-p 
across  the  water  courses,  the  mails  were  not^nly  often    horou^hlwftfd 
u  the  horses  that  carried  them  were  drowned,  with  those  whfro^de  them' 
CO io'n      >/."r  ^""'^   nf  ^"^^y  ^'"°«   «-h   accidents  in  Ohio  we  e 

le  Sers   n  the'?n"f  "V'  T'^"^'  "''"■^'  '^"''"^  '^^'^  "'^'^'^  I^"-  ^a^ 
lie  settlers  in  the  infant  colony,  kept  constant  y  on  the  alert  from  fo.i. 

woods  and  it  any  Indians  were  discovered  to  give  the  alarm  a  crun  w.^ 

then    red  at  the  fort,  and  every  person  hastened  into  the  j^lTni''"  """" 

Ihe  following  letter  was  received  at  Philadelphia  on  November  8th. 

^    ^  Killian  K.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer. 

W     ^'«V  r'''''  ""^  *''^  'i^'"^'^'-  ^  "'i'it^'7  life  would  sub  ect  vou  to 

bTvom-f  tts  ""'"^  r  r^"^'''  ''''''  Commission  hapJiSsJ^ouS 
itls  whri ''  ";j"''"'"«t^"f  d  y^\ "ade  your  election.     I  must  confess 

nave  .0  leason  to  regret,  even  under  your  present  danc^erous  wound-  for 
^hould  your  dissolution  be  the  result  of  it'  you  certainly  h'vTal/.-oJ 
•nore  jibry  at  your  time  of  life  than  number's  of  Generals  haye  found  2 


108 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleaninos. 


i  i 


half  a  Century,  atlded  to  the  service  you  hiive  rendered  your  (Country, 
This,  Sir,  will  preserve  your  reputation  and  you  will  live  beyond  the  Knive, 
therefore  exert  your  usual  fortituiie,  and  snow  human  wisdom  in  mif  re- 
pininjj;  at  what  you  cannot  help.  In  this  ('ountry  aH  in  all  other  civilizcil 
(jovernnients,  the  Military  profession  is  the  true  way  to  reputation  which 
is  generally  accompanied  by  Wealth  ;  that  you  may  enjoy  both,  to  the 
bounds  of  your  wishes,  no  person  is  more  anxious  about  than  your  uncle. 
Should  you  survive  your  wound,  and  not  disabled,  I  think  u  Major  it  1/  will 
follow,  and  after  that  all  is  pavi'd  ko.  Your  friends  are  all  very  solicitous 
about  hearing  from  you,  and  you  will  do  well  to  drop  a  lino  often.  Kven 
Juiigo  Yates  appeared  as  desirous  to  hear  of  your  fat"  as  well  as  all  those 
who  knew  you,  ecpial  with  your  friends.  And  \  jiray  you  may  reap  laurels 
in  the  field  in  abundance  without  loss  of  any  more  blood. 

I  believe  this  ('ampaign  will  settle  all,  either  John  Jai/  will  settle  by 
negotiation,  or  formal  War  will  be  proclaimed,  and  the  fountain  he.id 
Lower  Canada  will  be  formidably  attacked,  and  the  nature  of  your  .service 
will  bo  altered.  We  find  the  French  still  continue  drubbing  the  Allies 
or  combined  powers,  and  this  will  do  every  purpose  for  us.  Mr.  Henry 
Cuylcr  I  mentioned  in  my  last,  supposed  dead,  is  now  actually  a  prisoner 
in  Franco,  and  was  one  out  of  two  .saved  in  a  large  Garrison  ;  his  parents 
and  family  were  all  in  mourning  and  winh.  Mr.  John  Vi.sscher  [father 
of  Lieut.  N.  I.  Visscher],  is  still  alive,  and  we  all  pray  that  the  news  of 
your  death,  which  we  have  heard,  will  be  u  foreboding  that  you  are  now 
alive,  and  recovering  very  fast.  I  assure  you  our  Pap.s-knee  and  (jreen 
Bush  lads  cut  no  small  figure  in  the  conflicting  scenes  in  Europe  and 
America.  Friends  are  all  well.  Your  brother  Killian  [liieut,  in  the  Navy] 
has  sailed  for  Holland.  My  eldest  son  John  S.  is  a  counterpart  to  you, 
and  I  hope  to  see  him  under  your  Command  and  direction  in  the  Army 
as  I  used  to  have  you  in  my  office.  Jo.seph  Yates  has  declined  serving  in 
the  Army,  and  chooses  to  fight  by  proxy  as  Militia  men  often  do.  Greet 
Visscher  and  tell  him  I  have  not  with-held  my  interest  to  either  of  your 
promotions,  and  that  I  will  continue  to  do  all  I  can.  Tell  him  I  was  glad 
to  hear  he  was  out  the  fighting  department,  leu.st  he  might  have  beea 
complimented  with  a  ball,  and  been  made  to  salute  the  ground  with  an 
ill  grace.  Our  city  is  altered  very  much,  and  I  assure  you  very  elegant 
houses  have  arose  out  of  the  late  flames.  I  hope  you  will  not  be  too  ven- 
turesome and  misgive  too  much  either  in  exercise,  duty  or  anything  else 
before  your  health  is  restored.  N.IJ.  Old  black  Cretki  dropped  a  tear 
for  you.     Pray  what  occasions  all  the  Duels  in  your  army  ?  *  *  * 

Your  Aunt  joins  with  me  in  wishing  you  a  speedy  recovery. 

Yours  &c.,  -u-   tr   IT       i> 

n    X  •    o  1  ^T      i>      .  \  K.  K.  VAN  Hensselaer. 

Captain  Solomon  Van  Iteusselaer, 

Light  Dragoons,  Fort  Recovery,  Ohio. 


Leuacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


109 


CHAPTER  V. 
European  Tkip  in  1795. 

Lieut.  Visseher  to  CapL  Van  Jletrndaei: 
My  .loar  Van,  Port  Uocovery  the  18th  of  Noyr    nni 

Since  your  departure  from   this  T   have  only  boon    favTod  'with   ^ne 
Lefter  from  you  dated  Lexuijrt,,,,  one  day  previous  to  your  leavin-^  that 
Alter  your  departure  from  this,    and  after    deeply    run.inating  "„  the 
. I.fforent  situations    m    which  we   are    ph-ced  for    the   ensuin."  winter 
itrecalU  to  my  memory  with  the  moat  poignant  regret  how  happy  you 
nnist   inevitably    pass    the  time,  whilst   I    am    doomed   to    con  emrite 
amongst   the   sylvan   shades.     I  do   not   regret   the   happiner  you   wm 
experience,  but  that   [  am  not  permitted  to  participate   with  you.     L 
alas!  ,t  appears  that  I   must  content  myself  with  the  little  limits  of  a 
-arrison,  secluded  from  the  society  I  will  ever  hold  dear.     How  oft  in 
he  dear  and   heartfelt   enjoyments  of  my   Melancholy  walks,  have  ioa 
Romantic  groves  witnessed  my  narrative  of  love ;  and  when   the  drear 
light  appears,   I   retire   to   my  Room,   where  in  a  state  of  ehao«    the 
oughts  of  home  and  a  thousand  other  things  rush  on  my  mind  I  ke  a 
torrent.     I  generally  take  up  Thompson's  description  of  a  Winter  Seasoa 
or  some  other  book,  on  which  I  muse  till  sleep  overcomes  me      ThTl 
ani  apt  to  cry  with  Sancho"  A  blessing  on  his  heart  who  first  invented 
sleep,       On  looking  back,  I  find  that  I  have  been  going  on  like  a  person 
in  love,  do  excuse  me,  howevo^  improper  it  may  be  for  the  pen  of  a  Sol- 
ler  It  flows  unstudied  from  the  effusions  of  a  heart  too  susceptible  of 
uch  foibles^    Let  me  then  rouse  from  this  indignation,  and  nroceed  ^o 
he  affairs  of  the  Army,  on  which  I  shall  expatiate  but  very  supXally 
no  that  in  my  opinion  such  information  woild  not  be  interesti'^to  yo^' 
but  nothing  material  has  happened  since  your  departure.     Save  tl.e  death 
of  our  worthy  Contractor  Mr.  Robery  Kfliott,  a!.d  Lieut.  Isaac  K  a 
Y  u  ghusband;  the    former   was    killed    near    Fort    Hamilton,    by  the 

tinn    r    t      ,  T''"^^  Gent"  1  dare  say  will  be  much  regretted  by  you 
the  on.3  for  his  benevo  ence  and  amiable  disposition;  and  the  other^Jb; 
h     peculiar  abilities  which  would  have  recommended  him  in  any  part  of 
e  world.     I  however  trust  that  the  jjentle  breezes  of  the  West^er^n  Ter 

Zl  t^^^.^^lV"''?"  ""'^"'-'^  '"^  ^'^''^  '^'''''  ■^^'^'^  to  Heaven,  enough  of 
tZZJTL  ^!^«,A™y,-7:«J.atGreeneville  about  the  3rd  Inst."afte 
erecting  (exclusively  of  the  Garrisons  in  which  you  have  been  a  sharer^ 
is  "t  ZT  ""  '\  '^^I'-^jr'^^on  of  I  Joseph's  and  Miam 
luvers.     lo  the  Command  of  this  Garrison  was  left  Colonel  Hamtramc 
wUhsixCompan.es,   vizt  Captains   Porter,  Kingsbury,  Sparks    P 
'' K"w"  ne^'  '^''''  ^""""  ''  """'^'^  in\ono?'of  ^;L  Lee 

fielVrd 'ihn?'''l'^  °-*'''  resignations  of  Major  Hews,  Ensigns  Dainger- 
J      -duno„r.eii,     ihere  aru  uuw  uctweea  mo  aud  a  Captaincy  only 


k 

restou, 
cellency 


f-     ^1. 


■\ 

1 

I 

*  - 

no 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


four  Officers,  after  they  are  out  of  the  way  I  shall  enjoy  a  tranquil  niinJ. 
Before  this  I  expect  you  have  reached  Albany,  and,  by  this  time  you  must 
have  dispatched  a  Letter  to  me,  giving  me  the  particuhirs  of  your  arrival 
at  that  place,  what  reception  you  met  with  by  our  Dutch  country  men, 
not  a  very  hospitable  one,  I  dare  say,  for  the  Character  gi''en  them  by 
Historians  does  not  give  them  a  viist  deal  of  eulogy.  Nov.  26th.  xVfter 
a  considerable  lapse  of  time,  I  again  resume  my  pen.  The  prospects  of 
luy  visiting  the  place  of  my  nativity,  are  not  so  gloomy  at  present  as  I 
have  stated  them  in  the  former  part  of  this  Letter  we  have  received  in- 
telligence  from  Greenevllle  that  we  are  to  be  relieved  shortly.  Then  I 
think  it  probable  that  I  shall  be  sent  to  Philadelphia  to  settle  my  accounts. 
It  strikes  me  most  seriously  that  I  shall  return  home  without  ever  having 
heard  the  noise  of  guns :  this  however  cannot  throw  an  odium  on  nie. 
Yet  I  doubt  not,  '  ut  I  would  stand  higher  in  the  opinion  of  the  Million 
for  having  barely  heard  the  noise  of  guns  in  an  Action.  Tho'  this  senti- 
ment is  no  more  than  the  dust  in  the  balance  with  men  of  real  judgment 
who  form  a  true   estimate  oi    *he  meritorious.     I  again   resume  my  sad 

iii  -^v  poor  Father  r"  I  hope  his  imbecility 
I  mir  '  ire  somewhat  alleviated,  alas  !  what 
'>  .  memory,  how  oft  in  some  of  my 
-ou^.ics  of  him  steal  from  me  unobserved 
a  pathetic  tear,  and  when  I  draw  a  similitude  between  his  present  and 
his  former  situation,  I  am  like  Niobe  all  tears.  I  find  I  am  yet  in  a 
melancholy  strain.  I  must  omit  conoiLidiug  this  till  some  convivial  moment 
seizes  me.  Adieu  for  the  present.  But  again  my  dear  Van,  before  I  close, 
let  me  remind  you  of  r.  circumstance  which  you  are  not  a  stranger  to,  I 
mean,  the  important  article  of  knowledge,  if  I  may  so  call  it.  Your  rank 
in  the  Army  and  your  prospects  of  preferment  are  great ;  it  therefore 
becomes  you  to  devote  many  of  your  leisure  moments  to  the  attainment 
of  useful  knowledge. 

This  Letter  I  have  penned  at  diflferent  times  merely  as  the  ideas  revolved 
in  my  mind,  any  inaccuracies  I  may  have  falleu  into,  you  will  1  hope 
pardon. 

Mention  me  friendly  to  your  Father,  and  so  on,  Ad  infinitum  to  the 
whole  family,  and  to  all  your  relatives  that  inquire  after  me.  Write  me 
frequently,  the  postage  of  Letters  you  know  is  no  consideration  to  me. 
God  bless  you  in  all  your  worthy  pursuits.  j^  j   VissciiER 

Capt.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer. 

Green  Bush,  near  Albany,  State  of  New  York, 


narrative.     Pray  how  did  yo 
of  body,  and  the  troubles  of  ' 
a  gloomy    visitor  is   subjec 
melancholy  moments,  do  the 


I 


Fort  Wayne  was  completed  on  October  22d,  and  was  immediately  garri- 
soned with  infantry  and  artillery, under  Colonel  John  F.  namtranick,  a 
most  faithful  and  useful  officer.  Col.  Hamtramck  was  one  of  the  honored 
few,  named  by  General  Wayne,  in  his  dispatch  to  the  secretary  of  war, 
whose  services  demanded  special  mention,  viz  :"  Wilkinson  and  Hamtramck; 
his  aids-de-camp,  Deliutt,  Lewis,  and  Harrison  ;  Mills,  Covington  ;  of  the 
cavalry,  Webb,  Slough,  Prior,  Smith,  ^'^an  liensselaer,  llavlins,  McKen- 
ney,  Brook,  ajid  Duncan.  After  Fort  Wayne  was  completed,  the  remain- 
der of  the  troops  left,  some  for  Fort  Wnshington,  to  be  discharged  from 
the  service,  and  the  others  for  Fort  Greenville,  where  Wayne  made  his 
head  quarters  for  the  winter. 


m\ 


LmACY  OF  Historical  Gleanings. 


Ill 


Lieut.  John  Posey  to  Cax)t.  Van  Reiisselaer. 
My  Dear  Captain,  Green  Villc,  Nov.  27,  1794, 

I  have  now  set  down  again  with  a  view  of  giving  you  the  news  of  our 
Utle  Army.     I  make  no  doubt  but  before  you  left  the  Country  you  heard 
ot  our  safe  arrival  at  the  Miami  Villages  after  a  march  of  3  Days  &  with- 
out so  much  as  hearing  or  seeing  of  the  Enemy.     Indeed  the  only  diffi- 
cuty  that  we  labored  under  during  our  progress  was  the  extreme  inability 
and  deiheiency  of  Pack-Horses  to  Transport  our  Ba—a^e  and  I  bel  pvp 
the  loss  0   those  kind  of  animals  was  considerable  andTmlnt  of  rettd  n" 
our  March  in  a  great  degree,  and  with  pain  do  I  add  that  several  of  our 
Dnujoon  Horses  were  obliged  to  be  left  on  the  Road.     On  the  18th  Genl 
Barbey  arrived  with  a  large  Supply  of  Provisions  which  enabled  the  Poor 
UuiHjar},  feoldier  once  more  to  Draw  his  whole  Ration.     On  the  21st  the 
foundation  of  a  Large  fortification  was  laid  (August  21)  &  Nature  never 
formed  a  more  Beautiful  Spot  for  the  purpose,  a  high  &  commanding  sit- 
uat.ou  on  the  south  side  of  the  Miami  and  immediately  at  the  Confluence 
0  the  Ilivers  St  Mane  k  St.  Joseph  which  form  the  Miami.     Thi.liiJer 
aiords  an  abundance  of  Fish  and  wild    Fowl.     This  was  formerly  the 
Grand  Lmpormm  of  the  Western  Savages  but  were  obliged  to  withdraw 
in  consequence  of  the  approach  of  old  Genl.  Harmar  who  destroyed  the  r 
lowns  some  years  ago  in  the  execution  of  which  several  Brave  Heroes 
fell.     Here  we  remained  for  the  space  of  one  Month,  in  which  a  lar<^e  & 
rong  fortification  was  erected,  called  after  Our  Old  Chief,  Fort  Wayne 
Garrisoned  by  old  Col.  Hamtramak  and  four  Companies,    woofwhidlare 
R.fle  one  Artillery  &  the  other  light  infantry.     There  ;as  a  small  Fleet 
te    out  ,.  fiew  Days  be  ore  we  left  it  consisting  of  one  large  Kentu  ky 
Boat  one  Skiff  and  one  Canoe,  for  the  Means  of  transporting  Provisions 
f  om   hence  to  Fort  Defiance.     A  fiew  Days  also  before  we  marched  the 
Jrench  1  risone     Lassell,  that  we  took   in  the  Action  was  Ransomed  by 
Ii.s  Brother,  who  brought  in  three  Prisoners  in  exchange  for  Him    two 
t  whom  were  men  who  had  been  taken  in  poor  Lowry's'' Defeat.     (llZ 
Lowry  and  fourteen  men  were  killed  by  Little  Turtle' near  Fort  St  Cliir 
l^'"^",],   '^'he  third  was  a  sm^ll  girl  that  had  "een  taken  ^  om 
the  frontiers  of  Kentucky.     Some  time  subsequent  to  this  the  Voluntee^ 
we  discharged,  poor  fellows  !     I  believe  they  were  Heartily  tired  otL 
Can  paigmng  ;  a  number  of  them  died  at  Green  Ville  Prior  to  their  be  nf- 

luSe  :^?  '^1  ^'"'"'  ^  '^f-'^'^C-ardly  disposition)  been  eft  a't 
that  1  lace  and  not  accustomed  to  the  many  Hardships  &  fatL^ues  of  a 
feoKliers  life  took  sick  and  died  for  Spite.     Well,  on  the  I7th  of  October 

our  louts  and  prepare  for  a  Move  we  knew  not  whither.     *     *     *     u^l 

we  learnt  that  the  Old  Cock  had  the  Old  Piujue  Towns  in  view  as  he  had 

.e  reasons  to  expect  a  Bickering   at  this  point.     *     *     *     1  owe  er 

a     .  a  disagreeable  March  of  4  days  we  arrived  late  in  the  evenin-^    *  *  * 

tr   nl'v^       "  "  tl^  ^'  '"""''"'^  •'"'■  ^^'■''''^'  ''"^  ^^'^^r  ='  '"ost  tedious  &  ex- 

I  IvhT'^'I  ^^^''r  'l"'''"^'''  '^''  D-dist  Swamps  in  the  to  fd 

wiiitei.     Ihere  is  no  end  to  the  Toils,  privations  and  danoers  that  we  h'lvP 

IT""^/: '" '''-ff  Western  Wilds.  '*     *     *     Since Th.^l^tho^^^^^^^^^^ 

ami  Tn"      ^''"^I'H"'^  "^^.^'^  ^''^''  ^  ^^^^l'  of  lost  sheep.    Capts.  Taylor,  Webb 
a-'J  Jones  are  at  Fort  Hamilton  shouldering  their  Firelocks.     Webb  dont 


112 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


sware  at  all  T  suppose,  0  no !  not  at  all.     Major  Winston  is  at  Lexinc^ton 

on  his  Death  Bed.     *     *     *     Adieu  my  dear  Captain  &  may  Heaven  be 

Propitious  to  you  is  the  Prayer  of  your  sincere  &  affectionate  friend 

^        „  .    ,^      „         ,  John  Posey  Cornet. 

Capt.  Sol.  van  Kensselaer. 

Robert  8.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Col.  Philip  Van  Rensselaer. 

Dear  Papa,  New  York  Dec  2,  1791. 

I  arrived  here  safe  from  Philadelphia  on  Saturday,  having  remained 
there  two  days  longer  than  I  intended,  dancing  attendance  on  Mr.  Aaron 
liurr  and  Madison.  I  breakfasted  with  Mr.  Burr  on  Thursday  previous 
to  my  leaving  Philadelphia,  he  gave  me  two  letters  to  N.  York  for  Mr. 
David  Gelston  and  Col.  William  S.  Smith,  who  both  very  politely  invited 
me  to  come  and  see  them,  and  they  would  give  me  letters  to  their  friends 
in  Amsterdam. 

Mr  Smith  I  am  to  spend  this  evening  with,  and  to  wait  on  Mr  Gelston 
for  his  letterSj  having  informed  them  I  intended  to  sail  from  Philadelphia, 
and  to  leave  this  to-morrow.  This,  however,  will  not  take  place ;  the 
Captain  of  the  Ship  I  intended  to  have  sailed  in,  has  had  the  candor  to 
inform  me  (although  possitive  orders  from  the  Owners  to  the  contrary) 
that,  although  she  clears  out  for  Hamburg,  should  there  be  but  few  Crui- 
sers in  the  Channel,  she  will  go  to  France.  This  no  doubt  to  you  as  well 
as  myself  is  pleasng  intelligence.  I  will  write  to  Mr.  Burr,  to  direct  his 
letters  to  mo  at  New  York,  and  also  to  Madison,  requestin^u  him  to  forward 
his  ',.  .  adiately  for  this  place.  Doctor  John  H.  Livingston  will  be  of 
grea.  ocrvice  to  me,  more  then  I  had  reason  to  expect ;  he  gives  me  letters 
to  Several  of  his  most  intimate  acquaintances  while  he  resided  in  Holland 
and  correspondents  in  that  place.  I  was  obliged  to  inform  him  I  intended 
to  take  the  tour  through  Europe  before  I  returned,  as  he  was  very  inquisi- 
tive  to  know  my  particular  business  in  Amsterdam. 

He  gives  me  a  letter  to  Anthony  Van  Kensselaer  and  also  Jan  Jacob 
Van  Rensselaer  both  he  corresponds  with.  Mr  Ray  I  dined  with  on 
Sunday  and  he  also  is  to  furnish  me  with  a  letter  or  two.  Mr.  Varick 
wrote  by  the  First  Stage  on  his  receiving  your  letter,  to  what  accident  it 
is  owing  we  did  not  receive  it  I  cannot  tell.  Tlu;  post-masters  on  the 
road,  were  very  careless  indeed  on  opening  the  Mail,  throwing  the  letters 
on  the  floor  in  the  same  room  we  were  in.  I  have  Visited  Capt.  Anthony 
Rutgers,  gave  the  letter  I  had  i'or  him  and  at  the  same  time  told  him  wlio 
I  was.  He  very  cordially  took  me  by  the  hand  and  told  me  any  thing  in 
his  power,  he  could  do  for  me  he  would,  being  very  well  acquainted  with 
you.  He  says  he  will  not  only  give  me  letters  himself,  but  see  and  get 
several  from  the  House  of  Jacob  Loroy  k.  Co.  and  other  friends.  He  has 
advised  me  to  Sail  for  London  (it  being  only  90  miles  from  vVmsterdara 
and  Packets  sail  from  there  almost  every  day)  on  board  the  Ship  Sauips^on, 
Capt:  John  Smith,  who  is  an  American,  and  the  Ship  an  American  bot- 
tom and  a  constant  trader,  and  whom  he  can  particularly  recommend  to 
me  as  a  good  Ship  and  a  very  agreeable  Captain.  On  board  this  Ship, 
Greenleave  is  to  sail  for  London  on  his  way  to  Amsterdam,  having  given 
up  the  Idea  of  .sailing  in  the  Ship  he  has  chartered  at  Philadelphia:  and 
also  two  or  three  more  passengers  together  with  myself  The  (iuvernor 
[George  Clinton]  promises  me  letters  and  gives  me  a  Certificate  certifying 
my  Citizenship  and  a  particular  recommendation  besides.  This  Ship  willuot 
Sail  in  less  than  a  month  from  this,  but  then  certainly,  the  Captain  says  per- 


niglit  we  lost  sighi 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  113 

haps  a  few  days  Sooner  shall  write  you  particularly  in  the  course  of  this  week 
when  will  cortainly  Sail.    I  have  inquired  at  every  place  for  Hides  but  those' 
who  have  advertised  them  for  sale,  have  Sold  all  they  have  immediately  on 
uidmg;  they  all  expect  a  large  quantity  in  with  the  first  Vessels  and 
then  I  my  have  the  refusal  of  any  quantity  I  like.     Those  that  have  had. 
so  d  at  10c/    pr  H      I  have  inclosed  a  number  of  papers  and  Accounts 
wijich  I  wish  you  to  save  for  me.     There  being  no  more  accounts  Pana 
will  want  to  Settle  with  the  Heirs  of  A.  Pennel.''  Your  Accounts  amoJg 
the  number  drawn  from  the  books  before  I  left  Cherry  Hill      With  reTnVcf 
to  Fennel's  affairs,  I  shall  write  at  another  time,  as  alo  a  Power  of Zor 
ney  and  other  little  trifles.     My  best  love  and  compliments  to  Til  friends  - 
brothers  and  sisters,  but  particularly  Mama,  am  extremely  obli-ed  to  her 
for  her  letter.     I  received  yours  on  my  return  and  which  through  the 
Urace  of  Divine  Providence  I  mean  strictly  to  abide  by.     Confident  that 
under  his  protection  any  misfortunes  I  am  liable  to,  and  which  may  hap- 
pen, will  come  easy  and  lightly  if  not  forsaken  by  him  and  for  whose  Jo- 

Sr 'fS  '^^^^"'^  ''-'■    '  --^'^  'u^JTiZ'^'^^'  «-  -^ 

pu;i-     ^r       T,  i  t^  ^,  -KOBT.  b,   VAN  KeNSSELAER. 

Phihp  Van  Rensselaer,  Esqr.,  Cherry  Hill,  Albany. 

At  this  time  the  commerce  of  the  United  States  had  suffered  much  by 
the  constant  depredations  of  French  cruisers  and  the  mercantile  classes 
were  greatly  exasperated^  as  at  one  time  no  less  than  sixty  privateers  were 
a  prey  on  American  traffic.  ^  F^^vaiBurs  were 

BobertS.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Jiia  Sister. 

'iLtgil 'r  pleasure  I  have  in  advising'yt^^n^my  li^i'l?^, 
sate  arrival,  and  the  dangerous  storms  w.  ha^ve'^xperienSd  in  o^r  voyage^ 
an  ace  unt  of  which  I  shall  give  as  nearly  as  I  can  recollect,  the  paS 
being  00  rough  to  keep  a  daily  account  of  events  durin^.  Tr  crossC^ha 
Atlantic.     We  left  New  York  with  a  fine,  fair  wind,  and  by  even  n/los? 
s.ght  of  the  land,  the  next  day  we  had  a  fine  pleasant  breeze  and  a  Clear 
Sky  and  I  began  to  be  a  little  sea-sick.     Nothing  material  happened    a 
glorious  prospect  before  us,  all  water  and  every  moment  sailingTrfher 
om  land^     On  the   fourth  day  my  Sickness  had  arrived  a  TtLreates 
hgh    and  although  it  was  fine,  pleasant  weather  and  fair  W  nd  I  wisS 
g^elf  on  land  having  scarcely  eaten  a  mouthful  for  the  first  four  days 
Capt,  Smith  was  exceedingly  attentive  and  obliging  to  me  and  endeavored 
0  console  and  make  me  cheerful,  which  was  not  in  the  power  of  mar  for 
I  was  very  sick  indeed;  on  the  fifth  I  began  to  grow  Teerful  and  re 
cruued  fast  owing  to  the  great  attention  I  experfenc^d  from    he  Cant" 

al armed  t  ^nT^  ?'  ^^'''  ^-''''y'^  ^  ^^« '^»  ^^  «hase  0^  us  whTch 
fIh  hn  i^'.  ""JT''.  P'^'-ticularly  some  of  the  passengers  wl  ^were 

i-nglishmen  and  dreaded  the  Idea  of  a  French  Privateer      In  thp  Xr 

rr—r:  in  ''''f^'  ^^^  «^^«"^  ^^-^  «'«•-"«?«  came  up  wh 
u,itpioved  a  Hudson  Brig  out  fifty  days  and  had  been  a  fortniK  nn 

wro  e  ZZ     ^  .  f  t'^em,  they  were  bound  for  New  York,  oir  Captain 

]^^„k%  .  x)""'^;     ^f,  the  Seventh  d..,  out,  we  struck  soundinis  on  the 
^^nk.  of  .uw  loundlaud  lu  torty  fath  ins  water  ;  this  was  highly  flutter! 

15 


114 


Legacy  of  Hisiorical  Gleanings. 


I 


ing  as  we  were  then  better  than  one-third  of  our  passage,  all  in  high 
spirits  and  in  great  hopes  of  making  land  in  18  days.     The  winds  still 
favorable  and  plenty,  so  as  to  admit  our  carrying  all  the  Sails  she  b-^ 
On  the  ninth  day  about  twelve  at  night,  all  our  fine  hopes  and  prospects 
vanished  j  the  wind  began  to  blow  from  another  quarter  directly  ahead 
and  increased  very  fast.     In  the  morning  when  we  arose,  there  was  quite 
a  gale  and  we  were  obliged  to  sail  before  it,  although  contrary  to  out 
course,  only  with  one  sail  set.     On  the  January  14th,  the  Capt.  gave 
orders  for  them  to  come  to,  and  tried  to  weather  the  Storm  which  still 
increased.     (They  have  a  peculiar  method  of  doing  this,  the  Vessel  lay. 
ing  broadside  to  the  wind  and  not  going  above  two  miles  an  hour,  in  the 
hardest  gale  it  will  admit  of  their  doing  this.)     It  was  attended  with  quite 
serious  consequences ;  we  had  not  been  in  this  Situation  tossing  mount- 
ains  high,  above  three  hours  before  our  Camboose,  kettles,  frying-pans  and 
chief  of  our  cooking  utensils ;  our  pigs  ;  a  sheep;  and  the  Quarter-railin" 
were  swept  overboard  into  the  sea.     Fortunately  at  this  time  our  Seamen 
were  in  the  Steerage  and  the  helm  lashed,  which  preserved  their  lives, 
for  had  they  been  on  deck  they  must  have  been  washed  overboard.     This 
was  not  a  very  pleasing  prospect,  the  Steerage  was  half  filled  with  water, 
and  the  men  in  it  thinking  the  ship  foundering.     We  in  the  Cabin  were 
not  much  better  ofi^,  for  the  Sea  broke  in  the  Sky  light,  and  for  a  minute 
rushed  like  a  torrent  down  into  the  cabin.     This  startled  even  the  Captain, 
who  declared  in  crossing  the  Atlantic  for  fifty  times,  he  had  never  expe- 
rienced such  severe  weather.     The  men  were  obliged  to  be  lashed  to  tbe 
pump,  and  pump  regularly  every   hour,  dreadful  times  I  and  no  great 
prospect  of  better,  for  on  the  25th,  we  fell  in  with  a  Ship  newly  wrecked. 
The  Capt.  supposed  she  had  been   lost  in  the  present  storm  as  all  her 
masts  were  cut  away  and  not  a  soul  on  board.     The  wind  had  somewhat 
abated  and  we  could  remain  on  deck  to  behold  this  dreadful  sight,  for  it 
was  the  most  trying  one,  I  ever  experienced.     In   the  Situation  we  were 
in  ourselves  fortunately  it  was  not  our  lot,  but  a  number  of  Vessels  were 
lost  in  this  gale  which  continued  for  a  number  of  days.     On  the  26th  v, 
Lad  once  more  flattering  and  pleasing  prospects ;  our  danger  forgotten, 
having  a  fine,  brisk  wind  in  our  favor,  and  praising  our  good  fortune  in 
the  escape  of  the  last  tremendous  Storm.     The  29th  the  wind  changed 
Suddenly  and  blew  very  hard  though  not  directly  averse  j  the  sky  seemed 
lowering,  and  we  were  visited  with  plenty  of  falling  water  while  at  the 
same  lime  wind  increasing  and  every  sailor  employed  taking  in  sail;  a 
heavy  sea  and  high  wind.s  with  rain  continued  with  nothing  remarkable 
until  the  1st  February  when  to  our  great  joy,  surprise  and  pleasure,  the 
Mate  discovered  the  Scilly  Light  House,  at  eleven  o'clock  at  night, 
which  is  about  three  hundred  miles  from  the  Downs.     We  all  went  upon 
deck  and  with  eager  eyes  gazed  on  the  glorious  light  which  appeared  be- 
fore us  and  for  once  the  gods  favored  us,  having  now  a  fine  clear  moon 
shining  night,  with  gentle  winds  to  glide  us  slowly  to  our  long  wished  for 
port,  and  on  the  2nd,  we  discovered  land  which  exhilarated  us  still  more. 
The  day  was  very  fine  and  in   view  upward  of  three  thousand  Sail  of 
dift'erent  Vessels  large  and  small  being  now  in  the  British  Channel. 

On  the  fourth  of  February  we  hove  to,  after  a  passage  of  41  days,  op- 
posite a  small  villainous  sea-port  town  named  Deal,  where  to  our  great 
joy  we  landed  and  took  different  routs  for  this  City.  The  first  night  I 
put  up  at  a  place  called  Sittingbourn,  a  pleasant  country  village  and  an 
excellent  Inn  where  we  put  up  at;  fortunately  for  us  we  arrived  before 


Miss  Arriefct  ^ 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  115 

dark,  for  a  gentleman  who  left  Deal  before  us,  bat  dined  on  the  road  was 
robbed  ot  his  money  and  watch  before  he  could  get  to  us  at  Slttin-burn 
It  being  about  8  0  clock  when  he  arrived.     On   the  5th  I  arrived  here 
after  being  once  upset  and  thrown  out  of  the  post  chaise,  without  any 
acc.den   or_ hurting  myself  in  the  fall,  although  one  Gentleman  who  hap- 
pened to  sit  on  the  side  the  carriage  fell,  was  a  little  bruised.     We  nut 
up  at  the  Eagle  m  the  Strand,  it  being  about  seven  o'clock  when  we  ar- 
nyed  owing  to  the  roads  being  very  bad,  and  in  the  City  so  heaped  up 
with  mud  and  snow  as  to  render  them  almost  impassable.     A  description 
of  the  Country  and  some  part  of  this  place  I  shall  give  you,  at  another 
time.     M'  Smith  when  he  sails,  is  the  gentleman  who  takes  this,  goes  to 
Gravesend  this  afternoon  to  embark  for  that  delightful  Country  where 
peace,  liberty  and  plenty  resides  without  the  grievance  of  taxing  windows 
powdered  heads  &c.     My  best  Love  to  all  friends  who  enquire  after  me' 
1  conclude  dear  cjister,  your  affectionate  brother  till  death. 

Ar-     A    •  ..  Tr     T,         ,       ^.         Robert  S.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Miss  Arriett  Van  Rensselaer,  Cherry  Hill,  Albany  N.  Y. 

Robert  8.  Van  Rensselasr  to  hia  Sister. 
Dear  Arriett,  L,„d^„  26th  Feby,  1795. 

In  coming  to  this  City  we  passed  a  number  of  Country  Seats  and 
Villages,  none  of  more  note  or  Elegance  than  the  Greenwich  Hospital 
which  IS  situated  on  a  beautiful  eminence  surrounded  with  a  fine  b  •  ck 
wan  and  a  number  of  Trees ;  from  this  Hospital  to  the  City  are  a  number 
of  Villages,  the  houses  are  so  closely   connected  that  a  stranger  w^uM 
suppose  himself  in  the   City  which  is  at  least  six   miles  distant.     The 
buildings  in  general  are  very  ancient,  mostly  three  stories,  some  four  and 
five,- a  1  have  a  heavy  smoky  appearance,  they  look  quite  black  and  verv 
much  in  want  of  paint.     The  City  streets  are  all  well  paved^^but  Sarro7 
;7'  ^'i^-f  t.  f  |'!"««.  impassable.     Mrs.  John  C.  Church  [a  dauS 
of  Gen.  Schuyler]  IS  uncommonly  polite  and  attentive  to  me,  has¥vea 
mean  offer  which   I  sometimes   embrace   of.  going  to   the   Drury  line 
Theatre  whenever  I  feel  disposed,  they  have  a  private  Box.     This  e venin ' 
lam  going  with  her  ladyship  and  Miss  Church,  who  is  a  fine  handsomf 
girl,  but  not  till  the  play  is  half  over,  it  being  unfashionable  goinrbefor 
D  ury.  aue  is  one  of  the  finest  buildings  of  the  kind  I  ever  beheld!    tS 
wil  no    a   present  admit  my  giving  you  a  full  description  of  i    but  I 
hall  shortly,  it  contains  the  small  number  of  five  thousand  peop  e  and  I 
have  seen  It  several  times  so  filled  that  they  sent  several  persCfinto  the 
Pit,  so  as  to  make  room  for  others.     Next  week  I  embafk  for  Hdknd 
here  is  now  a  truce  in  this  City  who  come  to  demand  their  Vessels  and 
if  It  s  possible  to  get  under  their  care,  I  shall  do  it,  they  beino^  the  onlv 
people     can  get  to  Holland  with  in  a  decent  way.     Direct  letter    for  ml 

Lo  dL'^Hon   mTc,  ^'T  ''l.'",^  ""   l^».'ns,%Iorchants,' STan" 
LonUon.     Hon   Mr.  Church  wished  me  to  change  my  quarters  to  his  end 

h   town.  I  being  distant  from  him  about  three  miles,  whchhthe 
C  urt  end,  and  there  reside  all  men  of  quality  or  Lords,  L  you  pk^e 

B     tS°?  M  '  .«%"^^'1'^«»^«  I  «l^o»ld  have  been  introduced  a^nd  vSd' 
t  this,  I  think   I  most  judiciously  thanked  him  for,  informing  him 

a?o  e'Tck  Unt:  ""7  f  ^^^Yf '  ^^^^^«  ^'^  --  «^'  b--ess  3 

ffir  1,.,^  I  T      •   .     .    ..1.!....,,!!.!,  raj  puiae  lu  tnis  ueteniiiiiaLion 

f"r  had  I  gone,  I  might  in  a  few  days  have  sung  to  a  tune  I  should  have 


116 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


been  obliged  to  set  myself,  Oh  !  my  Guineas;  my  Guineas  &c.,  the  family 
are  all  in  good  health  and  desired  to  be  remembered  to  all  at  Cherry  Hill. 

I  am  heartily  Sick  of  this  noisy,  unhealthy,  bnstling  City,  not  a  fair 
day  have  I  seen  since  my  arrival,  all  is  darkness  by  four  in  the  afternoon. 

Things  are  remarkably  high,  only  think.  Potatoes  selling  at  five  shilliDps 
a  hundred,  and  fowls  at  four  and  five  and  still  on  the  rise.  Any  way  I 
shall  leave  this  on  Thursday  next,  either  with  the  Commissioners,  if  I  can 
obtain  leave  to  go  with  them,  or  embark  in  an  American  Ship  for  France, 
as  there  is  one  going  to  Sail  in  about  that  time.  The  next  you  will  hear 
from  me  either  at  Amsterdam  or  Paris.  Do  not  forget  to  write  me,  direct 
them  as  I  have  written  you,  for  England,  as  not  one  letter  you  may  write 
me  immediately  for  Amsterdam  would  arrive.  Seal  your  letters  well,  as 
they  are  badly  treated  on  board  the  Ships  i-  "nugh  weather,  being  all  de- 
posited in  one  large  bag.  God  bless  you,  V';'^  u  My  best  love  to  Mama 
and  all  the  family,  to  Sister  Betsey  and  I  Vj  Elmendorf,  Esqr.,  par- 
ticularly in  the  interim,  I  remain  your  affectionate  brother, 


/^C(Wy(^^/fyin  ^yyt^e^GA. 


Miss  Arriet  Van  Rensselaer, 

Cherry  Hill,  Albany,  State  of  New  York,  America. 

John  C.  Church  came  to  this  country  from  England  under  the  name 
of  Carter  and  married  Angelica,  the  eldest  daughter  of  General  Schuyler, 
in  1777,  against  the  wishes  of  her  father.  He  appears  to  have  been  a 
man  of  large  wealth  and  good  social  standing  in  England.  He  was  a 
member  of  parliament  and  was  intimate  with  the  prince  of  Wales  and 
his  party  friends.  Mrs.  Church  in  describing  a  ball  given  at  her  house 
in  London,  mentions  the  prince  regent  and  all  notabilities  were  present. 
After  some  years  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Church  returned  to  New  York,  where  they 
lived  in  grand  style  for  those  days.  There  Mrs.  Church  died,  and  her 
husband  returned  to  England. 

Gen.  Schuyler  in  a  letter  to  William  Duer  says  :  "  Carter  and  my 
eldest  daughter  ran  off  and  married  on  the  23d  inst.  (July).  Unacquainted 
with  his  family,  his  connections  and  situation  in  life,  the  match  was  ex- 
ceedingly disagreeable  to  me,  and  I  had  signified  it  to  him."  But  he 
forgave,  and  called  them  home." 

James  Guyler  to  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Dear  Sir :  New  York  9  March  1795. 

Your  kind  favor  of  27  Ult  I  received  wherein  you  make  enquiries  of 
your  Brother  Killian,  he  arrived  here  about  a  fortnight  since  in  the  ship 
Minerva,  Capt.  Annom.  He  has  now  purchased  part  of  the  Brig  Pejrgy 
and  has  sailed  thi3  morning,  as  Master  and  part  owner  of  the  Brig  and 
Cargo  to  France,  the  port  he  has  gone  to  is  Havre  de  Grace,  barring 
accidents  and  I  think  he  will  make  a  very  Great  Voyage,  he  was  very  happy 
to  see  me,  asked  a  great  many  questions  respecting  you  and  the  Family, 
he  regretted  Very  much  he  had  it  not  in  his  power  to  spare  time  to  go 
up  to  see  you  all  and  now  is  again  gone  ploughing  the  main.     I  have  made 


many  enqmr 


Lbgaoy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


117 


many  enquiries  respecting  your  trunk  from  Fort  Recovery  and  can  hear 
nothing  of  it.     remember  me  to  your   family  and  I   remain  Your  old 

Friend 

Capt.  Solomon  V.  Rensselaer,  Green  Bush. 


James  Cuyler. 


Our  vessels  were  often  menaced  and  frequently  captured.  As  early  as 
1776  congress  had  fitted  out  vessels,  whose  avowed  object  was  to  intercept 
British  transports  having  supplies  for  the  royal  army  in  America  In 
tins  service  they  were  very  efficient,  and  a  larger  portion  of  ammunition, 
good  arms  and  military  stores  were  thus  obtained  by  the  patriots  during 
the  first  three  years  of  the  war.  They  expected  to  be  remunerated  tenfold 
tor  all  the  spoliations  inflicted  on  their  commerce,  and  thus  compel  the 
British  government  to  act  justly  and  respectful)-. 

Secretary  of  War  to  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer. 

^'''        .J  ,  „  War  Office,  April  17,  1796. 

I  received  your  letter  of  the  2d  inst.  The  effect  of  your  wounds  as 
represented  by  you,  entitles  you  to  the  indulgence  you  request,  of  remain- 
mg  longer  on  furlough.  It  is  true  that  the  military  establishment  is  con- 
tinued  :  but  the  President,  on  his  discretion,  was  to  raise,  or  forbear  to 
raise  any  part  of  it.  The  pacific  overtures  of  the  Western  Indians  and 
the  adjustment  of  our  differences  with  Great  Britain  seem  to  render  it 
unnecessary  to  complete  the  Cavalry  of  the  Legion.  The  Infantry  it 
will  be  very  desirable  to  increase,  at  least  to  recruit,  to  supply  the  places 
of  the  men  whose  times  of  service  are  daily  expiring.  The  numerous 
garrisons  we  must  maintain  will  require  a  considerable  force.  If  indeed 
you  could  enlist  a  company  in  the  expectation  that  they  most  probably 
will  be  called  to  serve  as  dismounted  dragoons,  according  to  the  provision 
of  the  law,  I  should  be  extremely  glad.  Of  this  you  can  judge,  from 
ycur  knowledge  of  the  country  where  you  would  attempt  to  recruit  On 
this  head  you  will  be  pleased  to  give  me  information.  Should  the  pros- 
pect be  good,  instructions  &  money  shall  be  furnished. 

I  am,  respectfully,  Sir,  Your  obt.  Servt. 
Captain  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany.       Timothy  Pickering. 

While  Captain  Van  Rensselaer  was  at  Albany  recruiting  from  the 
eflects  of  his  severe  wound  his  mother,  the  wife  of  General  Henry  K 
Van  Rensselaer  was  taken  sick  and  died.  "  The  sharp  points  of  our  grief 
when  the  mission  of  our  loved  ones  to  the  world  is  finished,  are  that  Ifter 
a  time  we  should  cease  to  weep,  and  then  only  think  of  them  at  intervals 
and  bnally  be  apparently  as  much  interested  in  the  world  and  as  cheerful 
as  ever.  "It  is  also  pleasant  from  our  outlooks  to  glance  back  upon 
these  early  times  with  the  discriminations  of  distance,  for  we  can  better 
understand  the  full  advantage  which  accrued  to  American  society  after 
the  one  all-absorbing  struggle  for  liberty  had  been  victorious.  For  many 
years  our  ancestors  had  been  going  to  school  to  great  human  rights;  and 
now,  with  the  naarch  of  improvement,  we  all  are,  or  should  be,  attending 
school  to  great  human  duties  and  striving  to  improve  our  social  org.-  a- 
tions  by  proper  mental  ballast  proving  that  God's  love  is  the  magnet."^ 

Robert  8.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Sister. 

mt7'fl\         .  T  ..       Amsterdam,  April  25,  1795. 

nr^T^jc  '  C       \ ""  ^  ^^^  amidst  ihc!  noise  ana  bustle  of  English 

crowds,  where  the  roaring  of  the  Carriages  and  the  London  cries  blended 


118 


Lbqacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


prevented  one  from  sleeping  till  accustomed  to  the  noise.  I  left  London 
and  Mrs.  Church's  family  and  friends  in  good  health  on  March  1st  for 
Harwich,  and  went  on  board  an  English  packet  for  Yarmouth,  where  I 
arrived  on  the  ninth.  I  took  passage  on  board  the  Dolphin  packet  bound 
for  Cookahaven,  a  harbor  on  the  river  Elbe,  with  an  assortment  of  jovial 
companions.  Christians,  Jews,  French,  English  and  Dutch,  having  fine 
favourable  winds.  A  French  frigate  coming  in  sight,  made  the  Captain 
crowd  all  the  sails  ho  had  to  outsail  her,  this  liked  to  have  done  us  all 
over,  for  the  wind  increasing  we  carried  so  much  sail  that  the  water  came 
into  the  Cabin,  however,  we  arrived  the  12th  Inst,  without  any  material 
accident.  The  weather  being  very  stormy  prevented  our  landing  till  the 
14th  when  to  our  unspeakable  felicity  we  once  more  had  terra  firnid  under 
our  feet.  Cookshaven  is  a  miserable  dirty  village,  the  inhabitants  all 
Germans  ;  their  houses  one  story  with  sharp  peaked  roofs,  and  the  floors 
large  flat  stones.  The  Women  dress  very  singularly,  they  have  Caps  with 
large  wings  on  each  side  as  if  they  were  preparing  for  a  flying  jaunt,  they 
wore  about  Six  petticoats  (if  one  may  judge  by  their  appearance)  reaching 
within  a  foot  of  their  ancles,  and  wore  wooden  -shoes. 

A  Gentleman,  who  came  passenger  with  us  and  who  had  been  in  Ger- 
many before,  took  the  precaution  of  bringing  his  Carriage  with  him,  and 
as  he  was  going  to  Hamburg  he  politely  offered  me  a  seat  in  his  carriage, 
which  I  accepted  with  pleasure,  otherwise  I  should  have  been  obliged  to 
have  gone  in  an  open  Wagon  and  travel  all  night  for  better  then  one 
hundred  and  twenty  miles.  Although  the  dwellings  are  indifferent,  the 
land  is  finely  cultivated  and  that  by  the  women,  as  the  present  War  has 
thinned  out  their  men  for  them,  there  being  very  few  but  old  men  and 
children.  We  left  this  place  and  arrived  at  Otterindorf  where  my  Com- 
panion being  an  Englishman,  requested  he  might  pass  for  my  servant,  if 
the  French  were  there ;  fortunately  for  him  they  were  not.  This  is  an 
old  fashioned  town  much  like  our  old  houses  in  Albany ;  the  people  with 
the  Cookshaven  dress  are  ignorant,  impolite  and  very  inquisitive.  On 
our  arrival,  scarcely  ever  having  seen  a  handsome  English  carriage  before 
this,  they  flocked  round  us  that  it  was  with  some  difficulty  we  got  out 
into  the  house  where  our  servant  had  informed  them  we  were  English 
officers,  which  made  t'lem  very  polite,  for  they  left  our  room  which 
they  had  filled  with  s^noke  issuing  in  clouds  from  their  large  horn  pipes. 
There  is  no  Character  like  a  Military  one,  to  travel  in  Germany,  it  makes 
them  at  once  obedient  and  submissive.  After  dinner  we  left  and  rode  all 
night,  passing  through  a  number  of  fine  Country  villages  and  arrived  at 
Stad,  a  fortified  Town.  It  being  about  four  in  the  morning  we  were 
closely  questioned  by  the  guard,  we  passed  for  officers  going  to  the  Army, 
they  politely  escorted  us  to  the  first  Hotel.  Soon  after  I  retired,  after 
having  five  feather  beds  taken  from  off  the  one  I  was  to  sleep  on,  and 
still  I  had  three  under  and  one  above  me  ;  they  use  no  blankets,  they  have 
also  (a  fortunate  thing)  a  Cord  made  fast  to  the  floor  above,  in  order  to 
draw  yourself  up  by  in  the  morning  when  yoa  rise.  We  at  last  arrived 
at  Harburg  where  we  remained  two  days,  the  ice  in  the  Elbe  not  per- 
mitting us  to  cross,  on  the  third  day  we  crossed  and  arrived  safely  at 
Hamburg.  This  is  an  old  fashioned  place,  very  commodious  for  Com- 
merce having  Canals  running  through  the  City  in  every  direction  ;  it  has 
a  few  good  houses  in  it,  and  I  believe  very  few  good  people,  chiefly  Jews. 
I  received  a  great  deal  of  Civility  from  some  of  the  Gentlemen  to  whom  I 
had  letters.     It  is  not  a  very  large  place,  though  when  i  was  there  it  con- 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  119 

tainod  twenty  thousand  Strangers,  French  Emigrants,  eto.  I  left  Ham- 
burjih  on  the  26th  for  ^n  Island  in  the  North  Sea,  culled  Schcrmercoe  in 
a  fisliing  boat  as  all  ommunication  with  Holland  was  prohibited ;  and 
after  five  days  with  very  unpleasant  and  narrow  escapes  from  English 
privateers,  I  am  thank  the  Supreme  of  the  Universe  safely  arrived  in 
Amsterdam  This  ,s  a  fine,  clean,  pleasing  City;  having  Canals  in  every 
direction  and  fine  arge  trees  to  walk  under  along  side  of  the  canals.  Our 
friends  here  are  all  W3ll  and  request  to  be  particularly  remembered  to  all 
friends;  their  names  you  will  find  in  Papa's  letter.  They  were  very 
happy  at  my  arrival  and  happy  to  learn  their  friends  across  the  Atlantic 

"""•^r  ii  .1  ^^  t"'^  "'•'^  ,T'°S  ^"''  "'y  betters.  My  best  love  to  our 
amiable  Mother ;  Letsy  and  Peter  Elmendorf  with  little  Sally  ;  and  all 
our  family  smal  and  large,  and  all  friends  who  enquire  after  me.  My 
respects  to  Mr.  &  Mrs.  Kane,  Mrs.  Fonda  alias  Miss  Beekman ;  and  rest 
assured  1  remain  with  every  Sentiment  of  respect  your  afl-ectionate  Brother 
and  Sincere  friend  K.  S.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Miss  Arriet  Van  Rensselaer,  Cherry  Hill,  Albany,  N.  Y. 

Lieut.  ViascJwr  to  Capt.  Van  Eenmlaer. 
Dear  Van:  Greenville  May  16,  1796. 

I  wrot«  r  n  a  few  days  ago  by  Capt.  Turner  at  which  time  I  gave  you 
the  news  tk  ^as  then  in  circulation,  since  which  I  have  been  favoured 
wjth  your  letter  of  the  10th  of  March.     I  mentioned  that  a  number  of 

r.„r%  m"  ^T  T  ^"'•'«»?'''  '^•"^"g  wh«i"  are  Majors  Haskill,  Buell, 
Capts.  Tillton,  Andrews,  Covington,  Price,  Lieuts.  Posey,  Taylor,  Tn4 

1    ^- T  ™''  ?'^*  ^"^  y^"  "°''""g  «f  consequence   has  transpired 
save  the  discharge  ot  Capt.  Sullivan  by  the  sentence  of  a  Court  martial 
He  was  tryed  for  being  intoxicated  on  a  General  Court  Martial.     This  day 
Lieut  Hastings  Marks  has  been  arrested  by  the  officer  of  the  day  (Maior 
ITZ^-    7  ^-'"^  '"*'^^'«^'«<i  «"  ^^^^^>  his  fate  you  may  conjecture. 

oSrAT  '"  ''  TT'  '^"'*  ""^  ""^^''^™  ^"  *>•«  d"ty,  aud  shines  among 
ou  first  Majors,  why  do  you  not  write  to  him  ?  I  am  sorry  to  find  by  you? 
letter  that  you  have  got  overwhelmed  in  love,  and  sincerely  sorry  to  hear 
you  hint  of  matrimony  if  you  are  serious  in  this  I  shall  make  no  other 
remark  than  this  "  look  well  before  you  leap"     It  strikes  me  that  you 

Tn^thJ^S  rT'  ''^''"'^^'  ^  ^'^  y^"'^  •^^"''«'  I  "^^'^^  ^ft^'-  travel. 
ing  the  world  a  little  more  and  gaining  a  little  more  experience  ;  however 

we  are  not  all  actuated  by  similar  principles.     I  hope  you  ha^e  not T 

oITr  ifT  ?'  '^.r''^^  ^"  'r  «-"tr/t»^^t  I  am  s'tyled  the  handsome 
oflicer  if  you  have  there  must  be  a  few  hearts  palpitating  for  me.     Priy 

two"!    i  .'^  """f  ^'°P  ^  ''^"^  ^"'^  ^'^  ^^'^''-     <^'^«  n^y  respects  to 

two  or  three  ladies,  and  to  no  other  persons  whatever  ;  let  me  hear  from 
you  twice  a  month  Your  ever  Sincere 

tapt.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany,  N.  Y.  N.  I.  Visscher. 

The  translation   of  a  letter  written  in  the  Dutch  lanc^ua^e  73  vearo 
since  to  my  mother's  mother  from  Holland.  ^^^^^^''^^   ^^  jeara 

Mrs.  Jan  Jacob  Van  Rensselaer  to  Mrs.  Philip  Van  Rensselaer. 

tL^"1!*^  ■             •       ,                               Amsterdam,  4th  July,  1795. 
Ihough  unacQuainted   with  vqh  t  will  .^of  ipt  t-,-,-  W^  '     • 

your  bon  Robert  is  gcing  to  America  to  send  a  letter.     I  can  assure  you, 


I 


120 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


Hlki  >   -II 


that,  his  unexpected  visit  has  given  us  a  groat  deal  of  pleasure,  and  we 
have  been  with  our  hearts  much  attached  to  him.  We  felt  sorry  that  his 
Stay  here  was  so  limited,  and  that  I  could  not  pay  more  attention  to  him, 
considering  the  condition  wherein  I  found  myself  then. 

Doubtless  you  have  been  aware  how  sad  a  trial  I  have  had,  by  the 
Sudden  death  of  my  dear  Husband,  Jan  Jacob  van  Rensselaer;  after 
suffering  during  eight  days  with  Typhoid  fever,  and  I  then  being  enceinte. 
In  the  midst  of  all  this,  I  have  kept  up,  and  hope  to  become  in  a  short 
time  "  Mother ; "  and  when  I  remember  how  well  your  Son  has  been 
educated,  then  I  know  his  mother  must  be  very  tender  hearted,  and  I 
do  not  doubt  she  will  Sympathize  in  my  Sorrow  as  I  was  very  happy  in 
iny  marriage.  May  the  Lord  keep  you  and  Spare  you  and  your  dear  onea 
for  you  do  experience  how  happy  they  are  where  love  dwells. 

It  will  not  be  neceesary  to  enter  into  particulars  about  the  family,  while 
the  bearer  of  this  letter  can  do  this  better  than  I  could  do  it  in  writing. 
I  wish  you  would  be  so  good  to  communicate  to  your  Brother-in-law 
Kilian  K.  van  Rensselaer,  the  death  of  my  beloved  husband,  and  that  I 
have  received  his  letter,  and  that  I  hope,  that  the  death  of  my  beloved 
Rensselaer  may  not  be  the  cause  that  I  should  hear  no  more  from  his 
family. 

If  the  life  of  my  child  should  be  preserved,  may  then  the  same  friend- 
ship continue,  which  our  friends  in  North  America  have  manifested  to- 
ward my  husband.  Our  Cousin  Kilian  H.  van  Rensselaer  has  given  you 
doubtlc'^s  information  about  the  useful  life  of  my  dear  deceased.  May 
the  Lord  grant  that  my  child  may  follow  his  footsteps.  Believe  me  that 
I  recommend  myself  to  your  affections,  and  that  I  will  always  feel  very 
happy  to  hear  much  good  of  you  all,  and  from  my  Cousin  Robert  to  whom 
we  have  fully  given  our  affections.  God  grant  to  you,  as  a  Mother  of 
such  a  large  family,  to  be  a  Support  to  them  many  years  yet.  Be  so  kind 
to  aGaiire  all  our  North  American  friends  of  my  affections  and  friendship, 
and  that  I  remain  Your  Niece. 

S.  C.  Beeldsnydeb  Widow  of  Jan  Jacob  van  Rensselaer. 

Mrs.  Philip  Van  Rensselaer, 

Cherry  Hill  near  Albany,  New  York. 

How  comforting,  how  soothing  the  reflection  that  Christians,  I'hen  they 
die,  become  angels,  and  that  angels  take  an  active  interest  in  tae  affairs 
of  this  world.  Though  unseen,  unheard,  unfelt,  they  move  around,  they 
hover  over  the  loved  home  circle.  By  God's  appointment,  no  doubt  they 
are  the  guardian  angels  to  watch  over  the  bereaved  ones  they  loved  while 
on  earth,  and  to  protect  them  till  cgain  united  in  the  skies.  God  tenderly 
allows  no  angel  revelations,  yet  we  know  our  "  loved  ones"  are  "  minister- 
ing spirits"  to  U3. 

Cd.  Pickering,  Sec.  of  War,  to  Capt  Van  Rensselaer. 

Sir,  War  Office,  Sept.  12,  1795. 

I  received  your  letter  of  the  4th  desiring  to  retain  the  public  horse  in 
your  hands  until  the  Spring,  at  your  own  expense  ;  or  to  pay  for  him  at 
his  value.  I  think  the  latter  most  eligible.  The  price  may  be  settled 
with  Mr.  Houdin,  and  adjusted  by  means  of  your  pay. 

I  am  Sir,  your  Obt.  Servt. 

Capt.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer.  Timothy  Pickering. 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


121 


lit-  was  a  lar^'e  ele-ant,  lii-h-3pirited  parade  war  horso  of  a  vory  Hohhv 
sorrd  culor,  that  kept  step  and  pranced  gayly  with  the  martial  luuHil?     It 
mm>.d  keen  refjrct  and  seemed  almost  sacrilegious,  to  the  brave  soldier 
to  part  with  his  splendid  cnarger  that   had   borne  the  dauntless  i-idor 
through  so  many  terrific  scenes.     The  purchase  was  made  ;  and  I  well  re- 
nicinbcr,  when  Poppet  was  fully  caparisoned,  what  a  noble  appearance 
ho  made,  for  he  was  remarkable  both  for  elegance  of  form  and   -allunt 
carnajre.     At  the  whistle  of  his  master,  the  intelligent  animal  would  como 
prancing  from  one  end  of  the  pasture,  with  neck  so  proudly  arched,  and 
whinnying  with  delight  as  ho  bounded  with  springy  step  to  meet  him 
at  the  bars.     He  would  then  eat  apples  out  of  little  hands,  for  we  children 
made  a  great  ado  with,  and  dearly  loved  the  petted  horso.     In   old  a^re 
this  favorite  charger,  exempt  from  all  duty,  was  boarded  out  in   the 
country  and   had  the  best  of  care  till  he  died.     In  one  of  the  battles, 
General  Wayne  rode  his  gallant  roan,  and  in  charging  the  enemy   his 
horse  received  a  wound  in  his  head,  and  fell  and  was  supposed  dead      Two 
days  a(t«r  the  roan  returned  to  the  American  camp,  not  materially  injured 
and  was  again  fit  for  service.  ^     J      «> 

CapL  Webb  to  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Rensselaer,  Greenville,  October  8,  1795. 

I  am  still  here  with  little  Expectation  of  leaving  this  for  the  Winter 
There  IS  but  l^tle  Harmony  in  our  Corps.  Taylor  grumbles  as  well  as 
myself,  to  see  Officers  not  half  our  time  in  service  daily  obtaining  fur- 
lou<:hs,  whilst  our  applications  are  thrown  neglected  by.  Blue  has"once 
forced  me  to  arrest  him,  having  kept  the  Officers  of  the  Corps  in  one  con- 
^nuul  1-erment  Indeed  we  are  out  at  the  Elbows  on  all  sides.  The 
Commandcr-in-Ghiet,  Gen.  Wayne,  this  day  leaves  us  with  Eight  Com- 
panics  Uis  Destination  unknown,  hut  thought,  that  he  intends  to  build  a 
small  Garrison  at  Lareimies  Store  or  at  Girty's  Town,  Destroy  Fort  Adams 
&  remove  the  Troops  at  that  place  to  this  new  built  Port.  He  will  then 
It  >s  thought  visit  Forts  Wayne  and  Defiance.  Green  Ville  is  very  sickly 
we  have  600  men  now  in  Hospital  (and  since  this  Detachment  was  orl 
dcred)  but  three  Captains  for  Duty  including  myself.  Thus  you  find 
that  whilst  you,  Covington  and  Posey  are  cutting  Capers,  I  am  wheeling 

Z  T^^^fXT''^  ^"''^^'  ''  '^'  ^"""^  ^'^  P^^^^"*^  «f  ^«^«  nights  ^rai 
m  bid.  What  Dashes  you  must  have  made  in  and  about  Albany  I  wish 
from  my  soul  I  could  spend  Ten  or  fifteen  days  with  you,  that  I  might 
8hew  you  a  few  Virginia  Capers  with  a  Tip  ovtwo  of  Eli.  Your  w^und 
IS  1  hope  no  inore  troublesome,  at  least  I  conclude  so  from  hearin-  that 
you  were,  not  Long  since  in  Philadelphia  and  from  whence  I  have  i«  vain 

to  voTsin?""  '}t  ^  '^""'.^  ^'""l  ''T  ^^"-  ^^'^  •«  ^^  Sixteenth  let"  r 
to  you  since  you  left  me,  and  in  the  Course  of  thirteen  months  I  have  re- 

Awf  '"""/ir  ^"''-  ^''"^  ^°  ^^^  "^'"^  «^t'^«  three  Furies,  Tissiphone 
Alecto,  and  Megara  can  you  be  at  ?  An  Elegant  City  close  to  your  Door  sur- 
rounded  by  every  Pastoral  amusement,  an  easy  Forf  me  at  Coinmand  and  still 
you  can  not  even  take  up  your  pen  to  tell  your  old  Brother  Officer  that  you 
a  e  happy.  Had  ,t  been  my  Lot  to  have  left  you  here,  I  should  rather 
fiave  pestered  you  with  Letters  than  have  remained  Idle,  and  when  I  had 
pyed  a  Pleasure  or  a  Gratification,  I  should  again  enjoy  iTas  I  gave 
you  the  Relation.  But  my  Dear  Fellow,  what  think  you  my  bein<.  politely 
married  ?  It  ,s  even  so.    Do  for  Heavens  sake,  write  .nn<i  tell  m°what    ^ 


16 


wo 


122 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


ii 


may  expect  to  bo  the  fute  of  our  Little  Lej^ion.  It  h  a  prevnilinp;  opinion 
here,  tliut  tlio  third  und  fourth  Sub  LogionB  together  with  the  Cavnlry 
will  be  DiHbanded.  If  ho  I  will  bid  Adieu  to  all  Hervice  thut  may  ii;.'iiin 
bo  dc'Htined  for  this  1) — d  (Country,  which  \h  not  reully  worth  the  blood 
lost  by  UH  on  the  2Uth  AugUHt  — 94.  The  Indians  I  do  noi  believe  will 
be  long  at  pence.  They  have  buried  only  the  old  Tomahawk  but  I  think 
they  will  fin  ^  a  new  one.  How  prettily  you  and  Covington  have  Blij.peJ 
your  neck  out  of  the  Noose.  I  am  the  only  Captain  of  the  Squadron 
called  to  Infantry  duty  and  must  jiatiently  bear  the  burthen,  for  Tuylur 
more  fortunate  than  myself  was  placed  at  Cincinnati  on  the  llecruitiu" 
service,  and  now  Commands  25  Dragoons  Mounted. 

I  vi'ry  fro(|ucntly  think  of  that  sweet  Cousin  of  yours,  and  am  become 
extremely  anxious  t-i  see  her.  If  I  dared  I  would  say  something  pretty 
of  Her.  Present  Her  I  beg  of  you  with  the  Inclo.sed  verses,  and  tell  ilur, 
that  Though  a  Stranger  to  Her  in  person,  I  have  been  making  particular 
enquiries,  and  that  she  must  not  be  angry  or  think  me  forward  when  I 
declare  that  from  Character  only  I  am  in  Love  with  Her.  That  all  my 
fear  is  I  may  not  bo  as  agreeable  in  her  Eyes,  as  her  fancied  Image  is  tome. 

Adieu  my  Dear  Rensselaer,  Visscher  can  give  ycu  all  the  little  anecdotes 
of  the  Cantonment.     May  you  be  ever  happy  is  the  wish  of  your  friend. 

Fearing  to  offend  I  would  not  enclose  the  verses,  say  not  a  word. 

John  Wkbb,  Junr.,  Capt.  of  L.  Dragoons. 

Captain  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer. 

Light  Dragoons,  Near  Albany,  New  York. 

The  great  Mohawk  chief,  Thayendanegea  or  Joseph  Brandt,  was  directly, 
or  indirectly  engaged  in  the  wars  between  the  United  States  and  Indians 
from  1789  to  1795,  during  which  the  bloody  campaigns  of  Harniar,  St, 
Clair,  and  Wayne  took  place,  he  also  acted  an  important  part  in  the  affair 
of  the  north  western  posts,  so  long  retained  by  Great  Britain  after  the 
treaty  of  peace.  "  He  was  hi'^  self  the  principal  war-chief  of  the  Six 
Nations,  and  his  name  would  cL  1  he  young  blood  by  its  very  sound,  and 
cause  the  lisping  child,  even  witi  our  day,  to  cling  closer  to  the  knee 
of  its  mother.  As  the  master  spiriw  of  the  Indians  engaged  in  the  Britisli 
service  during  the  war  of  the  revolution,  all  the  border  massacres  were 
charged  upon  him,  but  great  injustice  was  done  him  ia  many  instances." 

K.  K.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  Albany  Nov  29, 1795, 

*  *  *  I  received  letters  from  our  friends  in  Amsterdam  on  July  20th, 
and  am  sorry  to  inform  you  that  Jan  Jacob  V.  Rensselaer  the  great  friend 
and  patron  of  your  brother  Killian  H.  died  the  5th  of  february  last,  after 
a  sickness  of  Eight  days  aged  48y  &  5days  this  was  the  flower  of  the 
family  the  others  J.  C  &  A.  V.  Rensselaer  have  written  a  friendly  letter, 
and  the  wife  of  Jan  Jacob  also,  they  have  anxiously  waited  for  Killian 
and  as  Robert  writes  his  father  it  appears  Killian  must  have  been  afavo- 
rite.  I  received  a  letter  from  your  cousin  Robert  S.  Van  Rensselaer 
dated  Halifax  October  30th  by  the  Boston  post,  in  which  he  mentioned 
that  he  was  taken  in  the  ship  Olive  Branch,  Captain  Provost,  by  tlie 
Argonaut  3Ian  of  War.  I  am  fearful  Robert  may  suffer  loss,  and  I  am 
certain  our  Dutch  friends  will,  who  had  property  on  bo»  •.  tousi^ned  to 
Mr.  Thomas  Storm,  Merchant  of  New  York.  You  may  '•.  ell  to  inquire 
from  Mr.  Storm  what  property  it  is.     I  have  written  him,  on  this  infurm- 


»    r  it 


Lboacy  op  HrsTonroAL  Gleaninos.  123 

ation  from  Robert's  account.     Study  economy  and  partake  not  of  all  the 
|r.volous  umasomentH  of  tl.u  City.     Ilo,.!  „„d   loarn    ho  that   you    nay 
nnpn.ve  for  a  busy  8couo.     Write  mo  whore  Killiun  sails  to,  so  that  I  may 
get  h.m  to  purchase  what  I  may  want,  provided  he  does  not  come    m 
Accept  your  Aunts  and  the  children's  compts.  ^ 


Capt.  Solomon  Van  Uonssolaer 
of  Light  Dragoons  now  at  New  York. 


Yours  &o 
K.  K,  Van  llENssEriAER. 


,r  !       fZ   Z"  '  T'^  renpect.ng  no  flag  was  the  occasion  of  much 

trouble  the  officers  wei    treated  as  prisoners  of  war,  but  the  crew  wo" 
compelled  to   abor  as  Haves,  taken  without  leave  from  American  shL 
and  nnpreHse-   .nto  the  Br  tish  naval  service.     This  hud  long  been  a  S 
of  complaint  and  negotiation.  °  ^ 

Lieut.  Blue  to  Capt  Van  Renmlaer. 
My  Dear  Van,  New  York  May  2l8t  1796 

lam  now  on  my  way  to  West  Point  to  act  as  Judge  Advocate  at  a 
Court  of  n.,,u.ry  to  bo  held  on  Lt.  Col.  Kochfontain  upo^C  rS  Cha?!e3 
exlub.ted  against  him  by  all  his  officers  at  West  Point,  if  he  is  supposed 
gu.  ly  ot  the  Charges  1  shall  be  obliged  to  remain  for    ho  Court  MaSl 
at  all  events  I  shall  bo  there  from  15  to  20  Days  and  if  Circumstance    wi 
pcnm t,  I  hope  that  you  will  surely  pay  me  an  old  intimate  friend  a  VTs 
If    T  n  "7  V""^'''  '"'^'  ^^  ^"'^"y-     '^^he  lower  House  passe  da 
n!;  M     "f*^""''""  1^^'  ^r^  ^"*  '^'  S^"''^'^  I  l-^l'^ve  have  llejected 
tour  Major  has  proved  himself  to  be  just  what  you  never  hesitated  to  say 
mongs    yonr  friends  you  thought  him.     Lieut.  Webb  has  turn'd  out 
.fferenly.you  thought  him  an  Honest  Hearted  man,  but  his  Heart  "s 
by  tur  blacker  than  the  bearskin  on  your  Cap.     Taylor  is  in  PI  iladlhia 
aad  desires  to  be  affectionately  remembered  to  you/   To  my  so  row  Po  ev 
our  good  and  confidential  friend  you  know  has  resigned.     SlouT Sedan 

b  th  go  to  hell.  I  have  a  better,  a  more  powerfull  and  more  confidential 
fnend  in  niy  General,  and  while  I  can  maintain  his  good  will  I  feel  easy 
(acting  with  propriety)  I  commanded  his  escort  through  tic  VVilderness 

^^^:z:^z:'z:- '-'-' '-  ^^^^ ''-'  ^^  ^-  --  ^^^^ 

Capt.  Sol.  Van  Kensselaor.  ^0"^  friend  W.  K.  Blue. 

Lieut.  Visscher  to  Capt.  Van  Renmlaer. 
My  dear  Sir,  West  Point  June  17th  1796 

dun      IavoL^'''7.^'V"^«^'^'■y  ''^'"S  around  appearing  gloomy  &' 
u  ;  hlf      .    '"^  ^""^^T  ^  °""  communicate  my  feelings  but  you  I 
i    st'm^^^^^^^  ''  "^^^"'^'"  *-"ble%ou  «^th  sore  ob- 

tuhT^!       ^  •?   •     ^  ^^'""^  ^  "^^y  »«^  «<^yl°  myself  a  just  resemblance 
of  the  weeping  willow,  and  in  the  words  of  a  poet  you  may      '''""^'^"''° 

Mark  the  Solemn  notes  while  pleadinir 
Speak  the  tumults  of  my  mind, 
Hear  them  softly  interceding 
Softly  telling  She's  unkind  ! 

Gansevoo?t°*  'Hr"",'  ^Z K^u'^^  ''""^  ''^f*  ^  """^«  *«  ^^'^^  P^^J  (Maria) 
uansevoort.     The  dread  of  bein-  treated  with  disd.ain  and  ^^  "^-o-Vl  ihi 

•nurtinatioa  of  a  personal  denial  are  the  sole  reasons  why  I'hav'e  never 


I 


li^ 


124 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


.)  1 


acquainted  her  with  the  confusion  of  my  mind.  Now,  alas  !  T  am  informed 
she  is  actually  engaged  to  Mr.  Hun  ! !  Heavens  and  earth  !  how  un- 
equally paired  !  Why  does  she  not  prefer  me  ?  but  Love  is  guided  surely 
by  fate,  What  makes  me  love  may  make  her  hate.  I  have  too  good  an 
opinion  of  her  understanding  to  suppose  that  she  would  prefer  him  for 
his  better  circumstances.  Let  me  know  whether  this  match  is  really  to 
take  place.  Write  me  by  the  post  at  once  and  direct  your  Letter  to  be 
left  at  the  post  office  at  Peeksville.  The  last  part  of  your  letter,  my  dear 
Van,  has  given  me  much  uneasiness,  I  mean  with  respect  to  Miss  P.  G, 
You  say  you  have  enclosed  me  a  piece  of  Gold  leaf  on  which  are  engraved 
Twelve  dozen  Sweet  Kisses  as  a  memento  of  the  friendship  embosuined 
for  me  by  the  charming  3Iiss  Patty.  I  fear  I  have  not  been  so  fortunate, 
and  that  you  have  only  acted  thus  to  raise  my  expectations,  explain  this 
to  me  seriously,  in  the  meantime  I  must  request  you  to  mention  me  as  a 
person  who  entertains  the  highest  opinion  of  her  accomplishments.     Dear 

Van,  ever  yours  N.  L  Visscher. 

Capt.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer  Green  iSush. 

Lieut.  Visscher  to  Capt  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Van,  West  Point  June  20,  1796, 

I  cannot  keep  from  you  the  adventure  of  this  day ;  three  Officers  and 
myself  went  down  the  River  a  small  distance  in  a  pleasure  Boat;  seeing 
an  Albany  Sloop  we  boarded  her,  where  to  my  surprise  I  saw  Miss  Corne- 
lia Schuyler,  Miss  Westerlo  and  some  others,  but  not  having  the  pleasure 
of  being  acquainted  with  either  of  them  I  could  not  with  propriety  make 
my  bow  and  introduce  my  friends,  we  remained  on  board  the  Sloop  [I  mean 
on  deck]  till  we  got  opposite  to  West  Point  where  we  left  them,  and  you 
may  judge  how  mortified  I  felt,  and  still  do  at  this  moment.  Yesterdiiy 
Mr.  Lovell  and  myself  crossed  the  river  and  took  Tea  with  the  two  Miss 
Dennings,  they  are  from  N.  York  and  will  spend  the  Summer  at  their 
farm  about  two  miles  from  this,  they  arc  beautiful  and  amiable.  iMiss 
Cooper  was  with  us  a  few  days  ago,  I  escorted  her  from  the  Vessel  and 
was  quite  the  Gallant;  if  you  see  her  tell  her  I  am  quite  clever  and  a 
great  deal  lorought  by  her'  appearance.  The  enclosed  I  wrote  a  few  days 
ago,  I  wish  you  could  have  an  opportunity  of  reading  it  to  theLady,  not 
telling  her  from  whom  it  is  till  you  come  to  the  name ;  she  will  in  that 
case  have  no  objections  to  hear  it.  It  is  remarkable  that  I  have  not  yet 
had  a  Letter  from  you,  I  hope  you  have  not  yet,  at  this  early  period  for- 
got me.  There  has  lately  been  a  Duel  fought  at  Head  Quarters  betweei 
Lt.  Elliott  of  the  Artillery  aud  Ensign  Scott,  the  former  is  dangerously 
wounded  Capt.  Reed  and  Ens.  lireeck  are  both  dead.  Togersoll  arrived 
a  few  days  ago.  Col.  Rochfoutaine  has  been  restored  to  his  command. 
Remember  me  to  all.     Yours  N.  L  VisscuEB. 

Capt.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 
Sir,  Albany  June  20th  1796, 

I  have  the  Honor  to  acknowledge  the  Receipt  of  your  letter  of  the 
14th  Inst,  together  with  a  Copy  of  the  Act  relative  to  the  Military  esta- 
blishment of  the  United  States.  I  should  wish  to  be  considered  as  one 
of  that  estnblishnient,  altho' my  healtli  is  much  impaired  occasioned  h,v 
the  wound  I  received  on  2Utli  of  August  1704,  yet  I  have  a  hopeiui 
prospect  that  in  a  few  months  I  will  be  rendered  capabl*^  of  discharging 


111 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


125 


that  duty  which  I  have  been  intrusted  with,  and  which  was  my  greatest 
pleasure.  Having  abandoned  at  an  early  part  of  my  life  every  prospect 
held  out  by  my  friends  here,  I  entered  the  Army  very  young,  with  un 
unalterable  determination  to  follow  the  profession  of  arms,  and  shoqld  it 
now  be  my  lot  to  be  obliged  to  retire  in  consequence  of  my  wound,  it 
would  be  a  circumstance  I  should  unwillingly  subscribe  to  as  there  is  no 
active  service,  I  should  hope  for  a  farther  indulgence,  but  whether  I  am 
intitled  to  any  or  not,  and  for  how  long  a  time,  I  submit  to  you  Sir,  with 
diffidence.  I  have  the  honor  &c.     o  -rr       ^ 

bOLOiVION   VAN  RENSSELAER. 

To  The  Hon.  T.  Pickering,  Secretary  of  War. 

The  Secretary  of  War  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Sir,  War  Office  July  2,  1796. 

I  have  received  your  letter  of  the  20  instant.     I  am  exceedingly  happy 

to  learn  that  your  wound  will  not  prevent  you  from  continuing  in  the 

military  service  of  your  Country.     As  your  presence  with  the  Army  will 

not  be  indispensably  necessary  till  near  the  time  of  the  new  arrangement 

taking  place,  you  will  be  pleased  to  consider  yourself  as  on  furlough  until 

the  first  day  of  October  next.         t        o-     -.t-         ,     ,.        ^ 

1  am  bir,  Your  obedient  Servant 

Capt.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer.  James  M.  Henuy,  Sec.  of  War. 

Capt.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Ms  Cousin. 
My  dear  Harriot,  A  Ibany,  July  13,  1796. 

I  should  have  written  to  my  loved  one  before  this,  had  I  not  been 
obliged  to  go  to  Lansingburgh  on  business  for  my  unfortunate  Father. 
He  suffers  terribly  from  his  wound,  and  his  troubles  are  great  beyond 
conception  ;  and  not  a  small  share  of  them  are  thrown  on  the  shoulders 
of  one  who  has  it  not  in  his  power  to  extricate  him  any  further  than  the 
troublesome  part  of  it.  T  shall  not  enter  on  a  detail  of  my  business  there 
but  when  we  meet  I  shall  tell  you  all,  I  have  gained  your  affections  and 
your  tender  bosom  shall  not  experience  any  unnecessary  pain  caused  by 
the  one  who  is  so  interested  in  you.  I  found  on  my  return,  here,  a  letter 
from  the  God  of  War,  James  Mc  Henry  of  Maryland,  as  I  think  it  my 
duty  to  give  my  Harriot  every  pleasure  in  my  power  to  offer,  and  shall 
through  life,  I  will  insert  in  ihis  a  copy  of  the  letter,  knowing  if  it  does 
uot  please,  it  cannot  displease  her.  1  have  nol  shown  it  to  any  but  my 
own  family.  Judge  for  yourself,  the  following  is  a  copy :  "  I  have  re- 
ceived your  letter  of  the  20th  Inst.  I  am  exceedingly  happy  to  learn  that 
your  wound  will  not  prevent  you  from  continuing  in  the  military  service 
of  your  Country.  As  your  prosence  with  the  Army  will  not  be  indispen- 
sably necessary  till  near  the  time  of  the  new  arrangement  taking  place, 
you  will  be  pleased  to  consider  yourself  as  on  furlough  until  the  first  day 
of  October  next." 

Whilst  other  officers  of  our  Corps  are  ordered  on,  I  am  suffered  to  re- 
main with  my  friends  and  will  have  had  a  furlough  for  two  years,  when 
It  IS  expired.  This  indulgence  is  certainly  very  great,  more  considerate 
and  kind  than  I  could  have  had  any  idea  of.  I  had  quite  a  decent  wash- 
ing by  the  time  i  reached  Albany,  for  it  was  raining  very  fast.  I  thought 
of  the  imprudence  in  ray  case  of  being  wet,  and  could  not  apply  to  myself 
the  preaching  I  cannot  prevent  my  saying  to  you  -'  to  take  care  of  your- 
self. ^  In  this  instance  business  and  my  word  of  honor  called  mo  hero  to 
'lay  at  :i  o'clock,  so  1  had  to  face  the  storm,  but  have  found  no  inconvenience 
noui  so  doinar. 


126 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


Mrs.  Kane  has  returned ;  when  I  called  there  Mr.  Kane  was  srood 
enoujj;h  to  take  me  up  stairs  to  show  rae  their  fineries  :  a  beautiful  piiper 
for  the  room  &c.,  a  Carpet  that  cost  £65,  a  pair  of  Looking-glasses  for  the 
like  sum,  and  a  great  many  other  curious  and  fine  articles,  I  had  the  honor 
of  inspecting.  Mrs.  Ludlow  told  Mrs.  Kane  that  if  you  would  not  write 
to  her  daughter,  she  thought  you  might  do  so  to  her.  Tomorrow  I  shall 
visit  Cherry  Hill  when  I  hope  to  find  them  as  well  a'  >iey  have  been  this 
day.  I  suppose  you  must  have  heard  that  Mr.  ana  Irs.  Douw  Fonda 
passed  through  Schenectady  on  Sunday,  it  was  in  consequence  of  a  letter 
that  his  presence  was  necessary  the  following  day  at  Caughnawaga,  they 
do  not  return  until  the  last  of  next  week.  You  know  last  year  Mr!  Fonda 
together  with  Henry  Fonda  commenced  to  build  a  number  of  houses  on 
the  Caughnawaga  flats  and  the  Coffin  is  now  quite  a  little  hamlet.  Your 
Sister  intended  to  have  accompanied  them,  but  at  that  time  was  at  Cherry 
Hill  ;  she  says  when  yon  have  made  your  visit  and  return  home,  she  will 
go  up  with  your  Father  and  Mother.  Adieu  my  Lovely  Harriot  would 
to  Heavens  I  could  see  you  now  and  repeat  the  garden  scene,  how  happy 
would  be  your  unfeigned  &  unalterable  c,       ^r       ^ 

Miss  Harriot  Van  Rensselaer,  Scotia.  ^°^'  ^^^  Rensselaer. 

^  A  large  black  stone,  resembling  a  co^'/i,  in  the  Mohawk  river,  originated 
the  name. 

The  translation  of  a  letter  written  in  the  Dutch  language. 

J  O.  Van  Staphorst  to  Robert  S.  van  Rensselaer. 

New  York  den  2  Sept :  1796. 

Mynheer !  The  inclosed,  I  have  received  from  Madame  van  Rensselaer 
from  Amsterdam,  requesting  to  hand  it  to  you,  being  informed  that  you 
reside  for  the  present  at  Albany,  I  take  the  liberty  to  fo-^ard  it  to  you. 
If  my  affairs  and  health  did  permit  me.  I  would  have  given  it  to  you  per- 
sonally, in  order  to  have  had  the  pleasure  to  become  personally  acquainted 
with  you. 

You  will  permit  me  Sir,  to  explain  to  you,  the  cause,  why  this  letter, 
which  had  been  intrusted  to  mo,  is  received  by  you  in  Such  a  Condition. 

On  the  3d  day  of  April  I  Sailed  from  the  port  of  Texel,  in  the  American 
Ship  Minerva,  Captain  Glarkson,  and  was  taken  the  10th  day  of  May  by 
the  English  in  Halifax,  and  pronounced  a  prisoner,  and  robbed  of  all  my 
papers  and  letters.  The  4th  day  of  July  being  discharged  on  parole,  I 
requested  for  my  papers,  and  received  thehi  in  a  miserable  condition,  and 
all  opened.  After  receiving  them,  I  have  all  sealed  them,  and  this  accounts 
for  the  bad  condition  in  which  you  have  received  this  letter.  I  am  Sorry 
indeed  that  I  could  not  perform  my  commission  better. 

Bo  so  kind  when  you  meet  Madame  van  Rensselaer  to  assure  her  of 
my  esteem.  Remaining  Sir  !  Your  obedient  Servt. 

J.  G.  van  Stai'iioust. 

Den  Heer  R.  S.  Van  Rensselaer,  m  Albany,  New  York. 

Robert  S.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Sister. 
Dear  Arriett,  _  London,  September  10,  1796. 

I  hope  ere  this  you  have  received  some  intelligence  from  me  of  my  safe 
Arrival  in  this  City  after  a  very  moderate  and  pleasant  passage  of  about 
thirty  days  until  we  arrived  at  Graves-End  where  we  left  the  Ship  and 
fi.-.!!iH  lip  hy  !;ind  through  ;i  delightful  and  euhivatod  Country  to  Louduii. 
We  had  two  J^ady  passengeis,  one  of  whom,  a  Miss  Nugent,  came  out  to 


LEGAcr  OF  Historical  Gleanings.  127 

be  married  to  an  American  Gentleman,  Mr.  Broom  from  New  York  she 
beinj<  a  wellbred  woman,  added  not  a  little  to  our  pleasure.  Mr.  Church 
resule.s  now  about  Light  miles  from  the  City,  in  a  very  neat  Country 
hou.e,to  which  place  I  frequently  resort  to  retire  from  the  noisp  and 
bu«tle  of  a  City  life,  which  becomes  almost  insupportable.  Walkin-  bein- 
very  fashionable  and  it  suiting  an  American  purse,  I  generally  trSdge  i't 
on  foot,  anticipating  the  pleasures  I  shall  enjoy  when  I  arrive;  they  bein^ 
happy  in  seeing  me,  and  treat  me  with  every  politeness  imaginable  The 
difference  between  Mrs  Church  and  the  other  members  of  Gen.  Schuv- 
ler  s  family,  near  us  in  Albany,  is  inconceivable.  She  all  affectionate  and 
poll  e,  endeavoring  to  please  those  around  her,  while  the  others,  first  kin 
to  the  fa  len  Angsl  are  swelling  with  pride  and  pomposity.  At  times  I 
scarcely  know  what  line  of  distinction  to  draw  between  the  family  ;  certain 
I  am  there  can  be  no  comparison  of  the  worth  and  amiable  disposition  of 
this  One  and  he  avaricious  minds  of  those  in  America,  though  I  hope  as 
our  Climate  changes,  ,t  may  effect  their  minds  and  mould  them  at  leas? 
to  Civih  y  and  render  them  more  acceptable  generally  to  Society 

Time  hanging  heavy  and  not  much  to  attend  to,  I  took  a  rid«  to  Oxford 
about  Eighty  miles  from  this,  visited  the  different  Colleges  -enty-one 
in  number,  and  then  went  to  view  Blenheim  House,  the  Seat  0.  the  Duke 
of  Malborough.  1  his  ,s  without  Exception  one  of  the  most  pleasant 
situations  I  ever  beheld,  it  is  a  paradise ;  in  imagination  you  would  thTnk 
yourself  in  a  land  of  fanes  to  behold  the  inside.  I  shall  endeavour  to 
give  you  a  slight  description,  being  confident  I  am  not  able  to  recollect 
very  Scene  I  beheld  there.  In  this  Country,  all  the  famous  Seats  go  by  the 
appellation  of  Cast  es ;  this  one  is  situated  about  seven  miles  from  Oxford 

iTfTr      /       *i^''"^'^  n  'I''"'"'"'  P°''^'  «^"th«  Corinthian  order  of 

rdntecture,  from  whence  a  fine  view  opens  of  the  noble  Castle,  brid4 

ake  and  many  other  beautiful  Scenes  of  the  Park,  which  is  stocked  with 

JJeer,  Sheep,  and  Birds  of  various  kinds.     The  Front  of  the  House  from 

wing  to  wing  IS  three  hundred  and  forty-eight  feet,  and  on  the  South  front 

on  tne  pediment  towards  the  garden,  is  a  bust  larger  than  life  of  Louis 

t  e  fourteenth  taken  in  battle  from  Tournay  in  Frtnce.     On  the  Top  of 

he  house  IS  a  large  Reservoir  which  supplies  the  Castle  with  water  ffom 

an  artificial  made  river.     I  entered  the  Hall,  which  is  really  maonificenT 

be.ng  the  height  of  the  house  and  of  proportionable  breadtrsWoS 

by  Corinthian  Pillars.     Over  the  door  is  the  Bust  of  the  first' nZSr 

S'    *;  .%?^  Malboro'  and  a  number  of  other  beautiful  busts.^    On  the 

Nv    nh'lf!  ir  T'^'i  ""','/'''  '""""f'  ^"^^  '^'^  ^^<^^"«"t  Statues  of  a 
iNyi  iph  and  a  Bacchanal.     The  painted  Ceiling  allegorically  representino- 

JtKp'iil"",'"^'  '^'\''f  Malborou.h,  and '^pointing  to^X  of    ^^ 
fiat  le  of  Blenheim.     I  then  entered  the  Bow-window  Room  and  bein^ 

ooit  whiT;,;!Tr'"   V''^  iuquisitive,  I  inquired  the  use  &c.  of  the 
at      iXl^    i  servant  very  innocently  replied,  was  intended  to  look 

at.      Its    W  ndow    nnnininnHin.r    o    «„. ..!,„..  „i'   _i .  ,      . 


Sisi'^'v  ^r  J'"'^^  i>-ssingroom-comain;i7,;;m;;r;;j 

Scoic  of  others      There  were  in  this  room  some  paintings  particularly 

surv  .  nn  nV  ''' '  "  ^^""^  pou-port  &c.     The  rest  of  the  unneces- 

sary appendages  were  contained  in  his  dressing-room,  which  was  small 


I 


128 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


but  very  neat  indeed.  The  Drawing-Room  has  also  a  number  of  fine 
Paintings :  the  Holy  Family ;  the  Marchioness  de  Harvre ;  Mary  de 
Mcdices  by  the  famous  painter  Van  Dyke;  the  portrait  of  William  the 
Third;  an  Annunciation  ;  Lady  Chesterfield  ;  Philip  of  Spain  ;  Andromeda 
chained  to  a  rock ;  a  French  Camp ;  the  Spencer  family  &o.  This  Drawing, 
room  is  furnished  with  crimson  damask.  The  Grand  Cabinet  contains 
more  pictures,  and  is  also  furnished  with  crimson  damask.  The  Paintings 
•were  particularly  Striking  and  1  took  out  my  pencil  to  minute  them: 
first,  a  Holy  Family  by  Rubens ;  a  Madona  standing  on  a  Globe,  surrounded 
by  Angels ;  the  oflering  of  the  Magi  by  Rubens  ;  our  Saviour  blessing  the 
Children  ;  Filial  affection  exemplified  in  the  Roman  daughter;  Return  of 
our  Saviour  from  Egypt;  Lot's  departure  from  Sodom  ;  a  Virgin,  her  head 
encircled  .vith  Stars,  supposed  the  Miraculous  Conception ;  a  female 
Penitent  &c.,  with  a  column  of  others.  The  Blue  Drawing-room  is  only 
distinguished  by  its  blue  colour  damask,  with  Elegant  Paintings,  Statuary 
&c.  The  Winter-room  has  a  representation  of  the  Cardinal  Virtues  &c. 
The  other  rooms  which  are  numerous,  are  distinguished  as  abounding 
with  very  Elegant  Tapestry  and  Paintings  representing  the  Battles  of  the 
Duke  of  Malbro',  who  to  be  sure  was  very  famed  in  History,  for  his 
Courage  and  many  glorious  Contests  he  had  with  the  Enemy.  The 
Rooms  shewn  to  us  were,  the  Dining-room  ;  the  Saloon  ;  Green  Drawing- 
room  ;  State-room  ;  State  Bed-Chamber  and  the  Library.     The  last  is  an 


Elegant  room  of  about  two  hundred 


feet  in  length , 


the  Window  frames 


and  surrounding  basement  of  blush  marble ;  and  the  Ceiling  stuccoed  in 
a  most  Elegant  manner.  It  contains  about  twenty-four  thousand  Volumes, 
besides  several  thousands  of  Manuscripts.  At  one  end  of  the  room  stands 
a  highly  finished  Statue  of  Queen  Ann,  who  presented  John,  Duke  of 
Malbro'  with  this  Seat,  for  the  many  glorious  Deeds  he  had  done  in  the 
French  Wars.  The  Chapel  is  in  one  of  the  Wings,  and  a  very  fine  one 
it  is,  having  a  beautiful  Monument  to  the  first  Duke  and  Duchess.  The 
Altar-piece  was  our  Saviour  taken  down  from  the  Cross.  The  Park  is 
Eleven  miles  in  circumference  and  contains  many  delightful  Scenes ;  the 
love  of  rural  variety  may  be  entertained  here  with  every  circumstance  of 
beauty  which  can  be  Expected  from  diversified  nature  in  hills,  valleys, 
water,  woods  &c.  There  are  not  less  than  five  or  six  Ships  arrived  here 
since  my  arrival,  and  to  my  very  great  disappointment  have  not  received 
a  single  line  from  any  of  the  family.  This  I  cannot  Account  for,  how- 
ever hope  you  will  shortly  make  up  for  it  and  I  shall  have  the  pleasure 
of  hearing  from  you  all  that  you  Enjoy  the  same  good  health  I  do  at 
present.  My  best  Respects  to  Mama,  Papa  and  all  the  dear  family  large 
and  small,  with  Sentiments  of  true  Esteem,  I  remain  your  very  affectionate 
brother.  R.  S.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Miss  Arrietta  Van  Rensselaer,  Cherry  Hill. 

"  The  Duke  of  Marlborough's  magnificent  residence  is  one  hour's  dis- 
tance by  carriage  from  the  town  of  ancient  Woodstock.  This  earthly 
paradise  was  erected  du"ing  the  reign  of  Queen  Anne,  and  presented  by 
the  British  nation  to  the  great  Duke  of  Marlborough  after  his  glorious 
victory,  parliament  voting  $2,500,000  for  that  purpose.  The  park,  con- 
sisting of  2,700  acres,  is  filled  with  flocks  of  sheep  and  herds  of  deer,  and 
is  considered  the  most  glorious  domain  the  sun  ever  shone  upon.  The 
immediate  grouuda  surroundi'iir  the  palace,  which  is  situated  near  the 
borders  of  a  lovely  lake,  are  filled  with  trees,  plants,  and  flowers  from 


To  Miss  Van 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  129 

every  quarter  of  the  Klobe    the  whole  embellished  with  lovely  walks 
fountains  and  water  falls.     In  the  centre  of  the  lawn  stands  a  Oorinthiau 
p,l  ar  130  feet  h,gh,  surmounted  by  a  statue  of  the  duke.     On  the  pede" 
stal  are  inscribed  his  public  services,  written  by  Lord  Bolin-broke      T' 
principal  front  of  the  building  is  350  feet  long.     The  interior  is  magn.a. 
ceutly  finished  and  contains  a  fine  collection  of  sculptures  and  paintfn^^s  • 
among  the  latter  are  some  of  Tit  an's  and  Ruben.'s'  masterpieces      The 
library  ,s  200  feet  long  and  contans  nearly  18,000  volumes.  ^  Woodstock 
was  the  birth  place  of  the  illustrious  Black  Prince.     How  different  too 
now  IS  London  the  metropolis  of  the  United  Kingdom  of  Great  Britian 
and  the  most  wealthy  city  in  the  world  with  its  population  of  3,000  000 
0  the  aspect  it  presented  in  those  early  times.     Before  the  conflagration  in 
1666,  London  was  totally  inelegant,  inconvenient,  and  unhealthy,  of  which 
latter  misfortune  many  melancholy  proofs  are  authenticated  in  hi  tory  and 
which  no  doubt  proceeded  from  the  narrowness  of  the  street^^  a?d  the 
unaccountable  projections  of  the  buildings,  that  confined  the  putrid  air 
and  joined  with  other  circumstances,  such  as  the  want  of  water,  rendered 
the  city  seldom  free  from  pestilential  devastation.     The  fire  which  con 

A  Wedding  Imitation  for  1776. 
Maria  Gansevoort's  Compliments  to  Miss  Van  Rensselaer  and  requests 
the  honor  of  her  Company  to  morrow  evening  at  Six  O'Clock      ^"°^' 
To  Miss  Van  Renssel.sr,  Cherry  Hill.  Wednesday  Morning. 

in<?^^^Tlir  ^*'''"  ^""  y-  -^  ^  ^"^  ^""^"  «"  *^^  >»^it^t'0«  the  follow- 
ing. This  was  an  invitation  to  a  wedding  September  22nd  1776 
Thursday  evening  Mana  Gansevoort  was  married  to  Abraham  Hun  just 
7  0  clock.  N.B^  the  gentleman  stood  on  the  left !  There  was  a  v^o  en 
gust  of  wind  with  thunder,  lightning  and  rain."  These  werrthe  parente 
of  our  respected  kinsman,  Thomas  Hun,  M  D  parents 

nia?famiir*  %lT\^  ^' r'^'""  '°''°^^  ^^'^  ^iven  by  one  of  the  Vroo- 
man  family^  When  the  enhvener  was  announced  as  ready,  the  oartv 
gathered  about  the  round  table  upon  which  stood  not  a  mo  sel  of  ant^ 

cup.     Ihe  true  ancient  Dutch  custom  always  placed  a  lump  of  su-ar  be- 
e  each  cup.     In  doing  the  honors  of  a  tea  table,  the  queL'on  S  .oj 
htc_  or  stirf  was  always  propounded.     The  tea   was  served  out  of  a 
majestic  delft  tea-pot,  ornamented  with  paintings  of  fat  lUtle  Dutch 
.    pnerds  and  shepherdesses  tending  pigs,'with  bloats  sailing  in  the  dr 
and  houses  built  in  the  clouds.     The  olikoekjes,  small  round  cakes  wTth 
ruisins  in  the  centre  and  fried  in  lard,  were  nJt  forgotten  -nor  the  k^^^ 
e^,  small  sweet  cakes.     Sometimes  the  company  ot°eight  or  ten  persons 
^^ould  be  seated  around  the  old  fashioned  genial  board  each  with  II^Z 
-ting  from  a  single  dish  of  supaan  enriJlied  brS/ster  milk  Tt 
prim,  ive  banquetings  the  utmost  propriety  and  dignity  S^  d;po7t 
went  prevailed.     No  flirting  nor  coquettting.     The  youn-  ladies  seS 

wX'ru-'""^'^"  *'""•  -«h  b!)ttomed%hairs,  Tdk^     their  own 

win  stockings,  nor  ever  opened  their  lips  except  to  an.swer  any  qur. 

0    t  a  was  asked  them.     As  to  the  gentlemc,  each  of  them  trauq^u"  ly 

■smoke,!  hi.  pipe  and  studied  the  blue  and  white  tiles  around  the  lire-plaee  " 

17  ^ 


130 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


Capt,  Wm.  Mackea  to  Capt.  Van  lienaselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  Alexandria,  12th  January  1797. 

It  is  now  eight  days  since  I  arrived  at  this  place,  which  time  I  have 
employed  much  to  my  eatisfaction,  and  was  surprised  at  not  finding  a  few 
lines  from  you  as  I  had  wrote  you  from  New  York.  The  evening  before 
I  left  Philadelphia  we  heard  of  Genl.  Wayne's  death,  [In  December  1796,] 
this  will  certainly  make  an  alteration  in  Affairs.  You  are  in  Mourning  I 
suppose  agreeable  to  the  Genl.  Orders.  Let  me  know  if  you  have  heard 
from  Visscher  and  when  and  how  he  is.  I  would  say  more  but  it  is  near 
post  time  of  departure.  j  ^^  ^.^^  your  very  Obedt  Servant. 

Capt.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer.  Wm.  Mackea. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


Cumberland  Line. 

Ariantie  or  Harriet,  my  mother,  was  the  fifth  child  of  Col.  Philip  Van 
Rensselaer  and  Maria  Sanders,  born  at  Cherry  Hill  September  3d,  1775, 
She  was  lovely  in  disposition,  and  retained  a  freshness  and  youthfulness 
of  heart  even  in  old  age.  In  her  elevated  social  position  she  had  every 
wordly  advantage  obtainable  in  those  ''  soul  stirring  times,"  was  accus- 
tomed to  the  luxuries  of  wealth  and  fully  appreciated  the  amenities  of  her 
childhood's  home.  While  she  did  not  by  any  means  ignore  the  gayety 
and  pleasures  of  life,  she  served  God  with  a  pure  and  unselfish  heart,  and 
always  seemed  "  to  walk  worthy  of  the  vocation  "  to  which  she  was  called. 
Gifted  with  a  lively  temperament,  ever  joyous  and  happy,  with  pleasing 
manners,  and  a  general  favorite  with  old  as  well  as  young  persons,  it  was 
not  surprising  she  had  many  suitors.  One  wealthy  burgher  seemed  the 
chosen  son-in-law  selected  by  my  august  grandmother.  The  good  lady 
was  well  aware  of  her  daughter's  preference  for  her  cousin  Solomon,  and 
that  his  love  was  incalculably  more  precious,  than  the  worthy  burgher's 
glittering  gold  and  guilders  j  but  that  could  not  be  countenanced.  Her 
gentle  and  delicate  daughter  marry  a  poor  soldier  cousin  !  no  indeed. 
She  well  knew  that  cousin  was  a  noble  minded  gentleman,  but  it  nuittered 
not;  and  with  a  twinkling  expression  of  triumph  and  satisfaction  in  my 
grandmother's  eye  which  even  her  spectacles  could  not  conceal,  and  an 
ominous  shake  of  her  head,  would  say,  "  I  will  prevent  such  an  unwise 
step."  Grandpapa  De  Heer  Philip  however  fully  appreciated  the  soldiers 
worth  ;  he  was  proud  of  his  nephew  ;  and  all  his  sympathies  were  freely 
enlisted  ou  his  much  loved  daughter's  side,  and  occasionally  a  uierry 
twinkle  was  perceptible  in  his  benignant  eye  as  he  quietly  took  a  survey 
of  the  tender  surveillance  of  his  stately  dame.  Even  in  olden  times  the 
phlcgmutic  Dutehiijen  suuju  times  indul^^ed  in  a  little  veiuance;  n^r  was 
it  surprising  that  De  Ileer  Philip  decided  that  for  once  the  "  course  of 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  131 

!T"'iio7  fu""^"^  T  '"°°*^^'y-"  So  one  cold  frosty  afternoon  January 
17,  1797,  the  good  vrouw  was  enjoying  her  siesta  and  dozin-  on  the 
Bota  by  a  nioe  warm  fire,  while  magnificent  black  Pompey,  with  hi^  crisped 
woolly  head  and  shining  negro  face,  his  large  mouth  grinning  from  ear 
to  ear  displaying  a  set  of  beautiful  white  teeth ;  with  a  proud  and  con- 
tented  mien  had  mounted  guard  at  the  door  of  a  certain  room.  Then 
Captain  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  was,  with  the  full  consent  and  approba- 

r  •  .  vf  ?r'  ^'^'l\  ""T^-  '",."''  ^''"^^  «^  matrimony  to  his  loved 
Harriet  by  the  venerable  Domine  Van  Vranken  of  Fishkill,  in  the  pres- 
ence  of  her  father  and  two  of  her  brothers.     After  the  happy  ceremony, 
the  domine  and  the  trumphanfc  bridegroom  climbed  out  the  back  window 
and  the  good  old  dame  was  none  the  wiser.    She  did  not  know  the  -allant 
and  handsome  Solomon  was  her  son,  till  so  informed  a  fortnight  after  bv 
her  good  spouse.    Then  like  a  sensible  woman  as  she  was,  with  perhaps  a 
shade  of  disappointment  crossing  her  bright  and  good  humored  face  that 
her  cherished  plans  were  thus  unwittingly  thwai-ted,  made  the  best  of 
what  was  inevitable  and  was  fully  reconciled  to  the  event.     She  was  one 
who  in  disappointments,  or  indeed  "  in  every  emergency  turned  to  God 
IS  her  helper  and  could  say  :  "  Bless-^d  is  he  whorwhen  the  waves  of 
•ow  or  temptation  are  sweeping  over  him,  is  able  to  find  the  hand  of 
V  .a,  and  calmly  to  rest  in  his  infinite  strength."     In  after  years  when 
her  own  excellent  husband  was  numbered  with  the  dead,  she  made  her 
home  with  this  same  daughter,  receiving  every  care  and  warmest  love 
from  both  of  her  dear  children.     It  certainly  was  rather  mysterious  and 
M  seem  hke  a  preconcerted  scheme,  how  the  good  domine  happened  to 
b.  on  hand  that  special  afternoon  ;  but  he  frequently  was  a  welcome  guest 
at  the  hospitable  mansion,  and  most  domines  then  as  now,  were  never 
averse  to  a  substantial  meal.     That  day  the  clever,  quizzical  Cornale  sur- 
passed  herself  in  her  particular  forte,  exquisite  cookery,  and  the  -rand  en- 
tertainment gave  great  satisfaction  to  the  unsuspectingamiable  vrouw     The 
joyful  news  however,  found  ita  way  to  the  kitchen,  causing  aflutter  of  ex- 
citement.   The  grinning  sable  dignitaries  (with  all  of  whom,  the  Hester /cmt 
Miss  Harriet,  was  a  great  favorite),  loving  a  frolic,  were  entirely  unanimous 
in  the  opinion  that  dust  had  been  thrown  in  grandma's  eyes.    They  reioiccd 
that  their  lynx-eyed  old  missus  had  for  once  been  outwitted,  while  they 
alhrmed  the  face  of  the  honnie  bride  now  wore  a  bright  and  cheery  look 
I  he  humorous  jokes  of  the  loquacious  darkies  who  were  all  "  woolly-headed" 
and  as  black  as  the  ace  of  spades  "  was  the  broadest  farce  of  that  eventful 
day.     After  judicious  consultation  between  the  mi/nheer  and  his  amiable 
rrowc  a  marriage  portion  was  given  to  their  beloved  daughter,  of  a  fine 
tract  of  land  which  they  called  Mount  Horn.     This  beautiful  site  then 
in  the  country,  in  Hethlehem  two  miles  from  the  town,  was  a  thick  forest  • 
many  of  the  majestic  trees  were  felled,  the  ground  cleared  and  a  spacious 
garden  laid  out  with  very  wide  walks;  the  culture  of  this  farm  was  an 
occupation  of  great  delight  to  my  father  who  had  an  enthusiasfic  love  for 
agneultural  pursuits,  and  to  this  Mount  Hope  he  was  brought  prostrate 
and  suflering  from  the  battle  ground  of  1812. 

Cherry   Hill,  the  ancient  homestead,  was   left  by  my   '^randoarent^ 
0  heir  son  Philip  P.,  who  was  a  most  estimable  a,/d  up^riirZ   W 
unfortunate  y  became  involved,  and  after  the  death  of  that  |entleman  in 
i»-7,  tlie  place  was  to  be  3old  at  public  auction.     A  friend  of  the  family 

\\^l.,^^  '^^^1  '"'"r^*"'  -"^  *'''^''''''  ""''"  ^^  -'■^'*^*3^  surprised  to  know 
the  fact,  and  at  the  solicitation  of  my  mother,  who  could  not  endure  the 


132 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


thought  of  its  going  out  of  the  family,  he  purchased  the  old  mansion 
with  its  grounds.  Subsequently  he  sold  Mount  Hope  to  Ezra  Prentice, 
Esq.,  its  present  occupant  and  proprietor,  who  revels  in  its  luxuriance  of 
beauty.  After  only  a  brief  honey-moon,  the  groom.  Captain  Van  llensse- 
laer,  in  March,  1797,  went  to  Philadelphia  with  the  intention  of  resigning 
his  commission,  as  ho  very  naturally  desired  to  retire  to  private  life  and 
enjoy  the  happiness  of  his  own  cherished  home.  The  beauty  of  such  a 
placid  life  did  not  however  seem  at  that  time  to  be  in  store  for  him.  At 
the  war  office  he  met  General  Wilkinson,  and  when,  with  the  high  prin- 
ciple of  honor  which  he  possessed,  he  informed  his  ci-devant  commander 
that  he  was  there  with  a  view  to  resign,  General  Wilkinson  and  Secretary 
McHenry  laid  an  embargo  on  that  proceeding.  They  interposed  a  stren- 
uous opposition  on  the  ground  that  his  valued  services  were  required  for 
a  delicate,  perhaps  dangerous  duty  which  they  were  aware  he  would 
faithfully  perform ;  to  aid  and  protect  the  commissioners  running  the 
Cumberland  line.  A  blank  furlough  was  given  him,  with  the  power  to 
fill  it  at  his  own  discretion.  Though  far  from  well,  he  would  not  refuse; 
such  a  mark  of  confidence  induced  him  to  consent,  and  the  heroic,  self- 
denying  soldier  returned  to  bid  his  bride  farewell  for  a  season,  and  re- 
linquished all  the  true  endearments  of  home,  while  he  promptly  responded 
to  his  country's  call  for  further  arduous  duties  in  her  service.  The 
noble-minded  wife,  forgetting  self,  bade  him  "  God  speed;"  his  arrange- 
ments were  soon  made  and  he  en  route  to  the  army. 

Secretary  of  War  to  Capt.  Van  Bensxelaer. 
Sir,  War  Office,  March  2d,  1797. 

The  necessity  of  the  service  requiring  your  immediate  presence,  with 
your  company,  you  will  be  pleased,  without  delay,  to  repair  hither,  where 
you  will  receive  further  orders. 

I  am,  Sir,  with  esteem,  Your  obed'  Serv' 

James  McHenry. 

I  have  before  me  a  large  bundle  of  valuable  letters  from  which  I  make 
a  few  extracts.  After  a  sad  parting  from  his  loved  bride,  he  went  with 
his  body  servant  to  New  York  on  board  of  one  of  the  North  river  sloops ; 
it  was  in  those  days  a  voyage  of  a  week  from  Albany,  then  by  stages  to 
Philadelphia.  He  says  :  "  The  roads  are  exceedingly  bad ;  myself,  Jake 
and  the  horses  are  nearly  worn  out." 

The  following  is  part  of  a  letter  penned  seventy-eight  years  ago. 


My  Dear  Harriet, 

On   Friday  last  I 
pression  of  spirits. 


Capt.  Van  Eensselaer  to  Ids  Wife. 

Philadelphia,  April  17,  1797. 
reached  this  place  in  tolerable  health,  but  great  de- 
I  have  been  advised  by  disinterested  persons  not  to 
go  on,  they  fear  my  delicate  constitution  cannot  endure  the  hardships. 
I  leave  tomorrow  and  expect  to  arrive  at  Pittsburgh  in  about  nine  days, 
if  the  riding  is  not  too  much.  The  Secretary  of  War  has  advised  me  to 
take  my  own  time,  and  not  to  travel  in  wet  weather  ;  this  however  I  shall 
not  much  attend  to ;  the  quicker  I  go  on,  the  sooner  I  shall  return  to  my 
lovely  wife.  I  shall  be  obliged  to  stay  at  Fort  Washington  longer  than 
I  expected  to  wait  for  necessary  articles  to  equip  ray  Troop.  I  have  been 
pleasingly  coufiued  since  I  came  here,  in  sitting  twice  a  day  to  have  ffij 
Miniature  taken  by  Stuart,  a  masterly  artist ;  it  was  finished  this  evening 


Mrs.  Solom 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


188 


and  will  follow  this  letter  on  Thursday,  with  a  request  that  it  may  bo  for- 
warded to  you,  by  a  careful  Albany  skipper.  The  price  for  painting  was 
fifty  Dollars,  althou{i;h  it  is  extravagant,  yet  with  much  satisfaction  did  I 
pay  for  it,  as  it  was  intended  to  give  you  pleasure.  The  likeness  is  not 
as  striking  a  one,  as  ho  took  for  President  Washington  and  Gen.  Wilkin- 
son,  in  my  eyes.  Farewell  my  love  ;  this  time  tomorrow  I  will  bo  a  much 
greater  distance  from  you  and  that  must  be  so  for  some  time  to  come. 
Farewell,  a  sad  word,  but  it  must  be  so,  God  preserve  you,  and  may 
every  happiness  attend  you.  Farewell  my  dear,  lovely  wife  look  forward 
with  patience  to  our  happy  meeting  in  October  or  Sooner,  once  more  with 
you,  never,  never  will  I  leave  you  more  again,  adieu,  good  night  my 
dearest  Harriet. 


<D6t/faXJ^uA^      — .^ 


Mrs.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer. 

"  The  first  portrait  of  Washington  by  Stuart  created  a  great  sensation 
on  its  appearance  in  Philadelphia.'' 

Capt.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife. 
My  Dearest  Wife,  Philadelphia  April  19,  1797. 

*  *  *  *  The  weather  is  fair.  I  send  you  my  Traveling-Case,  which 
I  find,  I  cannot  take  with  me,  the  inclosed  key  will  open  both  locks  it 
requires  however  some  exertion  to  open  them ;  it  cost  me  six  and  a  half 
dollars.  The  case  would  have  been  of  use  to  me  if  I  could  have  taken  it 
on  with  convenience,  but  I  shall  not  incommode  myself  with  it  when  1 
have  one  M  send  it  to,  whom  I  prefer  should  have  it  before  myself-  it  is 
yours  anu  my  very  soul  accompanies  it  which  ;'ou  have  long  possessed 
as  you  well  know  *  *  *  *  The  Limner  tells  me,  if  you  keep  the 
Miniature  in  your  hands  until  the  Ivory  gets  warm  it  will  warp,  if  is  in 
the  case.  My  horses  are  ready  and  I  must  leave  this  in  a  few  moments 
afte.-  delivering  the  Case.  God  preserve  you  to  repay  with  happiness 
tor  the  days  of  misery  I  endure  in  my  absence  from  my  loved  Harriot. 

Your  affectionate  Husband 
Mrs.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Cherry  Hill.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

In  its  red  morocco-case  lined  with  white  satin  was  placed  this  exquisitely 
paiuted  miniature  ;  it  is  on  ivory,  (executed  by  the  eminent  portrait  painter 
(jilbert  Stuart,)  and  is  set  in  gold,  with  my  father's  and  mother's  hair  in 
the  center  of  the  back.  The  initials"  S  &  H.V.R."  are  interwoven  in 
gold  letters  on  the  glass  over  the  hair.  His  noble,  handsome  features 
are  perfect;  those  dark  brown,  flashing,  speaking  eyes  could  not  be  sur- 
passed ;  the  black  hair  is  well  powdered  and  braided  behind  in  the  fashion- 
able cue.  His  full  wide  ruffle  shirt,  black  satin  stock,  his  military  blue 
coat  with  its  red  facings  and  wide  red  collar  turned  over,  bright  epaulets 
aud  black  leather  sword  strap  with  United  States  arms  inscribed  on  its 
shield  across  his  shoulder,  are  all  items  of  fond  scrutiny  to  lovin<^  hearts 
Hiswile  writes  :  "Icaunot  tell  you  how  the  first  ai^htnf  "our  3Iiniature 
afiected  me,  it  was  sometime  before  I  could  recover'^mysclff    Methinks  I 


'illlil 


I 


184 


Legacy  of  Historical  GLEANiNog. 


never  saw  a  better  likeness,  but  as  you  observed  rather  too  much  Ornvityfor 
you.  It  is  my  constant  companion  and  fur  prctbrablo  to  any  otlier,  altliouch 
a  Silent  one ;  could  I  enjoy  my  wiah  it  should  be  my  only  one  till  the 
return  of  the  beloved  original."  No  wonder  his  tender-hearted  wife  wept 
with  joy  and  was  transported  in  ecstasy  when  she  received  this  excolleut 
semblance  of  her  loved  one. 

Capt.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife. 

My  Lovely  Harriot,  Pittsburp,  April  28,  1797. 

I  arrived  at  this  place  in  eight  days  precisely  from  Philadelphia  in  pretty 
good  health ;  having  passed  through  the  beautiful  valleys,  romantic  dells, 
and  looking  with  your  eyes  at  the  grand,  the  picturesque  scenery  along  the 
winding  rivers  of  this  noble  State  and  over  its  lofty  mountains;  all  accom- 
plished in  safety  with  scalp  still  on  my  head!  I  found  to  my  Sorrow  that  Gen- 
eral Wilkinson  had  left  this  three  days  since  for  Fort  Washington.    I  have 
some  expectation  of  following  him  tomorrow,  but  in  this  I  am  not  very  clear, 
owing  to  the  scarcity  of  men  to  man  the  boats  down    the  Ohio.     Doctor 
Carmichael  and  some  Officers  go  down  in  about  a  week,  they  want  to  per- 
suade me  to  wait  for  them,  but  this  I  shall  not  consent  to  if  1  can  do  other- 
wise.    I  wish  for  the  Society  of  no  one  in  this  part  of  the  Country.    It 
makes  me  unhappy  to  see  any  one  pleased  who  is  in  the  situation  I  once 
was  happily  placed.     I  therefore  wish  to  bo  with  my  command;  to  attend 
strictly  to  their  discipline  and  Police  will  assist  me  in  killing  time  in  this 
far  off  country.     What  tedious  months  must  elapse  before  I  am  again  re- 
stored to  happiness  and  what  a  great  length  of  Territory  must  I  pass  over 
before  my  eyes  once  more  encounter  the  dear  object  of  its  wishes,  but  thank 
Heavens  the  distance  is  not  as  great  as  I  contemplated.     I  am  told  by  the 
officers  here,  that  I  am  not  to  go  farther  than  Knoxville  owing  to  circum- 
stances of  an  unforseen  nature  turning  up.     [Knoxville  in  Tennessee  is 
upon  the  Holston  river,  four  miles  from  its  junction  with   the  French 
Broad  and  is  204  miles  southeast  of  Lexington,  Kentucky.     "  The  city  is 
delightfully  situated,  and  affords  a  pleasant  place  of  resort.     It  was  laid 
out  in  179i  and  is  famous  for  its  manufacture  of  window  glass.     The  caves 
and  mounds  in  Tennessee  are  wonderful.     In  Coffee  county,  not  far  from 
Manchester,  there  is  an  ancient  stone  fort,  enclosed  by  a  wall,  upon  which 
trees  are  growing,  whose  age  is  supposed  to  exceed  500  years.     This  mys- 
terious fortification  is  situated  between  two  rivers,  and    occupies  an  area 
of  47  acres."]     Georgia's  climate  I  very  much  dreaded,  it  being  quite  un- 
friendly to  a  person  accustomed  to  a  colder  one,  but  where  ever  I  may  be 
and  whatever  my  situation  is,  I  shall  faithfully  inform  you,  sick  or  well, 
dangerous  or  otiierwise.     I  therefore  call  upon  you  by  all  the  sacred  ties 
that  united  us,  not  to  give  yourself  a  moments  uneasiness  at  any  Idle  re- 
ports respecting  me,  should  there  be  any  ot  an  unpleasant  nature  prevail- 
ing; and  on  your  part  I  have  not  the  smallest  doubt,  but  that  you  will  act 
with  equal  candor.     I  hope  you  have  ere  this  received  your  Portfolio,  Min- 
it.Uire  and  letters  sent  on  from  Philadelphia,  and  that  they  have  given 
you  pleasure.     I  wish  I  had  your  likeness  here,  what  very  great  .satisfac- 
tion it  would  give  me,  I  wish  to  Heavens  you  would  have  it  taken  in  my 
absence,  I  shall  arrange  matters  in  such  a  manner  that  it  w;ll  not  incon- 
venience you  at  all.     Recollect  my  sweet  girl  what  happiness  it  will  give, 
so  please  oblige  me  and  let  me  know  if  you  intend  to  make  me  so  happy. 
Tell  black  Maggy,  Cornale  and  Flora  not  to  neglect  to  take   good  care  of 
their  lovely  charge;  was  this  my  lot  how  doubly  ha^py  would  I  be,  but 


Legacy  ©p  Historical  GLEANTNas. 


185 


it  must  bo  to  the  contrary  and  I  Bhnll  submit  with  as  much  fortitude  as  I 
Ciin  iiiuscer,  which  God  knows  is  but  little,  yot  my  duty  ia  cleurly  to  en- 
force it. 

I  left  Philadelphia  at  12  o'clock  April  19th  1797.  crossedithe  Schuyl- 
kill  at  1  o'clock  and  proceeded  to  the  Sign  of  Admiral  Warren  23  Milo8 
where  I  lodged.  This  tavern  ia  on  the  Lancaster  turnpike  not  far  from 
the  scene  of  the  massacre  of  part  of  General  Wayne's  detachment  on 
September  20,  1777,  by  orders  of  General  Howe.  ["  General  Grey  cut  down 
,'53  Americans  in  cold-blooded  cruelty  in  the  well  known  '  Massacre  at 
Paoli '  "]  Moved  early  in  the  morning  of  the  20th,  a  rainy  day  and 
reached  Lancaster  that  evening  43  Miles  over  a  Turnpike  road  cut  through 
a  rich  tract  of  land.  Lancaster  stonds  on  Conestoga  creek,  has  a  fine 
court  house,  churches  and  handsome  buildings  with  abont  800  houses. 
Moved  early  on  the  2lBt,  Passed  over  an  intolerable  bad  road  and  reached 
a  Tavern  2  Miles  from  Harrisburg  on  the  Susquehanna;  this  river  is  one 
mile  across  and  the  Current  very  rapid.  The  town  contains  about  two 
hundred  houses,  chiefly  of  Brick,  with  a  stoao  Jail  and  a  German  church  j 
it  is  pleasantly  situated  on  the  winding  river  with  its  little  islands,  Eliz- 
abeth and  Middle  Town  are  small  villages  I  passed  through;  the  houses 
are  old  and  chiefly  built  of  logs,  the, former  is  17  and  the  latter  25  Miles 
from  Lancaster,  and  where  I  lodged  having  come  to  day  36  Miles.  The 
22d  reached  Carlisle  to  Breakfast  after  15  miles,  passed  Mount  Rock  7 
Miles,  Shippenburg  14  Miles,  and  Lodged  at  Black's  house.  Gen.  Washing- 
ton had  his  Head  Quarters  at  Carlisle  in  1794 ;  there  are  fine  stone  houses, 
a  college,  court-house  and  churches.  All  along  my  route,  these  villages 
flourish  where  the  Indians  and  wild  beasts  lately  roamed.  The  23rd 
being  a  rainy  day  I  did  not  start  until  near  8  o'clock,  then  passed 
through  Strasburg  six  miles  where  I  crossed  three  large  mountainous 
spurs  called  Kittatinny  hills ;  all  these  mountains  are  full  of  coal  with 
much  iron  and  marble;  the  valleys  between  the  hills  are  of  a  rich,  black 
soil.  Skinners  at  the  foot  of  the  hill.  I  breakfasted  three  miles  from 
the  last  Town,  from  thence  to  Fort  Littleton  is  12  miles,  from  thence  to 
the  top  of  the  wonderful  Sideling  Hill  eleven  miles  to  another  Skinners 
where  I  lodged,  having  moved  32  miles  to  day.  Left  Skinners  early  on 
the  morning  of  tho  24th,  crossed  a  branch  of  the  beautiful  Juniata  and 
thence  to  Colonel  Hartleys,  with  whom  I  breakfa.sted.  He  was  at  the 
terrible  scenes  in  the  Wyoming  valley.  After  a  pleasant  rest  I  proceeded 
to  Bedford  and  lodged  at  the  foot  of  the  Alleghany  mountains  at  Ilyans. 
The  next  day  one  of  my  pistols  was  missing,  which  however  I  found  with 
some  difficulty,  by  offering  a  reward,  hid  by  one  of  the  Boys  in  the  Stable ; 
after  it  was  recovered  I  commenced  my  journey  for  the  day  which  was 
rainy.  Passed  over  an  exceedingly  bad  road  across  the  mountain,  being 
15  miles  over  a  very  rocky  route.  At  Stony  Creek  I  breakfasted  and 
from  thence  to  Freemans  at  the  foot  of  Laurel  Hill  where  I  lodged  io 
most  miserable  quarters.  The  26th  was  at  the  Old  Fort  Legonier  the  post 
of  General  St.  Clair  during  the  French  War,  and  proceeded  to  Iliads 
where  I  breakfasted,  15  Miles  from  that  to  a  Large  Town  by  the  name  of 
Greensburg  10  Miles.  [At  Greensburgh  is  a  monument  to  the  same 
Major  General  Arthur  St.  Clair.]  From  thecce  to  Turtle  Creek  19  miles 
where  I  stayed  for  the  night  having  gone  44  miles.  On  the  27th  pro- 
ceeded to  Pittsburg  being  twelve  miles  and  reached  it  at  11  o'clock  where 
I  found  a  number  of  my  friends  which  in  some  measure  relieved  my  de- 
pressed spirits.     Farewell  my  dearest  Harriot  take  good  care  of  yourself, 


IH> 


I 


186 


Leqacy  op  Historical  QLEAirmas. 


much  in  depending  on  it.     I  have  written  to  ray  Father  and  others.     May 
much  huppincH.s  attend  you  pruys  your  affectioniito  husbund, 

Mrs.  Harriot  Van  Rensselaer,  Cherry  Hill.      ^o^'  ^^""^  It^^NSSELAKR. 

Extracts  from  Captain  Van  Rcntnelner'a  Note  Book. 

The  country  about  Pittsburgh  is  very  hilly,  and  a  few  miles  from  hero 
is  the  Hattle-ground  of  General  Hraddock,  where  ho  was  defeated  in  1755, 
A  French  Fort  called   Du  Quesne  was  then  standing  on  the   Pittsburg's 
site.     I  continued  in  this  place  till  Saturday  29th  ;  the  afternoon  of  which 
day  at  3  o'clock  I  embarked,  to  navigate  the  Ohio  river,  which  is  one  of 
the  most  beautiful  in  the  world,  -^ith  a  gentle  current  and  easy  of  navi- 
gation,  in  a  large   Kentucky  keei-boat  [had  a  flat  bottom,  but  no  sails,] 
loaded  with  Dragoon  equipments  and  the  Chickasaw  annuity  for  this  year, 
with  only  three  Soldiers  and  a  Quarter  Master's  man.     In  this  weak  state 
of  defence  I  commenced  a  really  dangerous  and  very  difficult  route  dowo 
the  picturesque  and  extensive  Ohio,  with  a  head  wind  and  rain  to  comfort 
me,  but  the  water  in   pretty  good  order  and  wo  floated  quietly  all  night 
without  any  alarm  from  Indian  foes.     Early  in  the  morning  of  May  1st 
just  before  daylight  passed  Wheeling  96  miles  from  Pittsburg.     This  day 
nothing  of  note  happened  as  wo  passed  along  in  sight  of  a  number  of  huts 
on  each  bank  and  a  small  town.     On  the  morning  of  2d  May  at  9  o'clock 
landed  at  Muskingum  (Marietta)  a  large  and  beautiful  Settlement  of  New 
Englanders.     Here   I  remained  half  an  hour  and  took  on  board  a  Mr. 
Lowder,  a  printer  from  New  York  and  at  12  o'clock  landed  him  on  Belpree 
Island  twelve  miles  from  Marietta.     Here  I  was  introduced  to  a  Mr. 
Bachus  and  his  wife  from  New  London,  and  was  not  a  little  astonished 
to  find  so  accomplished  a  woman  in  these  desert  wilds.     Being  frustrated 
in  my  intention  of  procuring  forage  for  my  horses  at  this  place,  I  hoisted 
my  wooden  Sails  and  at  1  o'clock  P.M.  again  came  too,  at  the  lower  end 
of  the  Island,  three  miles  and  succeeded  in  getting  hay  by  paying  at  the 
rate  of  50  cts.  per  Hundred.     Opposite  this  Island  aad  a  little  above  it, 
are  the  three  Settlements  of  Belpree,  each  village  3  miles  apart.    Two 
Turkeys  were  on  the  right  or  Indian  beach  for  the  first  time  since  we  left 
Pittsburg,  the  wind  continually  ahead. 

3d.  The  wind  from  the  South  accompanyed  with  rain  which  much  re- 
tarded our  progress,  a  few  huts  were  to  be  seen  on  each  Bank.  At  1 
o'clock  p.  M.,  passed  the  Great  Canawha  river,  the  Town  is  called  Poiut 
Pleasant,  a  name  well  adapted  to  the  situation.  Here  was  formerly  a 
Garrison  built  of  the  Inhabitants  of  Virginia  called  together  by  General 
Andrew  Lewis,  it  was  some  years  since  in  1774  attacked  by  the  Indians, 
who  unfortunately  killed  Col.  Charles  Lewis,  but  could  not  carry  the  Fort 
which  was  strongly  fortified  with  logs  and  entrenchments.  At  half  past 
one,  passed  a  French  settlement  on  the  Indian  Bank  called  Gallipolice 
three  miles  from  the  last  river  and  100  miles  from  Muskingum  which  we 
came  in  14  hour-  The  Country  on  each  side  of  the  River  was  beautiful 
beyond  conception  with  its  wild  scenery,  tall  grasses  and  trees. 

4th.  The  early  part  of  last  night  was  clear  and  the  moon  shone  bright 
until  about  11  o'clock,  when  a  violent  rain  and  thunderstorm  came  on 
which  lasted  until  near  four  in  the  morning,  with  so  much  violence  as  to 
put  us  in  danger  of  being  drove  on  shore.  The  water  being  hi^h  it  was 
with  difficulty  we  could  proceed,  ami  to  make  land  it  was  impossible  with- 
out infinite  danger  from  the  Indians.  No  material  injury  however 
happened.     At  2  p.  M.,  passed  the  mouth  of  the  big  Sciota  river  on  the 


Leoaoy  of  IlrsTORroAL  Gleanings. 


187 


N.  W.  of  the  Ohio.    The  lands  nre  very  rich  and  the  ( 


'onntry  level.  The 


he,i.l  water.  .,th.H  nver  m  near  the  hake  and  is  Navigable  tbr  boats  liUO 
nnl.H  the  w.d  h  ot  ,  IS  about  I  50  yards.  Four  mile«  below  this  Inland 
at  a  friend  h  Major  Hdl.os  on  Turkey  Creek,  the  ol.l  Ikchelor  treated  me 
with  Kreat  politeness.  After  viewing  his  plantation  (which  is  really 
beautiful)  I  again  started  at  s.x  o'clock.  8otuo  distance  below  this,  passed 
the  three  Islands  in  the  ni-ht,  the  River  serene  and  pleasant 

.)th  In  the  morning  it  rained  quite  fast,  and  the  wind  ahead,  passed 
Limestone  at  7  o  oloek  A  M.,  the  Kentucky  landing  place  60  mi  osTom 
Lexin.^ton  and  the  like  distance  from  (Cincinnati,  a  number  of  houses  oa 
each  bank  were  to  be  seen.  [Limestone  is  upon  Limestone  Creek  and  is 
now  called  Maysville.] 

1  "^i^^A  I'T'!  ,^"'"»'^'''  '^*  «'"'"°''  '"  ^^^  "««•»">?.'  and  at  5  o'clock 
landed  at  I^or  Washington  .„  good  order,  where  I  at  once  reported  my. 
self  to  General  Wilkinson^  [In  those  early  times  it  was  a  ver/ hazardms 
busine,ss  to  navigate  the  Ohio  river.  Often  were  the  boats  taken  by  the 
enemy,  and  every  one  on  board,  destroyed  by  the  Indians.  And  if  the 
settlers  attempted  to  clear  new  fields,   they  did   it  at  the  peril  of  their 

Zfi^n""  T  i7L''"'""b  '^"1  ^'^"J''""'  ^heir  arms,  they  hoed  their 
corn  fields.  In  1791,  some  French  immigrants  settled  on  the  Uliio  rivej 
at  a  place,  which  they  appropriately  called  Gallipolis.  They  had  been 
swindled  out  of  about  one  hundred  thousand  croins  in  silver  b y  a  .C 
arch  knaves  who.  v.s.t.ng  Paris,  pretended  to  own  a  large  tract  of  land  im- 
mediately adjoining  on  the  west  side  of  '  the  Ohio  company's  land.'  The"^ 
people  lived  at  Gall.pohs  during  the  old  Indian  waV,  and  suffered  son  o 
from  the  Indians  as  well  as  from  sickness,  and  many  privations  in  IZ 
wilderness.     Columbia  was  near  the  mouth  of  the  LiUle  Miami  river] 

Capt.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife 

\?TTxJ^'f-'  ^^'^  Washington,  May  7.  1797 

JvIZ-  ^^'f '""?^«»  f  ^ry  week  there  is  a  Mail  to  and  from  hat  place 
ad  likewise  at  Knoxville,  therefore  I  shall  with  anxiety  attend  reKularlv 
hZ  fr',  '''^iT''-  ^...Thursday  next  you  will  no  doubt  re  euTmy 
etter  from  P.t  sburg  informing  you  of  my  safe  arrival  there,  and  the  time 

Pilt 'I'estl:   ""  ''"l''^'  '{ ^'"  '^'^  *  ^^"'''^  1^^-'  D"  Q- "»e.        " 
sal  wifh  „T    7  ''■T^  T'  ^^'  *""'•  ^°  ''»«  ''^'«'-»««n  or  that  day  I  set 
sail  with  a  head  wind  and  raining  very  fast.     Dr.  Carmichael  and  the 
officers  advised  me  not  to  proceed  on  my  journey  with  the  smaU  fo  ce 

n:fh"^„?:r'"'',""':;'"^'   ^^  three'liifantrj  soId,ers\nd      l^red 
Eiw  fnHi  ^      Y^'  ^'^t«q«'P'"'^"ts  for  my  Troop,  and  the  valuable 

w      very  evidZ  f         "I  '^t  ^'''''-     ?^  '^''^'^''  ^  ^''^^  ^«  ^''''^"nter 
were  very  evident  to  me,  but  knowing  how  tedious  it  would  be  to  wait 

raZeler^'T'  ^^''^-^.^^e  company  who  wished  to  det^nm 
ovealTrLr.       'iT  "."''i.'""  ''''^'""'^'^•^  "^  '^^^^  ""^  attention,  and 
alth.fi;  5         ^°"''  '^''"^  shortening  my  absence  from  a  place,  v^here 

cit  for  m^  r  .'"'"■''i'""  '^  "]'J"  '^''  ^'^'  •«  fi^^d'  were\easons  too 
had  n.v ISi,  '^'''.'-^'^  r^'-y  difficulty.  Of  this  you  may  be  assured 
had  my  full  share;  in  the  five  hundred  miles  I  only  stopped  three  times 

«f  we'he'rti'  ?""/;•  '^^^  ''''  ^'^^^  ««-^  '^  air'tlLs  fi  Tnd 
Sno  disro^itiS  r  7'  "'r  '•'^'^P""«'^i"^y  ^-  intensely  felt  and  I 
inm  eso-C?  '  -^  '  n«^'l'f,"^>nce  to  try  military  achievements  on 
nmtesot  the  many  wigwams  ever  insight.     Without  any  marvelous 

18 


I 


138 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


adventures  I  reached  this  place  at  5  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  yesterday, 
all  in  good  order.  It  could  hardly  be  credited  that  I  had  come  in  so 
short  a  time  under  so  many  disadvantngeous  circumstances ;  but  there 
was  no  need  of  an  affidavit  all  saw  for  themselves.  My  pleasing  expecta- 
tions of  dispatch  were  quickly  blasted  on  being  told  that  the  horses  and 
men  had  not  all  arrived.  This  is  the  case  to  my  sorrow,  nor  will  they 
be  here  in  less  than  a  fortnight  contrary  to  the  expectations  of  the  General. 
He  is  much  pleased  with  my  punctuality  and  shows  every  mark  of  friend- 
ship, with  a  wish  to  make  me  satisfied  with  my  situation.  May  Wth. 
General  Wilkinson  insisted  upon  my  living  with  him  in  his  family,  which 
I  have  agreed  to  do  while  I  remain  here.  Save  my  dear  Harriot,  I  have 
every  thing  I  can  desire  and  Jake  is  a  <^ood  boy,  he  takes  good  care  of 
me.  I  sh  11  be  busily  employed  the  ensuing  week  to  get  every  thing  in 
perfect  readiness  to  mount  the  men,  as  soon  as  they  arrive  from  Fort 
Defiance.  The  Sad-'.les  &c.  will  all  want  repairing,  and  after  this  is  dene 
and  the  horses  a  little  accustomed  to  firing,  I  shall  cross  the  Ohio  on  my 
route  to  the  Cumberland  in  Tennessee.  The  General  has  invited  me  to 
take  a  ride  with  him  to  the  big  Miami  tomorrow,  thirty  miles  below  this. 
To  day  we  all  dine  with  the  Lieut.  Governor  of  this  place,  I  will  soon 
have  to  prepare  for  the  occasion,  I  suppose  they  will  be  pretty  Uue,  but 
for  my  part  I  declare  off.  Nine  o'clock  P.  jM.  We  have  my  dear  Harriot 
just  returned  from  the  feast,  all  pretty  merry  and  one  or  two  e  "ittle 
beyond  it.  The  afternoon  was  pleasantly  passed,  and  the  Dinner  in  great 
elegance  displayed,  nearly  as  well  as  the  Dutchmen  of  Albany  could  have 
done  it,  making  allowances  for  his  being  a  Bachelor,  it  was  better.  The 
General  showed  me  your  Father's  letter,  it  was  couched  in  very  strong 
terms,  he  wished  me  to  continue  in  service  and  told  the  General  to  keep  me 
in  it,  you  was  very  much  opposed  to  it,  for  which  they  could  i^ike  al- 
loicanccs  on  account  of  your  situation.  I  had  rather  he  had  been  silent 
on  that  business  *  *  *  Adieu,  Adieu.  May  God  bless  you  and  keep 
you  perfectly  well  and  happy.  y^^^  g.^^^^^  ^^^^^^^ 

Mrs.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer, 

Cherry  Hill,  Albany. 


lit 

fl£:^ 


Captain  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife. 

My  Dear  Harriot:  Lexington,  Kentucky  18th  May,  1797. 

*  *  *  *  Since  writing  to  you  by  the  last  mail  from  Fort  Washington, 
I  have  been  ordered  to  this  place  to  Inspect  and  expedite  the  completion 
of  the  purchase  of  the  horses  for  my  Troop,  which  I  have  accomplished, 
they  are  fine  horses.  I  sent  on  all  those  the  Quarter  Master  purchased 
save  three  that  I  condemned,  they  would  not  pass  muster  ;  yesterday  they 
left  this,  and  I  shall  follow  them  in  the  afternoon.  I  have  given  the 
Quarter  Master  directions  to  move  very  slow  with  them,  that  they  may 
be  in  good  order  when  I  receive  them.  I  shall  get  at  Fort  Washington 
two  days  before  them  and  have  every  thing  in  readiness  to  mount  the 
men  immediately  on  their  arrival ;  after  this  is  accomplished  and  the 
horses  a  little  nuuineuvred  I  shall  commence  my  wished  for  march  through 
this  place  to  the  Cumbeiland.  Then  arounu  about  way  of  some  six  hund- 
red miles  to  Knoxville,  Tennessee,  where  you  shall  again  hear  from  me, 
and  likewise  Leibro  I  leave  this  place  on  my  return  here.  The  people  are 
very  kind  and  friendly  in  Lesington,  c-v<.'ry  day  since  my  arrival  I  h;iv? 
dined  out,  and  am  engaged  for  a  week  if  I  was  to  stay,  but  how  very 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


139 


differently  am  I  inclined  towards  them  now  to  what  I  was  three  years 
since.  Now  all  company  is  rather  un  incumbrance  than  a  pleasure  to  me  • 
no  society  can  I  enjoy  until  [  return  to  Cherry  Hill,  there  and  only  there 
can  I  be  happy,  but  alas,  this  period  is  too  far  distant.  How  many  uneasy 
moments  must  I  pass  away  before  I  can  possess  a  tranquil  mind,  never 
did  I  know  how  sincerely  I  loved  you  until  this  cruel  separation.  I  have 
injured  you  more  than  ever  I  can  make  compensation  for,  I  should  not 
have  married  until  after  I  left  the  Army ;  but  ray  dear  Harriot,  you  know 
1  naJ  no  thoughts  of  leaving  you  at  that  time.  And  when  I  was  unex- 
pectedly called  upon,  I  could  not  retire  with  cred't.  In  your  present 
delicate  situation,  you  stand  in  need  of  the  tender  care  and  sympathy  of 
a  husband  who  has  no  other  ambition  but  to  make  you  happy,  but  this 
unhappily  is  denyed  him  at  present,  but  you  know  it  is  not  through  his 
choice.  Therefore  keep  up  your  spirits  and  let  us  meet  with  for"itudo 
the  misfortunes  allotted  to  each  in  this  life,  of  which  we  must  expect  our 
share,  but  very  little  can  I  boast  of  when  I  reflect  on  you. 

Write  to  Knoxville  immediately  on  the  receipt  of  this  I  shall  be  ,  ere 
about  the  last  of  next  month  ;  give  me  all  the  news  of  the  day.  Has 
the  fever  left  your  bather  ?  I  am  sorry  to  hear  of  the  misfortune  of  my 
brother  Killiau,  I  saw  the  account  in  a  paper  before  I  left  Philadelphia 
that  he  had  been  captured.  My  mother's  letter  to  him  says :  Your 
Father  has  been  to  New  York,  since  his  return  your  brother  was  brou'^'ht  • 
in  on  April  23d  by  the  Schr  Betsey,  master  C.  N.  Mole  in  24  days.     ° 

["  Capt.  Killian  H.  Van  Rensselaer,  late  of  the  schooner  Two  Friends 
of  New  York  port,  and  belonging  to  Thomas  White,  merchant  of  this 
city,  came  passenger  in  the  Betsey.  He  sailed  from  Wilmington,  N.  C, 
on  the  15th  of  February  bound  to  Martioico,  and  on  the  6th  of  March  in 
lilt.  26,  long.  58,  he  was  captured  by  a  French  privateer  schooner,  called 
La  Voitisseur,  commanded  by  Lombar.  They  took  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer 
on  board  the  privateer,  ho  was  put  in  irons,  and  deprived  of  much  ;  they 
robbed  his  chest  of  all  his  papers  and  great  part  of  his  clothing.  They 
likewise  robbed  the  mate  and  crew  ;  then  sent  a  prize  master  and^six  men 
on  board  the  schooner  and  ordered  her  for  Curracoa,  detaining  the 
captain,  mate  and  2  seamen  onboard  the  privateer.  On  the  8th°they 
spoke  the  sloop  Industry,  Capt.  Lovell  from  Charleston,  and  carried  into 
Jaquemel."] 

"Disagreeable  news  is  furnished  with  wings  and  Killian's  misfortune 
adds  greatly  to  our  uneasiness  on  my  brother  Robert's  account,  he  too  may 
share  the  same  fate  and  I  fear  his  want  of  fortitude  in  that  case.  On 
Iriday  Papa  went  to  attend  the  funeral  of  the  Patroon's  only  dau-'hter 
she  died  suddenly  of  the  colic.  The  first  you  write  after  rocei via  "this 
do  inclose  me  a  lock  of  your  hair,  I  will  have  it  put  in  the  Back  of°your 
Miniature  with  some  of  mine,  like  sheaves  of  wheat.  Far  be  it  from  me 
to  beg  you  to  return  one  moment  sooner,  than  is  consistent  with  honor 
or  duty."  Capt.  V.  R.,  continues,  "  I  earnestly  pray  your  brother  Robert 
may  not  share  the  same  fate,  should  he  be  so  unfortunate,  let  me  be"  of 
;ou  not  to  take  it  too  much  to  heart,  it  can  answer  no  good  purpose. "  A 
Brother  is  near,  but  recollect  a  fond  husband  is  nearer.  If  your  two 
brothers  Peter  and  Robert  have  arrived,  tell  them  I  am  one  of  their  best 
wishers.     I  am  now  in  great  haste  to  get  oflF, 

Your  aflfectionate  Husband, 
.,     „  ,  ,,  Solomon  Van  Rlnsslaer. 

J>lrs.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Cherry  Hill,  Albany. 


140 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


Extrfuts  from  Capt.  V.  li's  Note  Book. 

May  11,  1797.  At  Fort  Washington  dined  in  Company  with  the  Gen- 
eral and  other  oflBcers  at  the  Lieut.  Governors.  At  Fort  Washington  I 
found  the  men  of  my  old  troop  dismounted.  I  had  not  seen  the  fine  fellows 
since  the  great  battle  in  -which  they  bore  a  distinguished  part.  The 
meeting  was  as  unexpected  as  gratifying.  I  immediately,  on  the  12th 
passed  over  to  Lexington,  Ky.,  to  facilitate,  superintend  and  expedite  the 
purchase  of  horses  to  mount  my  men,  and  in  a  few  days  reported  myself 
and  troop  ready  for  duty  :  having  arrived  at  Lexington  on  the  morning  of 
the  14th  and  left  in  the  afternoon  of  the  18th  and  reached  Georgetown 
12  miles  after  having  forwarded  the  horses  for  my  Troop,  and  on  the  20th 
reached  Fort  Washington  through  a  continual  rain  for  30  miles. 

21st.  The  horses  arrived  at  the  river,  Lieut.  Ball  with  thirty  Dragoons 
went  over  and  took  charge  of  them.  I  crossed  with  him  and  receipted 
for  them. 

22nd.  They  were  crossed  in  tolerable  order  and  without  confusion. 
The  two  or  three  following  days,  the  Blacksmiths  were  employed  in  Shoe- 
ing of  them,  and  the  Tarrier  in  trimming  and  Phyaicing  them,  whilst 
myself  closely  engaged  in  getting  every  thing  in  readiness  for  the  March  &c. 

25th.  Assorted  the  horses  to  their  Riders  and  on  the  26th,  were  for  the 
first  lime  mounted,  and  after  being  inspected  by  the  Commander-io-Chief 
crossed  the  Ohio  and  encamped  on  its  bank  oppop''  -  Cincinnati,  to  prevent 
the  frequent  cases  of  drunkenness  in  the  Troop.  his  day  Captain  Isaac 
Guion  received  orders  to  descend  the  River  to  Natchez  in  Mississippi, 
but  did  not  go  until  the  day  after.  Captain  Ford's  company  also  received 
orders  this  day  and  the  General  descended  the  River  to  the  mouth  of  the 
Miami  to  the  Camp  of  the  4th  Regiment  under  the  command  of  Col- 
onel Butler  intended  for  Knoxville,  and  returned  on  the  day  followino; 
when  Captain  Guion  Sailed  for  the  post  of  Natchez.  In  compliance  with 
my  orders  received  to  day,  I  am  exercising  my  Troop  and  in  a  few  days 
will  be  ready  to  start.  ["  The  equivocal  conduct  of  the  Spanish  authori- 
ties of  Louisiana  in  relation  to  the  treaty  of  limits  &c.  induced  General 
Wilkinson  to  reinforce  our  military  posts  on  the  Mississippi  river ;  and  for 
this  service  he  selected  Captain  Isaac  Guion,  an  officer  of  tried  confidence 
and  approved  intelligence,  who  had  served  with  General  Montgomery 
before  Quebec,  and  possessed  great  energy  of  character."] 


General  Wilkinson  to  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Sir,  Head  Quarters.  Fort  Washington,  May  26,  1797. 

You  ^  re,  this  day,  to  cross  the  Ohio  river,  with  your  troop,  and  to 
commence  your  march  for  Knoxville,  in  the  state  of  Tennessee,  without 
one  moments  unnecessary  delay.  You  will  proceed  by  easy  marches,  on 
the  most  convenient  road  for  Fort  Blount,  on  the  Cumberland  river. 
Should  you  discover  on  your  approach  to,  or  .arrival  at  this  place,  that  the 
Indians  are  hostilely  disposed,  you  are  to  fall  back,  either  to  Nashville,  or 
take  some  intermediate  secure  position,  where  your  cavalry  can  be  well 
subsisted,  and  wait  the  arrival  of  Lieut.  Col.  Commandant  Butler,  whose 
orders  you  are  to  receive.  But  should  you  find  the  Indians  in  a  state  of 
tranquility,  you  will  proceed  on  to  Knoxville,  with  due  military  precau- 
tion and  on  your  arrival  there,  will  report  tj  the  senior  officer  on  thaC 
Station,  and  require  quarters  and  subsistence  for  your  men  and  horses, 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanin 'ia. 


141 


wliere  you  are  to  wait  the  arrival  of  Col.  Butler,  unless  otherwise  disposed 
of  under  the  authority  of  the  President.     Wishio{<  you  an  agreeable  tour 
I  remain  with  much  friendship  your  obedient  se'rvant  ' 


:  me^. 


<:>UA-^ 


Captain  Van  Eensselaer. 

General  Wilkinson  was  appointed  deputy  adjutant  general  by  Gen. 
Gates,  and,  after  the  surrender  of  Burgoyne,  congress  made  him  a  briga- 
dier general  by  brevet.  Congress  was  so  overjoyed  at  the  surrender, 
they  allowed  Col.  Wilkinson,  the  messenger  of  the  glad  tidings,  to  stand 
upon  their  floor  and  announce  the  fact. 

Extracts  from  Capt.  V.  -B's  I^ote  Book. 
June  4th.  Remained  until  this  day  in  the  family  of  the  General  Lieut. 
Ball  with  the  Troop  on  duty.  The  General,  Inspectors  and  other  Officers 
visited  our  camp  and  reviewed  the  Troop  ;  in  the  evening  I  returned  with 
them  and  remained  until  the  afternoon  of  the  5th  When  I  received  my 
Orders  to  march,  and  took  leave  of  the  General  and  others.  This  morning 
we  commenced  our  march  and  reachf -i  Reads  on  the  Dike  Ridge  the  20 
Miles,  Seven  of  the  men  were  drunk  and  one  lost  his  sword,  for  which 
he  received  thirty  Lashes,  and  another  Six  for  his  carelessness  in  losing 
his  canteen, 

6th.  In  the  morning  commenced  our  March  and  reached  Little  Station 
at  4  oclock  P.M.  without  any  accident  happening,  here  Lieut.  Ball 
joined  me  with  Dispatches  from  the  Commander-in-Chief  for  Knoxville 
&c,  went  to  day  20  Miles. 

7th.  Left  the  Troop  under  the  Command  of  Lt,  Ball  and  proceeded 
onward  with  my  Servant  and  one  Dragoon  to  Lexington  40  miles,  with  a 
view  to  forward  him  on  express  if  a  Citizen  of  confidence  could  not  be 
had,  and  reached  that  Town  about  sunset,  and  proceeded  to  accomplish 
the  business. 

8th.  Dispatched  the  Dragoon  Express,  and  then  was  employed  in  Scour- 
ing the  Country  to  form  our  Encampment  &c. 

9th.  The  Troop  arriveJ  and  took  possession  of  a  beautiful  spot  two 
miles  from  Lexington.  Several  of  the  men  intoxicated  and  three  did  not 
join  this  day  which  will  be  all  the  wonse  for  them. 

10th.  The  men  joined.  Corporal  Joiney  I  reduced  to  the  ranks  and  or- 
dered him  to  receive  25  Lashes  for  disobedience  of  orders.  Maynard, 
Culin  and  Jackson  received  50  Lashes  each  for  leaving  the  Troop  and 
getting  drunk. 

11th  &  12th.  Dined  with  the  citizens  who  are  very  attentive  and  friendly 
to  the  officers.  There  are  frequent  parties  visiting  our  Camp.  The 
Saddlers  and  Blacksmiths  are  employed  constantly  in  the  necessary  re- 
pairs of  the  Troop. 

13th.  The  Volunteer  Troop  of  horse,  gives  us  a  grand  and  pleasant 
liarbecue;  theirs  is  a  pretty  Scarlet  with  Black  and  Silver  lace.  The 
social  eiitertuiument  in  the   open  air  gave  a  day  spent  in  harmony  and 


142 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


shall 
The 

been 


14fch  Mr.  Brown,  brother  to  a  Senator  in  Con<]jress,  with  his  Wife  and 
a  number  of  fine  agreeable  young  ladies  honored  us  with  a  pleasant  visit. 

15th.  A  Ball  was  given  in  honour  of  the  Cloth,  but  not  feeliu"  much 
inclined  for  suah  amusements  I  declined  going  but  I  requested  Lieut.  Ball 
to  attend,  which  he  did, 

Capt.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife. 
My  Lovely  Harriot,     Dragoon  Camp,  Lexington,  Ky.,  June  14,  1797. 

*  *  *  I  have  taken  possession  of  a  beautiful  piece  of  ground  in  a 
sequestered  spot  two  miles  from  Lexington,  and  hat^e  formed  a  pretty 
Camp.  The  Ladies  and  gentlemen  of  the  City  pay  us  frequent  visits,  a 
large  party  are  to  be  out  to  day.  It  is  9  o'clock  a.  m,,  I  have  ordered 
the  Trumpeter  to  sound  for  Roll  call.  I  must  attend.  While  I  lived 
with  General  Wilkinson  in  his  family  at  Fort  Washington,  as  an  evidence 
of  his  confidence,  not  one  single  order  was  given  me  for  the  Police  or 
discipline  of  my  Troop.  I  was  left  to  make  such  a  disposition  as  I 
thought  proper,  it  gives  me  pleasure  that  my  little  experience  has  placed 
me  beyond  the  unpleasant  reflection  of  inadequacy.  Since  I  have  been 
here,  I  have  received  letters  from  the  General,  amongst  other  things  he 
says,  "  Deliver  the  enclosed  to  Col.  Butler  when  you  meet,  and  send 
forward  the  letter  for  Knoxville  in  such  a  way  as  your  discretion 
direct,  it  is  of  importance.  Life  and  Laurels  my  dear  Buy  to  you." 
letter  I  have  forwarded  by  a  confidential  sergeant. 

5  o'clock  p.  M.  The  expected  party,  my  lovely  Harriot,  have 
here,  they  were  quite  agreeable,  and  I  did  the  honors  to  the  best  of  my 
skill.  JuDP  15th.  This  morning  it  rained  a  little  which  prevented  my 
moving,  but  it  has  now  cleared  oflF,  and  have  given  directions  to  have 
every  thing  in  readiness  for  that  purpose  in  the  morning,  a  little 
more  time  can  I  only  devote  to  you. 
evening  in  consequence  of  the  rain. 

tions  for  the  occasion,  but  for  my  part,  I   am  ofiF;  the  perusal  of  your 
affectionate  letter  will,  by  far,  give  me  more  pleasure. 

I  have  an  elegant  pair  of  bays,  these  with  a  fine  sleigh  and  then  what 
pleasure  will  I  have  with  my  Harriot.  Jake  takes  good  care  of  them  and 
behaves  well,  he  is  a  fine  boy  and  makes  an  excellent  body  servant,  you 
will  hardly  know  him.  I  draw  provisions  for  him  by  order  of  the 
General.  I  wrote  this  letter  at  different  times  as  I  could  find  opportunity, 
or  be  spared  from  the  duty  of  the  Troop,  it  is  written  on  my  knee,  I  need 
not  make  any  apology  for  inaccuracy  in  it.  Mr.  Ball  is  just  going  to 
Town  and  I  must  close,  with  the  cruel  word  Adieu. 

Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Mrs.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Cherry  Hill,  Albany. 

Extracts  from  GapL  Van  Eensselatr's  Note  Book. 
June  16th.  Every  thing  being  again  ready  for  a  march,  the  tents  were 
struck  and  baggage  packed.  At  ton  oclock  commenced  our  move  throu^'h 
Lexington  on  the  head  waters  of  Elkhorn  river,  with  about  900  inhabitants. 
Our  cavalry  passed  on  in  handsome  order ;  the  streets  were  crowded  with 
gaping  citizens  expressing  their  entire  approbation  "  at  the  beautiful  sight," 
as  they  were  pleased  to  term  it.  The  full  uniform  and  dragooner's  heavy 
sword  always  carry  their  peculiar  charm;  perhaps  it  is  owing  to  the  satis- 
faction felt  in  knowing  how  nicely  they  can  slash  through  the  wily  In- 
dian skull,  just  like  cutting  into  a  ruutid  ripe  pumpkin  in  successful  war- 
fare !  After  a  walker  of  20  Miles  encamped  at  a  hot  headed  Democrats. 


The  Ball  is  Postponed   until  this 
Lieut.  Ball  is  now  making  prepara- 


fcpring  grove 


Leqacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  143 

17th.  Reached  Danville  twenty  miles  more  after  crossing  the  Kentucky 
and  Dicks  Kiver;  a  heavy  rain  accompanied  us  this  day  The  hi<'h 
rocks  or  precipices  being  400  feet  high  of  Dick  river  are  wonderful  •  some 
of  tlie  banks  are  of  lime  stone  and  other  of  white  marble ;  they  are  covered 
with  large  groves  of  red  cedar,  the  banks  high  on  both  sides. 

18th.  It  rained  fast  all  day ;  our  clothes  being  wet,  we  continued  in  camp 
and  were  treated  with  much  Civility  by  the  Citizens. 

wmV-  ^^^  P^''^  HP"^^,  ^^""^  missing  and  could  not  be  found  :  proceeded 
to  Uilliam  bhaws,  found  a  fine  meadow  for  our  horses. 

23rd.  Having  procured  provisions  arJ  forage  we  left  Shurmans,  and 
after  two  miles  passed  through  the  small  town  of  Greensburgh  and  12 
miles  further  brought  us  to  the  little  Barren  river,  thence  to  the  Blue 
Spring  grove  where  we  encamped.  The  streams  from  some  of  these  springs 
are  quite  as  brinish  as  ocean  water ;  the  deer  and  other  animals  come  to 
these  icks  to  lap  up  the  salt.  The  land  here  for  eight  miles  at  least  may 
be  called  very  barren  in  every  sense  of  the  word  ;  the  Soil  is  stony,  the 
grass  IS  long  and  coarse  affording  but  little  subsistence  for  cattle.  Save 
smal  scopes  of  timber  in  a  few  places,  nothing  but  scrubby  oaks  are 
visible.  Ihe  extent  of  this  piece  of  most  extraordinary  lan<^  is  100  miles 
each  way,  it  is  extremely  unpleasant  in  warm  weather  and  even  dangerous 
to  travelers.  There  are  many  curious  caves  of  miles  in  length  with  sin- 
gular  pillars  and  arches;  there  was  also  a  spring  on  Green  "iver  the  water 
ot  which  was  very  much  like  oil  and  burnt  with  a  fine  light 

24th.  Encamped  at  Sinking  Creek;  for  13  miles  the  water  was  very 
bad,  nauseous  with  sulphur  and  the  land  same  as  yesterday  with  verv 
singular  cavities  ;  the  Creek  dis>iopears  for  some  miles. 

26th.  Found  the  4th  Regiment  under  Col.  Butler  encamped  at  the 
J<orks  oUhe  road  from  Nashville  I  therefore  advanced  three  miles  from 
tkm  and  encamped  at  Major  Wilson's  26  miles  from  our  last  encampment 
where  I  got  some  excellent  timothy  and  corn  for  the  horses  and  Indian' 
aeal  lor  the  men,  rain  all  this  day. 

27th.  Proceedad  in  the  rain  four  miles  to  Gen.  Winchesters,  where  I 
purchased  seven  days  provisions  and  Forage.  This  is  the  Cumberland 
feettlenients  and  the  richest  soil  J  ever  beheld.  The  Fourth  Re-iment 
encamped  near  us,  only  a  creek  dividing  the  camps. 

Col,  Butler  to  Gapi.  Van  Senmlaer. 

Sir,  Please  give  the  Corporal  a  Pass  to  travel  the  Caney-fork  road  to 
bouth.we.st  Point.  I  have  notified  the  Officer  at  that  post  of  your  n.ove- 
ments,and  directed  Capt.  Sharks  to  provide  for  the  Dragoons  until  they 
receive  your  orders  to  Join.  Your  Humble  Servt.  ' 

June  28th  1797,  ^hos.  Butlee  L.  Gen.  4th  U.  S.  Reg'. 

The  Regiment  moved  before  sunrise  fifteen  miles.     My  Troop  continued 

L  nf 'P  ""u    "^'"'  ^  '''^^''^'''  ^^'"S  ^^tixioiid  by  rain,  when  it  ceased  the 

of  nrn vi?'      ^f  ^^aken  up      Being  obliged  to  have  on  hand  a  quantity 

a  V Tt  19.7      '-'^V'  'm*,  "'  ^""^  ^^^  ™''^«  ^"«^  burgagable  to  get 
any  at  the  Stations  in  the  wilderness)  I  directed  the  Dragoons  to  march 

cot  „u..rMll  !  ^r^'-    1'^^^.'  ^-^"^  ^^'"^  *'^"^"»»^  ^  "«*»  <=«""'^y  -°d 
theiain  cane-brake;  it  was  very  muddy  in  consequence  of 

roads'''m?1^\i"  ^5%"^*^''"'"y  "'"^'^d  through  rain  and  over  intolerable 
roaas,  passed  the  Infantry  encampment,  who    remained   there  for  the 


i  i 


I 


144 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings, 


day ;  the  Country  was  rich  and  well  timbered.  Crossed  the  -autiful 
lliver  Cumberland  at  the  Cauey-lork  ferry  and  formed  our  Camp  on  the 
South  Bank  thereof,  between  the  large  Caney  Branch  and  this  river 
fifteen  miles.  This  River  is  very  deep  and  consequently  the  current  not 
rapid. 

30th.  Moved  early  in  the  morning,  the  Dragoons  still  on  foot  but 
the  road  being  over  a  light  hilly  ridge  the  traveling  is  better.  The 
beautiful  waterfalls  among  the  hills  over  which  we  had  passed  and  the 
high  cliffs  was  an  impressive  scene.  Passed  the  Line,  (two  miles  south 
east)  between  the  United  States  and  the  Cherokee  Indians  where  we  en- 
camped having  gone  twenty-five  miles. 

July  1st.  Our  route  to  day  lay  through  a  Barren  Country  for  about  six 
miles  to  the  forks  of  the  Caney-fort  and  Fort  Blount  roads  at  the  foot  of 
the  Cumberland  Mountain. 

Capt.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife. 
My  Lovely  Harriot,  Dragoon  Encampt.  July  11th  1797. 

I  reached  Knoxville  the  place  of  my  destination  on  the  5th  Inst,  after 
a  long  march  of  six  Hundred  miles,  which  I  performed  in  one  month  pre- 
cisely from   Fort  Washington.     Not  being  pleased  with  my  situation  in 
Town,    and  Col.  Butler  with  the  Fourth  Ileginient  not  soon  expected,  I 
moved  on  the  6th  to  this   place  two  miles  from  it,  formed  my  Camp  and 
built  fine  strong  Stables  which  has  engrossed  all  my  time,     *     *     *    My 
Troop  is  to  be  stationary  near  this  place.     The  Country  is  beautiful  and 
healthy,  the  river  scenery  exceedingly  fine;  the  mountains  and  valleys 
have  great  natural  wonders,  and  all  is  most  agreeable  to  me.    Every  thing 
drives  on  smoothly  about  me,  not  a  man  or  horse  have  I  lost  on  the  march 
or  here.     The  Fourth  Regiment  have  lost  several  by  desertion  etc;  in 
about  ten  days  they  will  be  here,  when  my  Troop  will  probably  take  its 
position  at  Telico  Block  House  30  miles  distant.     The  pleasing  hope  of 
receiving  a  number  of  letters  from  you  on  my  arrival  in  this  state,  made 
me  bear  with  greater  fortitude  the  fatigues  of  so  long  a  march,  but  Col. 
Butler  is  now  daily  expected  and  I  hope  on  the  first  of  September  I 
will  leave  this,  never  to  return  more  if  you  are  only  spared  to  me.    My 
time  is  almost  constantly  employed  in  the  Police  and  discipline  of  my 
Troop,  business  and  company  leave  but  little  for  writing.     I  have  this 
moment  received  a  letter  from  Colonel  Butler  advising  me  of  his  arrival 
at  the  Confluence  of  the  Tennessee  and  Clinch  Rivers,  forty  miles  from 
here,  in  a  few  days  he  will  be  here,  possibly  before  this  leaves  me  on 
next  Wednesday  by  the  mail.     Under   the    Knoxville  head  of  the  in- 
closed paper  you  will  fi"d  my  name  mentioned,  it  will  please  you  and  sol 
send  it  on.     I  have  a  beautiful  pair  of  Moccasins  for  you,  and   from  this 
will  see  I  intend  to  make  a  little  squaw  ol  you.     I  must  stop  with  this  at- 
tempt at  a  little  liveliness,  it  does  not  correspond  with  my  feelings.    Let 
me  not  look  back  to  past  scenes,  it  is  too  distressing;  instead  of  finding 
the  happy  Harriot  to  welcome  me  with  a  tender  embrace  on  my  return 
from  short  visits  on    business  I  must  attend  to  the  dull  routine  of  camp 
duty  and  then  roused  from  my  broken  slumbers  by  the  Trumpet  before 
daylight   in    the    morning.      The    Commissioners   are    proceeding  with 
amicableness  in  the  limit  line  survey,  and  my  furlough  will  allew  lue  to 
leave,  if  not  necessarily  required  here.     May  you  not  bo  disappointed  in 
spending  your  Birthday,  Sept.  3,  with  me,  we  will  celebrate  it  together, 
and  may  you  see  many  days  yqually  happy  with  your  doiirjg  Husband  and 


Mrs.  .Solomon 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  146 

fond  little  ones.     And  may  they  crown  you  with  Laurels  that  will     am- 
pensato  for  what  you  may  suffer;  in  the  character  of  a  Mother  you  will 


shine  in  the  care  of  your  little  family. 


God  Bless  you  Farewell. 


Mrs.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Cherry  Hill.      ^^^'  ^^^  Kensselaeb. 

"  Knoxville  Tenn.  July  19,  1797.  On  the  15th  inst.  Captain  Van 
Rensselaer  with  his  troop  of  light  dragoons,  arrived  i-  thi  .own.  The 
good  order  and  soldierly  appearance  of  this  corps  of  horse  reflect  honor  on 
themselves  and  their  officers.  We  understand  that  the  cnmmissionera 
who  acted  under  the  United  States,  in  running  the  line  between  this  state 
and  the  Indians,  have  desisted  from  extending  the  line  from  some  distance 
beyond  Cumberland  to  Clinch  river,  in  consequonee  of  some  dissatisfaction 
expressed  by  the  Cherokees.  Col.  Hawkins  &  Mr.  Dinsmoor,  returned  to 
this  town  a  few  days  ago,  and  Gen.  Pickens  has  remained  ut  his  camp  on 
Siiiking  creek  about  ten  miles  from  tins  town,  though  we  just  learn  he 
will  come  to  town  tomorrow.  Also  th  u  Geii.  '.Vincliester  will  shortly  bo 
here,  when  it  is  understood  these  vicegerents  of  Executive  powor  of  the 
United  States  will  proceed  to  the  division  li  o  between  the  Cherokees  and 
the  district  of  Washington  and  Hamilton  in  this  state.  We  do  them  but 
justice  to  add,  that  a  strict  regard  to  th.  claims  and  rights  of  both  nations 
(we  have  understood)  will  be  the  goverumg  principle  of  the.-n  gentlemen  " 

General  Andrew  Pickens  took  his  first  lessons  in  the  art  of  war  while  serv- 
ing as  a  volunteer  in  Grant's  expedition  again.si  the  Cherokees  He 
became  a  warm  republican  when  the  revolution  broke  out,  and  was  one 
ot  the  most  active  of  the  military  partizans  of  the  South .  He  was  commis- 
sioned  major  general  of  the  South  Carolina  militia  in  1795,  and  was  often  a 
coamussiouer  to  treat  with  the  Indians.  He  married  an  aunt  of  the  late 
John  C.  Calhoun. 

The  Furlough. 

Knoxville,  State  of  Tennesssee  July  30,  1797.  Captain  Van  Rensselaer 
ot  the  Dragoons  is  permitted  to  visit  his  Family,  and  to  be  absent  durincr 
the  pleasure  ot  the  Secretary  of  War.  * 

Lt.  Col.  Butler.  j^  .  Wilkinson. 

Lt.  N.  I.  Visscher  to  Gapt.  Van  Rensselaer. 
My  dear  Sir,  Fort  Oswego,  November  16,  1797 

How  many  days,  and  months,  nay  !  almost  years  have  passed  since  I 
nave  belield  a  Letter  from  you,  and  I  do  not  suppose  that  I  should  ever 
again  receive  a  line  if  I  was  not  to  write  you.  How  strange  it  is  that 
whenever  man  (1  mean  the  majority  of  mankind)  slip  into  the  matrimo- 
mal  noose,  their  friendship  is  at  once  diverged.  But  with  me,  there  will 
be  a  glaring  exception  to  the  rute,  with  me;  where  two  hearts  have  beat 
111  unison,  where  providence  has  thrown  the  sweet  ingredient  of  friend- 
.^liip  into  the  rugged  path  of  life  to  enable  us  to  sail  down  the  torrent 
with  ease  and  safety,  nothing  can  efface  the  tie  from  my  memory  No 
morbid  tumor  shall  rankle  in  my  breast,  nor  shall  oven  the  Bridal  Bed 
>juip  asunder  the  t^ndercst  ties  of  mnmwjmnitu,  affinity  and  friendship 
witn  me.  ii  riendship  when  once  rooted  in  my  breast  is  not  like  the  plant 
01  a  temperate  clime  when  removed  to  a  torrid  zone,  where  the  leaf'  be- 
comes withered,  the  blossom  no  more  expands  and  the  plant  enervates  and 
aies  under  the  influence  of  the  scorching  sun.     But  with  me  it  never  eu- 

19 


n 


146 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


I 


ervatcB,  it  is  as  impenetrable  to  infection  as  the  castle  which  is  improsna- 
hlo,  is  impenetrable  to  the  sword  of  the  open  invader.  You  have  lieard 
before  tliis  of  my  appointment  to  the  command  of  this  place.  Pray  when 
have  you  seen  Miss  Sanders  ?  I  wish  she  would  prove  friendly  in  assistini' 
nie  to  choose  a  partner  like  the  turtle  of  the  vale.  I  am  too  apprehensive 
of  a  rebuif,  or  I  should  request  you  to  present  my  warmest  esteem  to  her. 
I  sincerely  wish  that  my  acquaintance  with  her  was  of  an  earlier  period 
but  permit  me  to  drop  a  subject  which  admits  of  so  much  doubt  in  its  at- 
tainment to  my  happiness.  This  goes  by  Col.  Smith  my  particular  ac- 
quaintance who  goes  in  a  Boat  that  carries  your  Trunk  from  Fort  Wash- 
ington  to  Schenectady.  I  have  given  a  certificate  on  Mr.  Glen  Agent  for 
transportation,  for  the  carriage.  Present  my  friendship  to  Mrs.  V.  R. 
I  hope  you  are  made  happy  ere  this  by  an  increase  of  family,  but  muin 
on  this  score.  Adieu,  Yours. 

Capt.  Sol.  Van  Kensselaer,  Albany,  N.  I.  Visscher. 

After  remaining  more  than  a  year  at  Fort  Oswego,  Lieutenant  Nanning 
I.  Visscher  of  the  Artillery,  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  gar- 
rison at  that  place.  This  fort  was  of  great  military  importance  during 
the  colonial  wars.  The  London  Mdijaztiic,  for  the  year  1757  gives  an 
account  of  the  investment  and  surrender  of  the  place,  it  was  reduced  by 
the  French  under  Gen.  Montcalm.  The  works  at  Oswego  at  this  time 
consisted  of  three  forts,  viz..  the  old  fort  on  the  west  side  of  the  river, 
and  two  forts  on  the  east  side,  situated  on  two  eminences,  which  latter 
were  commenced  the  year  previous,  and  were  in  an  unfinished  state. 
These  works  were  very  weak,  and  the  walls  of  insufiicient  strength  to 
resist  heavy  artillery.  The  English  relied  for  a  defense  upon  having  a 
superior  naval  force  upon  the  lake  but  it  was  incomplete.  The  French 
were  the  victors  and  after  the  capitulation  immediately  dismantled  the 
forts. 

Bichard  Varick  to  Philip  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Sir :  New  York,  Nov.  28,  1797. 

I  have  the  Honor  of  acknowledging  the  lleceipt  of  Mrs.  Rensselaer's 
favor  without  date  accompanied  by  two  Cheeses  and  a  Bag  of  Aragrietties 
for  Mrs.  Benson  and  myself,  I  should  long  ere  now  have  forwarded  an 
Answer  with  a  Remittance  of  perishable  articles,  consisting  of  mos.  oxcel- 
lent  Carolina  potatoes,  Oranges  and  a  pot  of  Brandy  peaches,  wli.ch  are 
boxed  up  and  have  been  at  the  Wliarf  and  remanded  on  account  of  the 
extreme  Cold  Weather,  and  our  hearing  of  your  River  being  frozen  up  so 
as  to  Stop  the  Navigation  to  Kinderhook.  I  hope  the  river  will  open 
again,  or  both  of  us  will  be  disappointed.  While  we  congratulate  you  on 
the  Birth  of  another  Grand  Daughter,  a^if'  wish  you  and  Mrs.  Rensselaer 
as  well  as  Arrietta  and  her  dear  Spouse  [iSolonion  Van  Rensselaer]  every 
Blessing  on  the  Occasion,  we  hear  with  extreme  Concern  the  continued 
Indisposition  of  Mrs.  Elmendorf,  and  t\v,\t  you  are  far  from  being  well, 
Our  best  wishes  attend  you  both  and  may  a  beneficent  Heaven  preserve 
our  friends  ;  to  his  Care  and  protection  we  cheerfully  commit  them,  assureJ 
that  there  alone  they  can  Icel  themselves  safe  and  happy. 

With  regret  1  mention  to  you  the  Death  of  Mr.  Martin  Hoffman  of 
Mount  Ross  in  Dutchess  County  (wli  so  lady  you  saw  with  us).  He  died 
on  Tuesday  last  between  10  and  11,  after  about  24  or  2(3  Hours  Illness  of 
a  Cholic.  So  we  drop  oil'  one  after  another,  and  who  knows  the  ne.\t  Pas- 
gcngcr  in  that  Journey.     Mrs.  Benson  joius  Mrs.  Varick  and  Miss  Laidlie 


Leqacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  147 

and  myself  in  thanks  to  you  and  Mrs.  Rensselaer  for  your  present  and  in 
our  best  wishes  for  your  Health  and  Thut  of  our  other  friends  of  your 
family,  to  All  whom  We  pray  to  be  affectionately  remembered.  Accent 
the  best  sentiments  of  Respect  and  Affection  from  your  Friend  Cwho  is 
called  to  Court  in  Haste)  Kichard  Variok. 

3Ir.  rhihp  Van  Rensselaer,  Cherry  Hill,  near  Albany. 

Secretary  of  War  to  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer. 

'""',1;.     o      •  •  •  .War  department,  25  April,  1798. 

Ihc  Service  requirinn;  your  immediate  presence  with  your  Company 
you  will  be  pleased  to  join  it  with  all  convenient  Speed. 

I  am  Sir  with  regard  Your  most  obedt  Serv. 

Capt.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany.  James  McHenry. 

C  I  Eodgdon  to  Capt.  Van  Rensselaer. 

^tT'^p'        1    w    u-  r.    P^'la'^clphia,  26th  November,  1798. 

The  Generals  Washington,  Hamilton  and  Pinckney  are  here  makin- 
with  the  Assistance  of  the  Secretaries  an  arrangement  for  briu<nnf-  into 
effect  the  contemplated  Army,  if  you  have  any  particular  claim'^  to°  pre- 
fer I  tlnnk  you  ought  to  be  here  as  early  as  possible,  for  it  is  not  expected 
General  Washington  will  remain  an  hour  longer  than  is  Necessary  to 
compleat  this  business  for  which  his  information  and  Station  peculiarly 
fit  and  entitle  him.  I  have  no  doubts  deserving  Officers  already  in  Serv- 
ice will  be  properly  noticed,  yet  I  think  it  best  they  should  ur-o  their 
pretensions  personally.  In  haste  adieu.  If  I  can  Serve  you,  command 
^'^^  Yours  very  sincerely, 

Capt.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer.  Samuel  Hodgdon. 

Invitation  from  General  Thomas  Pinckney. 
Mr.  Pinckney  requests   the   Honor  of  Mr.  Renslaer's  Company   at 
Dinner  on  Monday  the  28d  Pebry,  at  i  past  5  oClock.  ^    ^   •^^ 

General  Washington  to  John  Tayloe. 

^Z.^V     ,,  ^.'^     r  Mount  Vernon,  23  January,  1799. 

I  he  Gazettes,  which,  I  presume,  you  have  seen,  having  announced 
your  appointment  as  Major  in  the  Regiment  of  Light  Dragoons,  I  shall 
add  no  inorc  than  a  wish  that  it  may  be  acceptable  to  you,  as  it  is  a  very 
huuorable  one  for  any  gentleman  who  has  not  been  in  or  seen  much  service 
Ihe  other  Major  now  is,  and  has  been  in  the  dragoon  service  severaj 
yars  a  Captain  IS  a  man  of  family,  genteel  in  his  person,  has  given 
pioofs  of  his  gallant  behavior,  and  was  wounded  in  General  Wayne's 
victory  over  the  combined  Indian  force  in  the  year  1794.1  Colonel 
V\  atts,  you  Will  no  doubt  have  heard,  was  esteemed  one  of  the  best  cavalry 
offi  ers  we  had  in  the  Revolutionary  War,  and  whose  merit  is  particular  y 

Sst'yc:;!;:d°'  '^""  """^  "^•^  '^  '^^^  *^'^'  ''■^''  '^^^  ^pp-^^^- 

With  great  esteem  and  regard,  I  am,  dear  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 
John  Tayloe,  Esqr.,  At  Mount  Airy.  ^^-  Washington. 


Ql^'ilown.^''"  """'^"^'^"'■'  "'  Albany,  subsequently  .a  general,  and  the  licro  of 


I 


148 


Lbgact  of  Historical  Glbaninqs. 


Colonel  Tayloe  of  Richmond  county,  having  just  been  elected  to  tlin 
senate  of  Virginia  after  a  fatiguing  contost,  liesituled  before  accepting  thin 
appointment  in  the  army,  on  the  ground,  as  ho  wrote  to  General  Wash- 
ington, that  if  he  should  accept,  his  seat  in  the  Eenate  would  inevitably 
be  filled  by  an  opponent  of  the  administration.  CongresH  called  ()eii. 
Washington  from  retirement  to  take  command  of  the  army.  lie  selected 
those  he  could  rely  on  and  sent  his  trusty  General  Hamilton  who  cherished 
my  father  as  a  friend  and  'irfiuan  for  him.  In  the  presence  of  Gen. 
Hamilton  and  Gen.  PincKiioy  iu^  rjucstioncd  him  in  regard  to  the  state  of 
his  wounds,  and  in  Jai.iiary,  1800,  appointed  him  a  major  of  cavalry.  "By 
the  law,"  says  Major  Van  Rensselaer,  "  subsequently  enacted  for  reducing 
this  army,  two  troops  of  cavalry  were  retained  without  a  field  officer,  I  of 
course,  was  among  the  disbanded,  but  not  until  after  every  eflFort  in  njy 
favor  had  been  made  by  Governor  Jay,  the  gallant  but  ill-used  Gen. 
Schuyler,  General  Hamilton,  and  all  the  great  Federal  leaders  of  the  day 
to  have  me  retained  in  service.  * 


Dear  Sir, 


Oen.  Schuyler  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 

Albany,  Octr.  8,  1799. 


As  it  seems  of  importance  to  the  Community  that  Military  officers 
should  as  much  as  possible,  be  selected  from  that  class  of  Citizens  whose 
property  renders  them  interested  in,  and  attached  to  the  public  weal,  If 
in  that  class  competent  characters  can  be  found  ;  Under  this  impression 
I  deem  it  a  public  duty,  respectfully  to  draw  the  attention  of  Government 
to  one  who  in  my  opinion  and  in  the  estimation  of  our  Citizens,  is  every 
way  worthy.  Captain  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  is  the  eldest  Captain  of 
Dragoons  of  the  Army  of  the  United  States  &  who  wishes  to  continue  in 
the  service,  hoping  that  from  his  standing  in  that  Corps,  he  may  with 
propriety,  solicit  promotion  to  the  rank  of  Major  therein.  Of  his  military 
character.  Government  is  probably  well  advised  j  his  civil  one,  is  marked 
with  prudence,  sobriety,  integrity  and  patriotism.  As  it  will  afi'ord  much 
satisfaction  here  and  to  many  of  your  friends  of  the  Government,  to  see 
its  patronage  extended  to  so  very  worthy  a  young  Gentleman,  permit  me 
to  entreat  your  countenance  in  his  favor,  with  our  worthy  President. 
I  am  Dear  Sir,  With  great  regard  &  esteem 

Your  obedient  Servant. 

Hon.  James  McHenry  &c.,  &c.,  Secretary  War.        ^'^-  Schuyler. 
Lieut.  N.  I.  Visccher  to  Major  Van  Rensselaer. 

My  dear  Sir,  Fort  Niagara,  Nov.  14,  1799. 

After  a  long  lapse  of  time  I  have  again  presumed  to  address  you.  I 
have  from  your  long  silence  supposed,  that  your  friendship  towards  me 
had  ceased,  yet,  I  cannot  conceive  that  the  juvenile  warmth  so  early 
kindled  into  benevolence  and  brotherly  affection,and  which  had  for  years 
been  cherished  with  the  greatest  reciprosity,  should  thus  fade  like  the 
falling  leaf.  I  think  my  conjectures  must  be  right,  for  I  cannot  conceive 
that  any  material  change  could  on  your  part  have  happened  since  I  left  you, 
save  your  rank  and  preferment  in  life,  but  this  could  not,  and  I  am  almost 
persuaded  that  it  has  not  effected  the  smallest  iota  of  change  in  you.  On 
my  part,  fortune  has  frowned  with  its  severest  dispensations  on  me  in  the 
lottery  of  promotion,  and  my  humble  rank  makes  me  despair  of  ever 
glittering  as  a  Soldier,  or  acting  a  conspicuous  part  in  the  Science 
of  War,     To  continue  speaking  of  myself  (and  which  I  do  with  diffi- 


Legacy  op  Historical  Qleaninqs.  149 

dcncc')  T  have  for  a  year  or  two  been  more  particularly  engaged  in  scien- 
tial pursuits,  but  my  application  liaH  only  becsti  condi  >^e  of  evincin-'  how 
insiijiiljkant  u  man,  and  comparatively  speakinf,  '  have  been  loft 
goniething  in  the  same  way,  that  Juno  left  Ixion,  fully  convinced  of  the 

truth,   that   "at   twenty  man 
puspects  himself  a  fool,  knows 
it  at  30,  and  at  40  "  &c.,  thus 
have  I  in  my  searches  arrived 
at  the  second  stage,  tuo  well 
impressed  with  my  deficiency 
of  education,  "  and  the  thou- 
sand  natural  shocks  that  flesh 
is  heir  to,"  ;»rieved   to  death 
that  I  am  not  capacitated  to 
act  a  more  shining  part.    I  am 
sorry  to  inform  you  that  my 
religious   tenets   have    under- 
gone  some  change,  but  on  this 
1  must  for  the  present  be  silent, 
and  request  the  same  of  you 
to  this  point.     I  find  that  1 
have  in  this  Letter  been  quite 
au  egotist,  but  I  write  to  you 
as  an  old  friend  and  compa- 
triot,  and    with    smch,   strict 
formula  is  therefore  not  neces- 
sary. I  have  lately  met  with  a 
rebuff  in  application  to  Gene- 
I  shall  to-day  write  my  ultimatum  to 


N.  I,  V18SCUEB. 


ral  Hamilton  for  leave  of  absence ^  „,,,„         ui^imaiuiu  lo 

the  General  on  that  score,  for  I  am  determined  no  longer  to  serve  under 
the  auspices  of  this  Frenchman,  it  will  not  be  till  sometime  in  the  winter 
that  I  can  expect  to  leave  this,  till  then, 

I  remain  as  usual,  your  aflfectioniito 


Major  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Mr.  Visscher  returned  to  Albany  and  subsequently  we  read  : 
"Married,  on  Thursday  Jan.  8,  1807  at  Albany,  by  the  Rev.  John  M. 
iradford,  Mr.  Nanning  I.  Visscher,  Merchant,  to  Miss  Catharine  Glen 
Van  Rensselaer,  daughter  of  Colonel  John  I.  Van  Rensselaer,  both  of 

ureenbush." 

Alexander  Hamilton  was  born  on  the  island  of  Nevis,  British  West 
Indies  He  was  of  Scottish  descent  by  his  father ;  French  by  his  mother. 
i*ort  iNiagara  was  under  the  supervi.sion  of  Gen.  Hamilton.  . 

In  1798,  when  an  invasion  was  apprehended  from  the  French,  and  a 
provisional  urniy  hnd  been  called  into  the  Sold,  President  Adams  had  oSoied 


160 


Legacy  of  Historical  Qleaninqs. 


tho  chief  command  of  this  army  to  Oen.  Washinj^ton,  who  consented  to 
accept  in  case  llaiuilton  sliould  be  chosen  second  in  command,  with  the 
title  of  inspector  general.  He  succeeded  in  bringing  the  organizatiuu  and 
discipline  of  the  army  to  a  high  degree  of  excellenoe.  Tho  chief  com- 
mand devolved  on  him  at  the  death  of  Washington  in  1790. 


CHAPTER  VII. 
Tkoublous  Times. 


President  John  Adams  transmitted  to  the  congress  of  tho  United  States 
a  letter  received  from  Tobias  Lear,  Esq.,  private  secretary  to  General 
Washington,  communicating  the  sad  intelligence  that:  "  On  the  14th  duy 
of  December  1799,  General  Georoe  Wasiiinoton  breathed  his  last  at 
Mount  Vernon  in  the  69th  year  of  his  age."  House-  of  Representatives, 
Dec.  18,  1799,  Philadelphia.  Mr.  Marshall  rose  and  addressed  the 
Speaker  in  the  following  words  :  "  Information,  Sir,  has  just  been  received 
that  our  illustrious  fellow  citizen,  tho  commander-in-chief  of  the  Americao 
army,  and  late  President  of  the  United  States,  Our  Washington  is  no 
more !  the  hero,  the  sage,  and  the  patiot  of  Amrrica,  the  man  on  whom  in 
times  of  danger  every  eye  was  turned,  and  a!!  hopes  were  placed,  lives 
now  only  in  his  own  great  actions,  and  in  the  hearts  of  an  aflFectionate  and 
afflicted  people." 

"  Philadelphia  December  20.  In  consequence  of  the  afflicting  intelligence 
of  the  death  of  General  Washington,  Mrs.  Adams's  drawing  room  is  de- 
ferred to  Friday  the  27th,  when  the  Ladies  are  respectfully  requested  to 
wear  white,  trimmed  with  black  ribbon,  black  gloves  and  fan,  as  a  token 
of  respect  to  the  memory  of  the  late  President  of  the  United  States.  The 
Ladies  of  the  officers  of  the  general  government  will  please  to  wear  black." 

"  Washington  is  no  more  !  How  shall  we  express  our  grief  on  this  dis- 
tressing event ;  with  what  language  shall  we  give  vent  to  the  full  feelings 
of  our  hearts.  It  is  true,  he  had  reached  the  summit  of  human  honor, 
and  was  ripe  for  immortal  Glory,  It  is  true,  he  had  retired,  in  a  degree, 
from  public  office,  to  the  walks  of  rural  life.  It  is  true,  the  government 
of  our  country  has  devolved  on  wise  and  faithful  men  ;  Yet  Washiiif/tun 
was  still  our  guardian,  our  pride  and  our  defence.  His  reputation  was  a 
bulwark,  and  a  shield,  under  whoso  broad  and  protecting  shade  America 
reposed  with  unbounded  confidence.  He  led  our  armies  amidst  the  perils 
of  revolution  to  victory.  His  virtues,  his  wisdom  hushed  to  peace  the 
voice  of  discord,  and  consolidated  these  states  under  one  firm  government. 
Heaven  lent  him  to  us,  to  make  us  a  nation,  and  to  render  us  prosperous, 
powerful  and  happy.  Having  accomplished  his  high  errand,  he  is  now 
recalled  and  tve  are  overwhelmed  with  grief  He  was  taken  ill  on  Friday. 
An  intimate  friend  asked  him  if  he  wished  to  have  anything  done  on  the 


Legacy  of  IltsTonicAL  Gleanings.  151 

nrninpoment  of  his  temporal  affairs;  he  shook  his  head  and  replied  '  no 

1  th.iiiK  you,  tor  my  books  are  al!  posted  to  Tuesday  '"  ' 

■The  Com.non  Couneil  of  Albany  N.  Y.,  on  honriDf,^  the  n.ol.u.eholy 
ti.linjrs  of  the  death  of  Gknkhal  WAHaiNOXON,    came  to  the  foilowin- 

resolution  :  ° 

"  liKsoLVED,  That  the  Bells  of  this  City  5  ....  J  from  three  to  five 
0  clock  this  afternoon  ;  [Dec.  23d]  and  H  „  ,!,«  Members  of  this  Board 
wear  Crape  round  the  left  arm  for  the  s^.w-e  of  .x  weeks,  as  a  testimony 
ot  respect  to  the  memory  of  Lieut.  Gf.n.  '..'  •  ■      noton,  deceased  " 

During  the  tolling  of  the  bells,  minute  .,  ,.  .  re  fired  by  the  corps  of 
U.  '^-  Art.llery  stationed  in  this  city,  undc  , .  comma.fd  of  Captain 
John  McClallen  The  churches  in  thi  ■  city  -ere  dressed  in  Mourning 
on  biibhath,  and  appropriate  discourses  dp!!\,  dU. 

Funeral  Procession  in  Albany. 

Thursday,  January  9th,  1800,  was  devoted  by  the  citizens  of  Albany 
to  the  performance  of  military  and  civil  honors  in  memory  of  the  beloved 
and  venerated  Washington.  The  concourse  of  citizens,  and  inhabitants 
of  the  vicinity  was  uncommonly  numerous.  A  deep  and  mournful  silence 
hun^'  over  all  ranks,  and  gave  the  most  impressive  testimony  of  a  pervad- 
ing  heart-felt  grief  at  the  irreparable  loss  of  a  character  uniting  such  un. 
e.xamplcd  virtue  and  public  worth.  The  artillerists  of  the  Unfted  Stales 
be..,n  the  .solemnities  at  daybreak,  by  firing  sixteen  guns  in  quick  sue- 
cession,  and  continued  firing  a  gun  every  half  hour  until  the  sitrnal  was 
given  by  three  guns  for  the  procession  to  form.  At  ten  ocloek,  the  military 
paraded  in  Watervliet  street,  under  the  command  of  iMajor  Solomon 
Van  1  KNSSELAER  of  the  army  of  the  United  States,  as  Marshal.  Capt. 
McClr-  len  as  oflBcer  of  the  day,  assisted  by  Adj.  Wendell  and  Licit. 
Ireat  directed  the  procession. 

[In  Juno  1799,  we  find  regarding  Hearses:  "  It  is  in  contemplation 
to  bury  on  hearses,  instead  of  bearing  on  the  shoulders.  This  certainly 
will  be  an  exce  lent  substitute  for  bearers,  who  are  inevitably  exposed  to 
the  putrid  exhalations  of  dead  bodies,  with  which  they  are  almost  in  livin- 
contact.  It  IS  to  be  hoped  that  no  ancient  prejudices  in  favor  of  an  old 
custom  will  prevail  against  propriety  and  expedience,  for  the  life  of  no 
man  ought  to  be  endangered  if  it  can  be  avoided  "] 

The  Her  was  received  on  the  left  of  the  line,  drawn  up  in  open  ranks 

with  arms  presented,   the  officers,  colors,  and   music  saluting.^  Minute 

Kuns  nnng  at  a  distance,  during  the  procession.  At  11  o'clock  by  asi-nal 

ot  two  guns  in  immediate  succession,  the  procession  moved  in  the  folTow- 

nij^  order:  Cavalry  with  swords  reversed,  Drums  muffled,  colors  reversed 

Id  HI  mourning   Band  of  Music,  instruments  dressed  in  crare      Pall 

fearers  were :  Col.  Lush,  Col.  Wendell,  Genls.  Ten  Broeck,  Van  Horne 

,n    t-H'  ^r.r^««'•^     General's  Horse,  led  by  2  black  m;n  in  mourn 

n     with  white   turbans.      Military   Associations   in  uniform  and   full 

hXTf--      ^7   ??''?7  ,«f   y«""S   gentlemen    wearing    crape,    with 

J^s  trimmed  with   back  ribbon;  their  president  in  full  n  ournin.^ 

Hng  arrived  at  the  North    Dutch  Church,  the  procession  halted,  th^e 

2  formed  in  ^wo  lines,  with  open  ranks;  the  whole  body  of  mil  tary 
Jeaning  on  their  arms  reversed.     The   bier,  'preceded   by  the  officers  of 

.  I.  of  the  church.     The  officers  of  the  army,  the  corporation  of  the  city 
aj_  uie  respective  corporations  then  followed,  succeeded  by  the  several 


M. 


152 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


I: 


societies  in  reversed  order,  the  citizens  following.  As  the  bier  ^as  enter- 
ing the  church,  a  solemn  chaunt,  with  accompaniments  was  sung  by  Miss 
Lilly.  The  walls,  pulpit  and  the  stage  erected  for  the  orator,  were  dnipcd 
with  black  cloth.  The  solemnities  in  church  were  opened  with  prayer 
by  the  Rev.  John  Bassett.  Funeral  Oration  by  Wm.  P.  Beers,  Esq. 
Concluding  Prayer  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Nott.  Anthem  in  full  chorus.  The 
vocai  accompanied  by  instrumental  music  was  very  fine.  The  bier  was 
then  removed  in  front  of  the  church  where  the  last  military  honors  were 
paid  to  the  memory  of  the  deceased.  While  the  procession  was  moving 
the  bells  of  the  respective  churches  were  tolled,  they  all  had  been  pre- 
viously muffled.     The  military  prasented  a  splendid  appearance. 

On  Saturday,  February  22d  1800,  Washington's  birthday,  a  sermon 
was  preached  by  the  Rev.  John  13.  Johnson  (at  the  request  of  the  legisla- 
ture of  the  state)  on  the  death  of  Washington.  The  text  was  from  1st 
Chronicles,  29th  chapter,  28th  verse  :  "  And  he  died  in  a  good  old  age, 
full  of  days,  riches,  and  honour."  The  church  also  at  this  time  was  draped 
with  black.  In  the  afternoon  an  oration  was  delivered  in  the  court-house, 
Our  beloved  Washington  is  no  more  !  He  has  descended  to  the  house  ap. 
pointed  for  all  living,  followed  by  the  tears  of  a  nation. 

General  Hamilton  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 
Dear  Sir,  Now  York,  August  8th,  1800. 

31ajor  Rensselaer,  who  was  eldest  captain  of  dragoons  before  the  late 
augmentation  of  the  army,  was  under  that  augmentation  promoted  to  a 
major.  He  has  some  time  since  devoted  himself  to  military  aifairs,  as  a 
profession  for  life,  and  is  unwilling  to  quit.  For  my  parti  have  conceived 
there  was  a  discretion  in  the  president  on  this  subject,  which  may  be  ex- 
ercised in  favour  of  the  major.  A  field  officer  for  the  cavalry  appears  to 
me  in  every  view  proper.  For  the  character  of  Major  Van  Rensselaer, 
as  an  officer,  I  refer  you  to  Gen,  Wilkinson,  with  whom  he  served.  The 
inquiry  I  know  will  result  greatly  in  his  favour,  and  as  a  man,  there  is 
none  more  worthy  :  he  is  a  kinsman  of  Mrs.  Hamilton. 

With  esteem  and  regard 

The  Hon.  Samuel  Dexter,  Secretary  of  War. 

Oen.  UamUton  to  Gen.  Wilki7ison. 
Dear  Sir : 

I  have  received  your  letter  from  Washington,  my  wishes  in  every  thing 
accord  with  yours.  I  shall  be  glad  of  every  opportunity  of  brightening 
the  charm.  As  soon  as  possible  I  will  send  you  the  information  you  desire, 
A  change  of  office  has  deranged  my  Military  papers  and  will  occasion  some 
delay.  Major  Rensselaer  unwilling  to  quit  goes  to  ascertain  the  possibility 
of  remaining.  I  am  of  opinion  that  the  thing  is  still  in  the  discretion  of 
the  President.     You  I  know  are  his  friend.  Yours  trulv 

To  General  Wilkinson.  A.  H. 

General  Hamilton  was  a  noble  man,  quick  to  do  justice  to  others  \i  in 
his  power.  In  speaking  of  General  Washington,  between  whom  ami  him 
self  a  coolness  had  taken  place  towards  the  closo  of  the  var,  and  the 
colonel  had  left  (Jcneral  Washington's  family,  he  says,  "all  appointments 
to  office,  wherein  he  was  especially  culled  to  exorcise  his  own  judgment,  he 
nobly  divested  himself  of  syi>;pathy  or  antipathy,  and  made  what  he  con- 
sidered the  fitness  of  the  agent  to  the  office  the  ground  of  his  choice. 


;!    I 


'  n 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


UZ 


There  had  been  ''or  sometime  such  a  standing,  or  misunderstanding,  be- 
tween us,  that  I  had  no  more  expectation  of  office,  than  I  had  of  being 
appointed  pope's  ni-ncio,  when  I  received  the  invitation  to  take  charge  of 
the  treasury  department."'     The   coolnoBS   was  caused  by   the  foUowin"' 
mnhipropos  casualty.     The  army  was  encamped  in  New  Jersey,  General 
Washington  was  just  mounting  his  horse,  to  visit  his  advanced  post,  when 
he  reeollectod  a  letter  he  had  recently  received  from  the   British  com- 
mander, which  it  occurred  to  him  ho  might  have  occasion  for  whilst  at 
the  lines.     He  called  Colonel  Hamilton,  and  requested  him,  to  hand  the 
letter  to  him.     The  colonel  returned  to  the  office,  but  not  being  able  to 
place  his  hand  on  it,  reported,  that  it  was  mislaid.     The  genera?  replied, 
"  I  must  have  it."     Search  was  again  made  without  eflfect,  and  Colonel 
Hamilton  returning,  repeated  that  the  letter  had  been  mislaid,  and  ex- 
pressed his  sorrow  at  not  being  able  to  find  it.     The  general  rejoined  with 
warmth,  "  Sir,  you  shall  find  it."     Hamilton  was  astonished,  but  replied 
promptly,  "  I  shall  find  it,  sir,  but  must  let  you  know,  that  in  addressing' 
me,  you  do  not  speak  to  a  menial."     The  occasion  was  honorable  to  the 
parties;  it  furnished  General  Washington  an  occasion  for  the  display  of 
his  magnanimity,  and  Col.  Hamilton  an  opportunity  to  assert  his  personal 
dignity  and  independence  of  mind.     Colonel  Hamilton  retired  from  head 
quarters,  but  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  a  battalion  in  the  elite 
corps,  at  the  head  of  which  he  stormed  a  redoubt  during  the  soige  of  New 
York  uefore  the  surrender  of  Cornwallis.  Whilst  secretary  of  the  treasury, 
he  was  ex  officio  one  of  the  cabinet  counselors  of  President  Washington  • 
and  such  was  the  confidence  repo.sed  by  that  great  man  in  his  integrity 
and  ability,  that  he  rarely  ventured  upon  any  executive  act  of  moment 
without  his  concurrence. 

There  had  been  serious  divisions  in  the  federal  party  oa  account  of 
President  Adams's  course  in  the  appointment  of  diplomatic  agents  for  the 
negotiations  with  the  French  government  before  that  government  had 
officially  signified  its  willingness  to  receive  them.  Timothy  Pickering 
and  James  McHenry  were  in  Adams's  cabinet  but  opposed  to  him.  Mc- 
Henry  was  desired  to  resign,  which  he  did,  and  Samuel  Dexter  had  been 
chosen  secretary  of  war.  The  event  caused  much  excitement,  bitter 
animosities  prevailed,  while  criminations  and  recriminations  ensued.  The 
alien  and  sedition  laws  w-^re  used  adroitly  by  the  democrats  to  excite 
the  people  against  Adams's  administration  and  the  federal  party.  Burr, 
the  most  unscrupulous  intriguer  of  the  day,  worked  incessantly ,  the  result 
was,  the  triumph  of  the  democratic  party  over  the  federalists. 

Exti'uct  of  a  Letter  from  Gen.  T.  llkinson  to  tlie  Secretary  of  War. 

^    ^  tlity  oi  Washington,  August  9th,  1800. 

.  General  Hamilton   warmly    recommends    the   retention    of 

-Hajor  \  an  Ren.sselaer  in  service;  but  I  fear  the  ground  he  takes  is  not 

tenable  though  the  circumstance  is  undoubtedly  essential  to  the  service, 

and  IS  devoutly  to  be  desired,  as  the  major  is  a  gem  worthy  preservation! 

A  squadron  of  cavalry  without  a  leader,  is  an  uu.seemly  thing ;  and  not 

unlikL^  a  body  without  a  head,  from  which  much  good  cannot  be  expected. 

_lr.  V  an  llensselaer's  pretensions  to  patronage  arc  peculiarly  strong.     On 

t  le  JJth  August,  1704,  ho  rocoivod  a  shot  through  his  lungs,  at  the  head 

^'1  l>e  troop.     At  the  reduction  of  the  then  army,  ho  continued  in  .service, 

and  on  the  levy  of  the  late  contingent  force  ho  was  taken  from  his   troop 

auu  promoted   to  a  majority.     The  disbanding  this  force   has,  I  fear, 

20 


154 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


thrown  him  out  of  service,  unless  you  may  judge  proper  to  retain  him  on 
the  ground  of  expediency,  until  the  president  or  legislature  may  be  con- 
suited.  Certain  it  is,  he  is  essential  to  the  formation  and  discipline  of 
the  squadron,  which,  without  a  chief,  presents  an  original  spectacle, 
But  he  was  among  the  disbanded  at  the  reduction  of  1800;  and  after 
that  period,  although  anxious  for  a  military  appointment  to  which  he 
would  have  done  honour,  his  politics,  as  a  good  federalist,  opposed  an  in- 
superable bar  to  his  applications.  The  strong  party  feeling  between 
federalists  and  democrats  was  strongly  developed. 

Governor  Jay  to  the  Secretary  of  War. 
Sir,  _   Albany,  19t'  Nov.,  1800. 

Whether  a  major  for  the  cavalry  of  United  States  should  be  retained 
in  service,  is  a  quest' on  on  which  it  would  not  be  proper  for  me  to  make 
any  remarks.  But  il  ^t  should  be  deemed  expedient,  that  such  an  officer 
should  be  retained,  I  take  the  liberty  of  informing  you,  that,  from  what  I 
have  heard  and  know  of  Major  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  who  wishes  to 
devote  himself  to  the  military  profession,  I  really  think  he  merits  the  at- 
tention of  government. 

His  qualifications  and  conduct  as  an  officer  have  probably  been  made 
known  to  you  by  Gen.  "Wilkinson  and  others.  His  character  here  as  a 
citizen  and  a  gentleman  attracts  general  esteem  j  and  ior  my  own  part,  I 
consider  him  as  one  of  the  most  valuable  and  promising  young  men  that 
I  know.     I  have  the  honour  to  be,  with  great  respect, 

Sir,  your  most  obedient  servant,  John  Jay. 

The  Honourable  Samuel  Dexter,  Esq.,  Secretary  at  War. 

Governor  Jay,  perceiving  it  was  the  policy  of  the  democratic  party  or 
those  in  power,  not  to  accede  to  his  suggestions,  subsequently  gave  to 
Major  Van  Rensselaer  the  best  office  in  his  gift,  adjutant  general  of 
New  York  state.  Regarding  which,  Gen,  V.  R.  says  j  "  Soon  after,  I  re- 
ceived the  appointment  of  Adjutant  General  of  the  militia  of  this  state, 
under  that  great  and  good  man  Gov.  Jay.  This  appointment  I  held  during 
the  respective  administrations  of  his  successors  Governors  George  Clinton 
and  Lewis ;  for  nine  years  during  Governor  Tompkins's  administration,  and, 
though  subsequent  to  the  events  on  which  the  mention  of  these  facts  is 
intended  to  bear,  for  nearly  the  whole  period  of  Governor  DeWitt 
Clinton's."  Q'hese  marks  of  consideration  and  (tf  confidence  were  from 
such  high  sources,  and  justly  obtained.  After  the  completion  of  John 
Jay's  mission  to  England  to  obtain  the  evacuation  of  the  torts  which  that 
power  still  held  on  the  frontiers  of  the  United  States  contrary  to  the  treaty 
of  1783;  compensation  for  losses  suffered  by  American  merchants  from 
the  seizure  of  their  vessels,  having  cargoes  for  France  &c.,  he  was  elected 
to  the  gubernatorial  chair  for  the  second  time  in  171)5,  two  days  before  he 
landed  at  New  York. 

He  was  the  first  governor  who  set  the  beautiful  example  of  proclaiming 
a  day  of  public  thanksgiving  in  this  state.  In  1815,  he  was  appointed 
president  of  the  Westchester  Bible  Society,  and  in  the  ensuing  year,  one 
of  the  vice  presidents  of  the  American  Bible  Society  ;  in  1821,  he  became 
prcsiilciit  of  this  society,  which  office  he  held  till  1828,  when  he  resiirncd 
on  account  of  the  infirmities  of  age.  lie  died  at  Bedford  May  17,  l^-^i 
aged  84  years.  Mrs.  Jay  accouipaiiieil  her  husband  to  Europe  and  od 
leaving  Paris  in  1784,  among  the  souvenirs  presented  by  Madame  de  la 
Eayette  to  her,  were  two  armchairs,  embroidered  by  her  own  hands.   The 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  166 

Jay  treaty  at  that  time  was  universally  applauded,  Hamilton  wrote  to  him 
"  The  New  England  people  talk  of  makinj,  you  an  annual  fish-offering." 

Oen.  Wilkinson  to  Maj.  Van  ReMselaer. 
My  dear  Van,  Pittsburgh,  Deo.  29,  1800. 

Your  letter  enclosing  the  testimonials  of  Governor  Jay,  soon  reached 
me  here  and  I  immediately  transmitted  them  to  the  Secretary  of  War 

T  7n^  U  "^Af  '°"  te-  ^'"''  ^"''^'''  C^^'^'^"  H.]  will  be  appointed 
beyond  Doubt.  Mrs.  Wilkinson  is  with  me,  and  in  Good  Health  I 
hope  J.'3  may  find  you  and  your  fireside  comfortable  and  happy.  Visscher 
IS  on  the  Wing  and  I  have  one  Moment  only  in  which  to  assure  you  of 
my  unalterable  attachment.  ^ 

Major  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany.  '^^^-  Wilkinson. 

*  *  *  Kihan  H.  Van  Rensselaer  was  a  very  active  and  enter- 
prising  man  and  particularly  as  a  seaman  was  capable,  very  able  and 
accomplished.  We  have  good  reason  for  saying  this  much,  as  by  his 
extraordinary  exertions  on  board  a  vessel  in  which  we  were  lar-ely  in- 
terested in  a  very  severe  gale  of  wind  and  a  violent  storm,  the  crew  bein- 
nearly  all  frozen,  it  was  by  his  exertions  alone  that  the  ve..sel  was  saved 
and  brought  into  port  We  do  therefore  recommend  him  as  a  seaman 
well  quahted  f(  ■  any  Station  he  may  engage  in. 

XT     ir    I    T^       ,,- ,  David  Gilston. 

New  York,  Deer.  17th,  1798.  Nathn  :  G.  Inqraiiam. 

Kilian  Henry  Van  Rensselaer  was  the  second  child  of  Major  General 
Henry  K.  Van  Rensselaer  and  Alida  Rradt,  was  born  at  Greenbush, 
Rensselaer  county,  February  17  1769.  He  was  a  remarkably  fine  lookin  ^ 
stately  gentleman  and  much  beloved  by  all.  ° 

Secretary  of  War  to  KUian  U.  Van  Rensselaer. 

^\.  P     -^    .  u        J     .  ,     T^^""  Department,  18th  February  1801. 

Ihe  President  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate  has 
appointed  you  a  Lieutenant  in  the  first  Regiment  of  Artillerists  and  En- 
gineers in  the  Service  of  the  United  States 

You  will  be  pleased  to  notify  me  of  your  acceptance  or  non-acceptance 
immediately  on  receipt  hereof;  and  should  you  accept,  at  the  same  tie  re- 
port youns.  .f  to  Major  Thomas  H.  Cushing/lnspector,'city  of  Wasl^i"  tou 

Kilian  H.  \  an  Rensselaer  Esq.,  Spring  Hill  near  Albany. 

■'Kilian  Van  Rensselaer,  Esq.  of  Greenbush  is  promoted  to  command 
the  beorge  Washington,  of  32  guns  and  85(»  •  .ea,  now  lyiu-^  at  Newport 
w  ere  se  arrived  on  the  12th  inst  Oa,.un  Van  R^nssela^r  i;rissed  tZuTh 
Ae^vlork  on  fea  urday  December  lt.':'0  on  his  way  from  the  Seat  of 
Government  to  take  charge  of  the  ^..v.  rrig^.e.  Ho  is  to  proceed  with 
all  possible  dispatch  to  the  WcFt  India  ..ation." 

before  Sr^^^Il  ^?"  Hou.sselaer  was  making  .n  effort  for  this  appointment, 

le     V,     \?    S'lT"  '"'"  t^''  '"  ^  ^'''''  *"  1"^  brother'uie  major 

hou S  l.  ?      ^"^^'y  '"'  ^''''^^y  ''^  ^^^'"  observed  to  me,  thatlie 

hou id  be  very  happy  to  se-.  on.    .?     .,,r  Name  in  the  U.  S.  Navy  he  also 

en  .o,ed  that  he  should  be  ve-y  happ,  :o  see  me  conduct  m/Ze If,  in  m^ 

^tT-   ^T' '''■'■'"'  ^''''  ^''"'^^"  y'""''-     »«  P=^«sed  a  number  of 

1.  &m^t^"m:;:;r"  ^"''  ^--^  Conduct  and  abilities  which 


156 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


't:| 


Kilian  II.  Van  Rensselaer  was  a  licutonant  in  the  navy,  a  very  brave 
and  proud  spirited  man  who  aimed  at  a  high  position  in  life.  Alter  hia 
promotioij  he  sailed  for,  and  arrived  at  the  West  Indies  in  safety,  but  fell 
in  a  duel  at  Cape  Francis  in  Hispaniola  at  the  early  aj^e  of  '62  years  on 
Tuesday  March  17th,  1801,  with  an  English  naval  officer  on  that  station. 
The  cause  of  this  duel  was  an  insult  to  our  country  and  its  officers,  which 
the  patriotic  scion  of  the  Van  Rensselaer  family  would  not  submit  to,  and 
a  challenge  was  the  sad  consequence.  In  maintaining  the  dignity  due  to 
our  "  Star  Spangled  Banner"  he  believed  in  resorting  to  coercive  mea- 
sures if  necessary,  and  evinced  the  same  nobleness  of  spirit,  that  was  sub- 
sequently nianifesied  by  General  John  A.  Dix  when  he  issued  his  famous 
order,  January  29,  1861.  "  If  itiiy  one  oUrmpts  to  haul  doion  the.  Ameri- 
can Jf(t(/,  SHOOT  II I M  ON  THE  si>OT."  This  noble  officer  was  another 
victim  to  that  mistaken  code  of  honor,  which  has  so  frequently  sent  brave 
hearts  prematurely  to  the  silent  grave,  sacrifice  to  a  fahso  view  of  laws. 
He  now  rests  in  a  far  off  sunny  land,  beneath  the  moss-covered  stone, 
under  the  massive  branches  of  stately  trees,  shielded  by  the  luxuriance 
of  tropical  foliage  and  glittering  blossoms.  A  younger  brother  writes: 
"  Kilian  being  of  a  magnanimous  and  forgiving  disposition,  having  by  lot 
the  first  shot,  fired  his  pistol  in  the  air.  The  English  officer,  more  bull- 
dog like,  took  deliberate  aim  and  shot  him  down  ;  for  which  act,  my  and 
his  flvthcr,  and  his  other  brother,  your  father,  never  forgave  the  English 
nation.  The  old  hate  keeps  good  in  the  blood  of  the  family.  I  have  dur- 
ing life  hoped  for  an  opportunity  to  test  it  on  one  of  the  English  race, 
but  now  I  am  fast  passing  away."  In  1021,  the  first  (hid'm  New  England 
was  fouirht  with  sword  and  da2;Ker  between  two  servants.  Both  were 
wounded,  and  they  were  sentenced  to  have  their  heads  and  feet  tied 
together  and  so  to  be  24  hours. 

The  People  of  the  State  of  New  York  by  the  Grace  of  God  Free& 
Independent.  To  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  l^^squire  Greeting. 
We  reposing  especial  trust  and  confidence  as  well  in  your  patriotism, 
conduct  and  loyalty  as  your  Valour  and  readiness  to  do  us  good  and  faith- 
ful Service,  Have  appointed  and  constituted  and  by  these  presents  I>o 
appoint  and  constitute  you  the  said  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  Adjutant 
General  of  the  Militia  of  our  said  State  :  You  are  therefore  to  take  the 
said  Militia  into  your  charge  and  care  as  Adjutant  General  thereof  and 
duly  to  exercise  the  Officers  and  Soldiers  of  the  .said  Militia  in  Anus  who 
are  hereby  (Commanded  to  obey  you  as  their  Adjutant  General  and  you  are 
also  to  observe  and  follow  such  orders  and  directions  as  you  shuH  from 
time  to  time  receive  from  our  General  &  Commander-in  Chief  of  the  Jliii- 
tia  of  our  Said  State  or  any  othei  your  superior  Officer  according  to  the 
Rules  and  discipline  of  War  and  to  do  &  perform  all  other  acts  and  duties 
to  the  said  office  of  Adjutant  General  by  l^aw  appertaining  in  pursuance  of 
the  trust  reposed  in  yuu  and  for  so  doing  this  shall  be  your  Comniii-.sion,  for 
and  during  our  good  j)leasure  to  be  signified  by  our  Vmincil  of  Appomtmnit. 

In  Testi.mony  whereof,  We  have  caused  our  Seal  for  Military  (Join- 
missions  to  he  hereunto  affixed,  Witness  our  trusty  &  well 
[excelsior]  beloved  John  Jai  Esquire  Governor  of  our  said  State  Gen- 
eral and  Commander  in  Chief  of  all  the  Militia  and  Admin.1 
of  the  Navy  of  the  same  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  our  said  Coun- 
cilof  Appointment,  at  our  (!ity  of  Albany  the  twenty-third  day  ol' January  in 
the  Year  of  our  liord  One  thousand  eight  hundred  and  one,  and  in  tliotwcii- 
ty-fifth  Year  of  our  Independrnc .  Daniel  Hale,  ScO, 

I'assed  the  Bocrelary's  Ullice  the  2*7 th  January  l.sul. 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 

my  was  disbanded,  Major  "V 


167 


When  the  army  was  disbanded,  Major  Van  Rensaelt 
pursuits,  but,  after  the  death  of  Adj.  Gen.  Van   Home,  was  called  by 
that  great  and  good  man,  Governor  John  Jay,  to  the  responsible  position 
of  adjutant  general  of  New  York  state  on  January  23,  1801      His  com- 
mission is  signed  by  John  Jay,  governor,  and  Daniel  Hale,  secretary,  which 
office  he  retained,  notwithstanding  the  high  political  excitement  which  agi- 
tated  the  state,  for  twenty-two  years.     This  was  during  the  succeedinf--  ad- 
ministrations of  Governors  George  Clinton,  Morgan  Lewis,  Tompkiu8'"'and 
for  nearly  the  whole  of  that  of  Gov,  DcWitt  Clinton ;  the  latter  was.'sub- 
sequent  to  the  lime  he  rendered  such  important  and  brilliant  service  in 
Lis  country's  behalf,  in  the  war  of   1812.     At  this  period  the  gallant 
major  was  appointed  an  officer  in  the  North  Dutch  ohurch.     The  first 
time  he  went  around  at  the  close  of  the  sermon  as  an  acting  deacon,  with 
the  plate  for  alms,  he  was  closely  observed  by  his  companions.     Durin<' 
the  collection,  on  handing  it  to  our  greatly  beloved  Dr.  William  IJay" 
since  deceased,  who  was  seated  at  the  head  of  his  pew,  his  patience  was 
sorely  tested.     The  fun  loving  doctor,  with  a  twinkle  of  his  merry  eye 
for  some  moments  fumbled  in  his  vest  pocket  to  find  his  money,  thinkin*' 
thus  to  cmbar-ass  the  church  officer.     With  imperturbable  gravity,  the 
young  deacon  waited  a  suitable  time,  and  then,  with  inimitable  composure 
put  his  hand  in  his  own  pocket,  and  taking  out  a  penny,  lianded  it  to  tho' 
miscliioyous,  conscience  stricken  physician.     I  have  heard  Dr.  Bay  relate 
this  incident  with  great  glee,  and  say  the  tables  were  completely  turned, 
that  all  the  mortification  was  his  own;  for  it  made  a  little  sensation  in 
the  church,  causing  the  r-"  '  "    *'vculties  of  .lot  a  few  of  the  devout  wor- 
shipers to  be  exercised        lie      ;;enious  device  of  the  young  soldier. 

"  It  is  with  deep  regre  ^  announce  tho  death  of  the"  Hon.  MAJOft 

General  Philip  Sciil      .«,  at  Albany  on  Sunday  evening  Nov    18 

1804  m  the  71st  year  of  his  life.     A  man  eminent  for  his  useful  labors,  in 

the  military,  and  civil  affairs  of  our  country.     Gen.  Schuyler  was  born  in 

Albany  on  Nov.  22,  17:53.     In  the  dim  galleries  of  the  past,  where  now 

hang  the  portraits  which  commemorate  the  good,  the  gifted,  and  the  brave, 

wlio  pledged  their  lives,  thei.-  fortunes,  and  their  honor  to  the  cause  of 

liberty  in  the  stormiest  days  of  the  revolution,  no  one  more  deservedly 

challenges  admiration  than  does  Gen.  Schuyler.     Among  all  those  grand 

actors  in  tlio  heroic  history  of  our  country,  whose  shadowy  outlines  are 

now  but  faintly  visible  through  the  smoke  of  revolution  and  the  haze  of  an 

intervening  century,  surely  none  should  be  more  proudly  recognized  than 

General  Philip  Schuyler,  especially  by  the  citizens  of  Albany.     At  an 

early  age  he  l)egan  to  display  his  active  mind  and  military  »bint  and  was 

a  captain  at  Fort  Edward  in  the  year  1775.     He  was  with  Lord  Howe 

when  he  fell  by  the  fire  of  the  enemy  at  the  north  end  of  Lake  George  in 

the  summer  of  1758  ;  and  he  was  appointed  to  convey  the  body  of^that 

young  ;-nd  lamented  nobleman  to  Albany  where  he  was  buried,  with  ap- 

propriiife  ceremonies  in  the  Episcopal  church.     He  was  a  practical,  not  a 

theoretical  statesman  ;  an  active,  not  a  visionary  patriot.      He  was  wise  in 

devising,  enterprising  and  perse,    an:;  in  the  (-eeution  of  plans  of  great 

and  public  utility.     The  death  oi  sr.  i.  a  man  is  truly  a  subject  of  private 

andot  public  sorrow.     On   Wednesday  his  remains;  were  interred  with 

iiiilitary  honors,  in  the  family  vault  of  the   Hon.  Abr-haiu  Ton   Broejk. 

llie  military  under  command  of  Major  S.  Lansing  wore  drawn  up  in  Wasli- 

iiiKtu"  street;  and  on  the  appearance  of  the  corpse  it  was  received   by 

tiic  line  with  presented  arms,  saluted  by  the  officers  and  by  the  standard, 


158 


Lbqaoy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


11^ 


whicli  was  enshrouded  with  orape,  and  with  melancholy  music  by  the  band. 
The  military  then  preceded  the  bier  in  open  column  and  inverted  orde' 
with  arms  reversed,  the  hand  playing  a  dead  march.  The  pall  was  sup. 
ported  by  Chancellor  Lansing,  Stephen  Lush  Esq.,  Abraham  Van  Vechten 
Esq.,  Peter  W.  Yates  Esq.,  Col.  Van  Vechten,  John  V.  Henry  Esq,' 
Mr.  James  Caldwell  and  Mr.  Barent  Bleeoker.  On  the  top  of  the  coffin 
was  the  General's  hat  and  sword,  with  boots  and  spurs  reversed  across  the 
horse.  His  grey  horse  was  led  by  two  black  servants  dressed  in  black 
with  white  turbans.  The  streets  were  lined  with  people,  doors  and  windows 
were  filled,  and  even  the  house  tops  were  not  without  spectators  to  behold 
the  melancholy  procession,  and  to  pay  their  last  oflSces  of  respect  to  the 
deceased.  During  the  procession's  advance,  there  was  a  regular  dis- 
charge of  minute  guns  from  Prospect  Hill,  by  a  detachment  of  the 
artillery."  Subsequently  his  remains  were  removed  to  the  Albany  Rural 
Oemet  "-y.  In  1871,  Mrs.  Mary  R.  Miller,  a  grand-daughter  of  General 
Schuyler,  erected,  at  her  own  expense,  a  costly  granite  monument  over 
his  remains,  in  one  of  the  finest  plots  on  the  domain  given  by  the  trustees 
of  the  cemetery.  It  is  eminently  fitting  that  this  beautiful  city  of  the 
dead,  so  near  to  the  home  where  he  dwelt  while  living,  and  where  slumber 
the  descendants  of  friends  and  neighbors  who  stood,  shoulder  to  shoulder 
in  the  contest  of  the  past,  should  furnish  for  his  remains  a  resting  place. 

"  Gather  him  to  his  grave  again 

And  solemnly  and  softly  lay, 
Beneath  the  verdure  of  the  plain, 

The  warrior's  scattered  bones  away." 

June  16,  1806.  Monday  at  11  o'clock  A.  M.,  there  was  a  total  Eclipse 
of  the  Sun ;  the  stars  appeared  and  it  was  dark  as  at  night  for  3  J  minutes, 

Thursday  July  3,  1806.  A  shock  of  Earthquake  was  sensibly  felt  at 
10  o'clock  which  caused  much  alarm  but  no  disastrous  effects  from  the 
occurrence. 

Judge  Van  Neas  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Dear  Sir,  Hudson,  18th  March,  1807. 

Ever  since  my  arrival  I  have  been  engaged  in  making  arrangements 
relative  to  the  election.  This  morning  I  returned  from  Cats-Kill,  I  find 
01  r  friends  in  this  Country  languid  though  united.  In  this  place  the 
leading  federalists  are  firm  and  determined,  some  of  our  friends,  however, 
have  as  yet  not  made  up  their  isinds.  Mr.  C — 1  talks  reasonably  and  I 
believe  without  disguise,  many  things  might  be  stated  which  would  satisfy 
you  that  great  ardor  and  great  zeal  could  not  be  expected  from  him.  I 
have  every  reason  to  believe  that  with  some  trouble  he  will  be  induced  to 
alter  his  tone,  and  to  act  promptly  and  decidedly  in  conjunction  with  his 
party.  I  however  may  be  disappointed  and  I  therefore  am  induced  to 
add  that  no  great  expectations  are  intended  to  be  excited.  I  am  most 
thorouglily  and  completely  satisfied  that  Mr.  C — 1  is  not  a  Clinton  man, 
on  this  I  wuuld  hazard  ui}'  existence.  The  Govr.  has  his  doubts  on  this 
subject.  He  stated  to  me  a  conversation  with  a  Clintonian,  relative  to 
Mr.  C — 1  which  I  confess  alarmed  me.  When  at  Catskill  I  satisfied  my- 
self that  Mackay,  not  Harry  C — 1  was  the  person  alluded  to  by  the 
gentleman  with  whom  Governor  Lewis  conversed.  Mackay  edits  the 
Recorder.  I  will  explain  this  at  another  time.  The  federalists  at  Cats- 
kill  are  not  opposed  to  Gov.  Lewis,  Benton,  Haxtun,  and  one  or  two  of 
their  dependants  excepted.  But  they  arc  not  yet  active  or  zealous 
measures  have  been  taken  to  awaken  thciu,  never  did  you  know  sutli 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  159 

exertions  as  are  made  by  the  Clintonians  here  and  in  Green  Could  it 
have  been  so  ordered  as  to  have  roused  our  friends,  all  their  exertions 
would  have  been  counteracted,  much  can  and  will  yet  be  done  But  it 
requires  more  than  one  man  to  set  a  whole  party  in  motion,  why  should 
we  exert  ourselves  ?  ,s  a  question  daily  put  to  me  !  I  answer  it  as  well  as 
I  can,  my  friends  listen  to  me  but  they  are  not  all  satisfied.  However  I 
flatter  myself  we  shall  do  pretty  well  both  here  and  in  Green.  But  how 
much  better  we  might  have  done  if  a  proper  course  hi-d  been  pursued  1 
never,  never  have  I  ^nown  so  glorious  a  prospect  for  the  triumph  of  good 
men  and  good  principles  so  strangely  and  unaccountably  trifled  with  The 
policy  which  has  been  pursued  was  doubtless  conceived  to  be  the  true  policv 
I  have  been  for  some  time  and  am  daily  becoming  more  and  more  satisfied 
hat  if  we  lose  the  election  it  is  because  the  temper  and  views  of  our  parv 
have  been  entirely  misunderstood  and  wantonly  sported  with  bv  the 
Council.  I  yesterday  received  a  line  from  our  friend  Foot  He  is  ex- 
tremely  wroth  and  is  nominated  as  a  Candidate  for  the  Senate  The 
appointment  of  the  Sheriff  i^n  Delaware  has  excited  great  uneasiness  there 

Jn"  TilllZ.""  wr^"7 ^^i^  IT^^  ^'V""  ''•     ^^'^^  *«"«  °^«  he  has  written 
to  Ti  lotso.1.     When  I  left  Albany  I  mentioned  to  the  Gov-  that  it  was 

best  to  postpone  the  appointment  of  the  officers  of  the  independant  com- 
pany proposed  to  be  raised  here  until  I  might  ascertain  the  state  of  things 
here  u  little  better.  It  is  essential  that  the  appointments  should  be  made 
as  soon  as  may  be,  at  the  same  time,  I  do  not  mean  that  these  appoint- 
ments  should  preceJe  all  others  of  a  military  kind.  We  had  a  meeting 
here  last  evening  respecting  Charter  officers,  never  did  I  see  our  party  in 
this  City  more  animated  as  it  respects  the  support  of  federal  candid'itoq 
about  170  voters  attended.  We  appointed  a'^Sommittee  for  our  Coulty 
meeting,  which  will  be  about  the  10th  April,  I  am  one  of  the  ComiSee 
he  rest  are  good  men.     I  hardly  know  what  I  have  written,  I  Tm  eon. 

tt  '""^^.^r"  ?''  T"'""^  ^^  ^^S^"  *'°'«  '^"^^  yesterday    by  a  smaJt 
tever.    Do  let  me  hear  from  you  soon.   „• 

Sincerely  and  truly  yours. 

Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Esqr.,  Adjt.  General,  AYbaiS^;  ^''''  ^^^^' 

fedmS  ''Z;w''\rV  ^T  '*''"SS''  ^«*"«^"  the  democrats  and 

ledeniiists.     William  W.  Van  Ness  was  one  of  the  most  eminent  leaders 

mong  the  latter.     On  June  9,  1807,  by  the  Hon.  the  council  of  appoint 

fc^tu  L7n'PP  v"''.*^  '"'  "''  '^/  •'"^'•''^^  «^  '^'  '^"P^e'"^  Court Tiu 
dicatureof  New  York   state,  and  took  the  place  of  Judge  Livingston 

No  appointment  which   has  been   made  gives  greater   sSsfailion      S 
reflects  great  credit  on  Governor  Lewis.     He  was\  man  of  most  wonder 
"n  t Srf  —V^^J^."- every  thing  that  was  necessary  tratan 
Zr    ."..  "'•     ^"^*''""  ^.'  "^'^  ^^'^  °^  ^'^  seemed  to  cost  him  any 

effort  yet  there  was  a  power  and  astrength  in  his  intellectual  movement! 
which  every  body  felt  who  witnessed  them.     He  was  a  brilliant Tnd  a 

SeXoTo^or '" ''''''  ^"^  ^"  p-p-  -  '^  -  ^^^  i"  hi: 

Ihese  were  troublous  times,  dating  as  far  back  as  1792      "  When  th^ 
rroc!a,uat,on  of  the  French  repuhlic^as   made  knowi^i:  AmeTica    aid 

hip  of   Holland  during  our  own   revolution   seemed   to  be  for-n^tten    for 

ney  were  bl.nd  to  the  tot*l  difference  between  their  own  revolution  and 


160 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


:■  n 


|nB,i-,^   .-jejwi 


Mi 


that  in  France.  In  honor  of  this  pjrcat  change  there  was  a  grand  f6to, 
held  in  IJoston,  January  24,  1793.  An  ox  was  roasted  whole.  It 
was  then  decorated  with  ribbons,  and  placed  upon  a  car  drawn  by 
sixteen  horses.  The  flags  of  the  United  States  and  France  wore  dis- 
played from  the  horns  of  the  ox.  It  was  paraded  through  the  streets, 
followed  by  carts  bearing  sixteen  hundred  loaves  of  bread  and  two 
hogsheads  of  punch.  These  were  distributed  among  the  people,  and  at 
the  same  time,  a  party  of  three  hundred,  with  Samuel  Adams,  lieutenant 
governor  of  Massachusetts,  at  their  head,  assisted  by  the  French  consul, 
sat  down  to  a  dinner  in  Faneuil  Hall.  To  the  children  of  all  schools  who 
were  paraded  in  the  streets,  cakes  were  presented,  stamped  with  the  words 
Liberty  and  Equality. 

By  public  subscription,  the  sums  owed  by  prisoners  in  the  jail  for  debt 
were  paid,  and  the  victims  of  that  barbarous  law  were  set  free.  These  de- 
monstrations were  soon  followed  by  the  arrival  of  Citizen  Genet,  as  he  was 
styled,  as  minister  of  the  French  republic  to  the  United  States.  He 
came  in  a  frigate,  and  was  landed  at  Charleston,  South  Carolina.  His 
reception  was  all  that  his  ambition  could  have  demanded,  and  his  journey 
from  there  to  Philiadelphia,  the  national  capital,  was  a  continued  ovation. 
He  was  a  man  of  culture  and  tact,  spoke  the  English  language  fluently, 
was  frank,  lively  and  communicative.  He  was  precisely  the  man  for  his 
peculiar  mission.  He  mingled  familiarly  with  the  people,  proclaimed 
wild  and  stirring  doctrines,  scorned  all  diplomatic  art  and  reserve,  and 
assured  the  citizens  of  the  United  States  of  the  unbounded  afiection  of 
his  countrymen  for  the  Americans.  The  republican  leaders  hailed  his 
advent  with  delight;  and  a  large  portion  of  the  people  were  favorable  to 
immediate  and  active  participation  by  their  government  with  France  in 
its  impending  struggle  against  armed  Europe.  Many  in  the  wild  enthu- 
siasm of  the  moment,  forgetting  the  diff'erence  between  American  and 
French  liberty,  would  not  have  hesitated  an  instant  in  precipitating  their 
country  into  a  war  that  might  have  proved  its  utter  ruin.  If  our  citizens 
have  not  already  been  shedding  each  others'  blood,  it  is  not  owing  to  the 
moderation  of  Mr.  Genet  but  to  the  forbearance  of  the  government." 

It  was  fortunate  for  the  country  that  a  man  like  Washington,  and 
his  wise  counselors  were  at  the  helm  and  halliards  of  the  vessel  of 
state  at  that  time,  and  endowed  with  courage  sufficient  to  meet  the  dan- 
gerous popular  gale.  The  unwarrantable  conduct  of  Mr.  Genet  from  the 
moment  he  landed  in  Charlc^on,  until  the  date  of  his  letter  on  the  sub- 
ject of  the  negotiation,  was  sufficient  to  excite  caution  in  the  American 
government.  He  had  there  violated  the  sovereignty  of  the  United  States 
by  enlisting  men  and  giving  them  commissions  to  commit  hostilities  on 
nations  at  peace  with  us.  The  president  issued  a  proclamation  of  neu- 
trality, warning  citizens  of  the  United  States  not  to  take  part  in  the  kind- 
ling war.  At  the  same  time  it  was  agreed  that  the  minister  of  the  French 
republic  should  be  received.  The  wisdom,  and  timeliness  of  Washington's 
proclamation  of  neutrality  was  soon  made  manifest.  There  were  written 
proofs  that  Genet  was  truly  engaged  in  villainous  machinations  against 
our  peace  and  friendship,  in  endeavors  to  excite  discord  and  distrust  be- 
tween our  citizens  and  those  wiiom  they  had  entrusted  with  their  govern- 
ment. He  had  secret  instructions  in  his  pocket  also  to  foment  disturbance 
between  the  United  States  and  Great  Britain,  and  to  set  the  American 
government  at  defiance,  if  necessary,  in  the  execution  of  his  designs.  The 
executive  department  however,  unawed  by  the  storm  of  passion  that  beat 


i 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  161 

upon  it,  went  steadily  forward  in  the  path  of  rmht  and  duty  Theaa 
measures  greatly  .rr.tatcd  the  French  minister  and  his  American  nartizans 
Mr.  (Tcne  assumed  a  new  and  bolder  line  of  conduct:  ho  en-a^ed  in  L 
correspondence  with  our  government  which  on  his  part  was  repfete  with 
insults  .11  fanally  the  government  instructed  our  minister  at  Paris  to 
desire  Mr  Genet  s  recal  because  he  was  offensive  to  that  of  the  United 
htates  Hewas  recalled,  but  never  returned  to  France  as  a  chan<.e  of 
faction  had  taken  place  in  his  country,  and  ho  thought  it  not  prudent  to 
do  so  Mr.  Genet  often  spoke  ,n  after  days  of  the  wisdom  of  Washington 
and  his  administration ;  the  folly  of  his  own  countrymen  at  that  time  and 
heir  admirers  in  America,  and  rejoiced  that  the  proclamation  of  neutrality 
defeated  his  wild  scheme.  "«uiiuiii,jf 

(Mr  Genet  married  a  daughter  of  Gov.  George  Clinton.  His  dau-hter 
married  a  son  of  Col.  Nicholas  Van  Rensselaer  of  Greenbush :  and  his 
second  son  married  Magdalena  Witbeck  a  grand-daughter  of  Col.  Nicholas 
Van  Kensseluer  who  fought  at  Quebec  in  1775.  Mr.  Genet  was  buried 
in  8.4.  in  the  grave  yard  of  the  Reformed  Dutch  church  at  Greenbush 
and  smce  then  his  eldest  son  has  been  laid  by  his  side) 

The  failure  of  Citizen  Genet's  mission  put  an  end  to  these  unhallowed 

schemes  ot  conquest,  not  however,  until  they  had  produced  annoying  effects 

upon  the  nationa  government      A  spirit  of  intolerance  hud  been  continued 

ail  this  time,  and  still  existed  even  in  1806,  beyond  the  control  of  sober 

men,  ot  either  party;  there  were  more  than  ordinary  causes  for  this  :  the 

lufluence  of  the  French  revolution  upon  the  people  of  this  country  re! 

mined  with  great  power;  the  annunciation  of  liberty  restored  in  France 

atter  a  dark  night  of  centuries,  gave  an  impulse,  that  caused  a  delirium 

m  the  public  mind,  especially  among  the  masses.     It  was  enough  that  the 

ham  was  broken  and  the  Bastile  destroyed;   the  Marseillaise  and  othe? 

famous  national  hymns  of  the  French  revolution  were  chanted  in  our 

?  nn?;-''"T  V**'^"g'',^  occurred,  whether  here  were  materials  to  lay  the 

foundation  of  rational  liberty ;  whether  the  French  character,  at  all  times 

silv  excited,  light,  frivolous  and  changeable,  ignorant  of  the  first  prlnci! 

pies  of  tree  government,  did  not  require  a  long  training,  to  prevent  its 

wl  icH  ,T  If /"'""'''^J  "%^-  •^^^P"^'^"^  °»»>-e  oppressive,  than  that  from 

wh  ch  they  had  escaped.     Many  in  the  ardor  of  their  feelings,  were  ready 

e  fiSr^T"  '{  '^'  best  friends  of  liberty,  if  they  expres'sed  fears  o^f 

he  final  result  An  individual  who  was  not  prepared  to  hurra  for  the 
French,  would  have  but  little  influence  at  elections  with  a  portion  of  the 

epublican  party.     On  the  other  hand,  the  prevailing  temper  of  the 

0 tnn  o^v'/T"!'  ''■f'-'^fr  't"^'''  ?P^"^"^«'  ^'  i'^^°«b  Jacobins,  ready 
t     pprove  the  atrocities  of  the  French  revolution  then  apparent.     In  this 

tTnl.-'Tl  ^i"*'?  J^a^'^-es  the  admission,  that  the  republican  party 

ZoTl     TfZ'Vf  r"''  1  ^''^  ^^''""'^  democracy,  than  their 
IZIZ      ■  T  ,   ^^^^r^'''^'^  having  the  power  of  the  state  in  their  hands, 

t  e     nif.J  S.    •  !   f^'""^  P""!"^^  """'^  '"  ^^^«''  «^'  'he  Constitution  of 

t  in  w  tl,  !   f '•  "''^  the  republican  party  generally  opposed  to  it.  adop- 
t  n  without  certain  amendments,  and  in  consequence  called  anti-federal- 

wSch  hadir'!  K       "^'' °^' ^'''"f' ""  °"  '^'■'  S^-o^^d  a«d  prejudices 
betw  e     in.lL-f  ^'"•''"'"r'^'  '^T  ^'^  ^^'"^  "''''^  P^^««»^'  hostility 
0  es        hi  "^     arising  from  real  or  imaginary  wrongs,  those  gave 
■^tenness  to  the  edge  ot  political  warfare. 

21 


r- 

i. 

1 

[- 

\: 

162 


Legacy  op  Historical  Qleaninqs. 


r  ) 


The  politicul  elements  were  in  violent  commotion  and  extended  to 
Albany,  ut  which  place  Mr.  Genet  now  rcaidcti.  The  deniociutie  party 
were  nearly  all  in  raptures  and  sympathized  with  Citizen  Genet;  not  so 
my  paternal  grandfather,  General  Henry  K.  Van  llensselaer.  Althouj;}ia 
Htronj^  democrat,  the  old  Holdier  had  shed  his  blood  too  freely  for  our  inde- 
pendence to  see  it  now  bartered  away  so  easily  ;  he  still  carried  in  his 
thij^h  a  constant  remembrancer  in  the  shape  of  British  lead,  and  exerted 
himself  to  stay  the  torrent  of  a  misguided  community.  He  gave  his  opi- 
nion freely,  stating  insolent  declarations  and  menaces  regarding  America, 
which  Genet  liad  made  to  him,  in  the  pre.sence  of  his  son  the  adjutant 
general  and  others.  He  was  contradicted  and  told  it  yiaa  false;  and 
tins  was  more  fully  expressed  at  a  public  meeting  of  democrats,  of  which 
Elisha  Jenkins  was  secretary,  by  means  of  the  adverse  resolutions,  re- 
garding a  federal  meeting,  which  were  unanimously  adopted.  His  son 
Solomon,  was  justly  incensed  that  his  own  untarnished  integrity  was  thus 
maligned  ;  and  though  opposed  to  his  father  in  politics,  being  a  strong 
Federalist,  would  not  hear  of  such  an  insult  to  his  venerable  and  de- 
crepit sire  without  notice.  It  was  the  law  of  a  soldier's  nature  which 
prompts  him  to  repel  a  base  attack  on  the  reputation  of  the  briivc  and 
the  deserving,  in  the  same  spirit  which  he  would  meet  an  assault  on  a 
military  post  or  position,  which  had  been  committed  to  his  oww  spe- 
cial keeping.  He  flies  irresistibly  to  the  rescue  of  his  comrade,  when  in 
danger,  and  he  is  always  ready  to  thrust  himself  in,  to  receive  any  blow 
which  he  sees  aimed  at  the  one  whom  he  would  save.  Elisha  Jenkins 
(secretary  of  state)  being  the  author  of  the  resolutions,  adopted  at  the 
republican  meeting  that  questioned  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer's  veracity,  was 
held  responsible.  The  sequence  of  a  well  merited  chastisement  inflicted 
on  the  secretary  as  a  base  traducer,  was  the  occasion  of  a  disgracel'ul  po- 
litical row,  the  crafty  handiwork  of  democraiic  demagogues  showing 
"  the  good  old  times  of  their  boyhood,"  which  resulted  in  serious  injury 
to  the  intrepid  and  high  minded  son.  The  first  brand  thrown  into  the 
fire  consisted  of  an  affidavit  by  Colonel  Nicholas  Staats,  of  the  county  of 
Rensselaer,  charging  Adjutant  General  Van  Rensselaer  with  what  was 
characterized  as  •'  Corrupt  Influence,"  to  favor  the  re-election  of  Governor 
Lewis.  This  was  followed  by  an  affidavit  from  Gen.  Solomon  Van  Kens- 
sclaer  and  his  father.  Gen.  H.  K.  Van  llonsselaer,  denying  the  whole 
charge,  together  with  other  affidavits  and  letters.  The  allusions  to  Mr. 
Genet  in  these  documents  called  the  minister  of  France  to  his  feet, 
In  consequence  of  which  he  published  a  lengthy  statement  as  a  counter 
debate,  for  the  opposers  of  Governor  Lewis  in  order  to  defeat  his  re- 
election and  in)plicate  the  reputation  of  the  adjutant  general  had  fabri- 
cated an  affidavit  which  was  the  occasion  of  much  trouble. 

E.  C.  Oenet's  Cotmter  Statement, 

Prospect  Hill,  April  7th,  1807. 

Among  the  shafts  which  unknown  hands  dart  incessantly  at  me  through 
the  poisoned  channel  of  the  papers  devoted  to  the  most  virulent  faction, 
1  have  noted  one  whose  authors  have  had  at  least  the  honesty  to  give  their 
names.  I  will  accordingly  answer  them  in  the  same  way,  excepting  the 
ceremony  of  an  oath,  which  I  do  not  consider  as  necessary  to  streugthen 
my  declarations. 

The  affidavits  of  Messrs.  Henry  K.,  and  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer 
might  require   on  my  part  several  remarks  ;   but  as  the  public  are  very 


Leqaoy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  168 

little  interefltcd  to  know  the  minuto  particulars  of  my  conversation  with 
thorn,  I  will  lueroly  state,  that  the  motivos  which  induced  mo  t.)  obtain 
Iron.  Mr.  Nicholas  Staats,  at  the  request  of  several  of  my  friends  in 
Albany,  a  testimonial  proof  of  certain  facts  which  that  t^entleman  had 
frequently  divulged,  were  grounded  on  public  good  and  equal  justice 
An  attempt  made  to  seduce  the  honor  of  that  reproxintative  of  the'peoplo 
and  entice  him  to  deviate  from  the  path  of  faitii fulness  to  constituents' 
was  a  very  alarming  precedent,  if  true,  or  a  very  slanderous  report  if 
unsupported  by  evidence.  The  ca^o  is  now  before  the  tribunal  of  the 
pMbhe,  and  I  am  satisfied  to  have  done  my  duty  as  a  citizen,  in  oxposin'' 
it  there.  '^       ° 

I  wonder  how  private  opinions,  totally  unconnected  with  the  transac 
tion  above  mentioned,  have  been  introduced  in  the  nfrulavits  of  the  said 
gentlemen.     It  appears  to  have  been  done  with  an  iiitontiou  to  hurt  mo  • 
but  as  passion  is  very  often  blind,  her  blows  seldom  bear      I  could  also 
-0  to  a  justice  of  ihe  peace  and  swear  on  the  Holy  Book,  that  I  never 
have  said  to  the  best  of  my  recollection,  that  after  Napoleon  the  Ist  had 
dispatched  Lngland  in  "  case  the  government  of  the  United  States  did  not 
jonduct  towards  him  with  more  civility  and  friendship   than   thoy  had 
hitherto  done,  they  would  next  be  attacked  and  subjugated  to  him  "—  but 
by  the  use  or  abuse  which   has  been  lately  made  of  affidavits   I  confess 
that  I  am  a  stranger  to  the  point  in  dispute,      -vould  have  very  little  effoot 
upon  my  mmd.     I  prefer  to  demonstrate,  b\  plain  reasoning,  that  I  have 
not  that  I  could  not  have  asserted  that  su.U  an  event  should  take  place 
with  those  degrading  circumstances,  or  ('  ,t  F  have  been  grossly  misuu- 
derstood.     Ihe  great  object  of  the  editors,  co-operators  and  suppliers  of 
t he  f,uid  papers  is,  to  make  the  people  believe  that  I  am  hero,  at  Prospect 
lliU  the  agent,  the  emissary,  the  factotum  of  Bonaparte  !  Is  it  prob.djie 
It  1  had  accepted  that  important  embassy,  after  having  abjured  my  alle- 
giance to  France,  when  France  ceased   to  be  free,  that  I  should  be  im- 
prudent enough  to  disclose,  in  that  delicate  situation,  the  ambitious  views 
otmy  employer?  Is  it  probable  that  I  should  ba  ignorant  that  he  does 
not  complain  of  our  general  administraf    .a?  Is  it  probable  that  I  should 
Jiave  oflered  for  the  service  of  this  country,  as  I  can  prove  I  have  done 
memorials  on  the  use,  organization   and  tactics  of  the  flotillas  and  plans' 
or  the  defense  of  our  coasts  and  harbors  V  Is  it  probable,  that  knowin- 
the  principles  of  the  present  form  of  government  in   France,  I  should 
bupport  here,  by  all  the  means  in  my  power,  the  cause  of  liberty  v  No 
certainly  not.     The  idea  of  a  French  invasion  to  take  place  after  the  con- 
qucst  ;s  accomplished,  has  for  several  years   been  held  up  amoiv  the 
people,  but  I  have  always  considered  and    represented  it  publicly" and 
private  y  as  a  more  folly,  if  it  was  sincere,  or  as  a  trick  of  the  En-lish 
ana  federal  alarmists  if  it  was  not;  and  1  never  have  thought  that  the 
conquest  of  the   United  States  could  be  an   object  of  glory,  ambition  or 
H  toro.st  for  I  ranee.     What  glory  would  there  be  for  those  veteran  legions 
WHO  have  annihilated  the  renowned  legions  of  Austria,  Prussia,  Russia 
ana  so  many  other  powers,  to  cross  the  ocean  for  the  purpose  of  attacking 
a  militia  valorous  ^ut  not  yet  equally  disciplined  ?  In  what  would  the 
ambition  of  Irancc  be  gratified  by  crushing  down,  at  an   immense  ex- 
r-u;|e,  a  government  which  owes  to  her  in  a  great  measure  its  existence  '' 
Aim  What  advantage  would  there  bo  for  her  to  paralyze  by  despotism  the 
wonderful  activity  and  enterprise  of  a  people  so  useful  to  her  manufacto- 
ries, to  her  trade,  to  her  colonies,  and  whom  she  has  lately  treated  with 


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164 


Legacy  op  Histokical  Gleanings. 


80  mucli  magnanimity,  in  excluding  them  from  the  severity  of  the  decree 
of  Berlin  ?  It  is  absurd,  it  is  deleterious  to  admit  the  possibility  of  such 
an  unnatural  event,  unless  that  spirit  of  experience,  reason,  good  sense 
and  patriotism,  which  has  occasioned  the  downfall  of  federalism,  should 
ab'-ndon  our  fellow-citizens,  and  raise  up  a  new  English  faction,  ready  to 
.alt,  outrage,  provoke,  and  even  declare  war  against  the  most  powerful 
nation  on  earth.  But  in  case  the  judgment  shculd  be  pr.ssed  on  us  by 
heaven,  then  would  we  see  whether  the  quids  or  the  republicans  would 
be  the  first  to  shed  their  blood  for  the  defence  of  their  country,  and  to 
perish  rather  than  be  conquered  and  subjugated.  v  o  r' 

The  state  of  excitement  was  such,  after  the  letter  of  Mr.  Genet  was 
published,  that  an  indignation  meeting  of  the  federalists  was  held  at  the 
City  Hall,  on  the  14th  of  April,  1807,  at  which  among  many  other  resolu- 
tions  the  following  were  adopted  : 

*  *  *  *  And  whereas  this  meeting  has  understood  that  a  certain  emi- 
grant from  France,  formerly  minister  of  the  French  Republic  in  the 
United  States,  and  notorious  for  his  intrigues  during  the  administration 
of  President  Washington,  is  now  zealously  interfering  in  the  elections  of 
this  state,  and  has  declared  to  one  of  our  fellow-citizens :  "  That  in  case 
the  Government  of  the  United  States  did  not  conduct  towards  the  Emperor 
of  France  with  more  friendship  and  civility  than  it  had  hitherto  done,  they 
would  next  he  attacked  and  subjii(/ated  hy  him." 

Resolved,  As  the  sense  of  this  meeting,  that  the  said  declaration  is  an 
unjustifiable  attempt  to  alarm  the  fears  of  our  citizens,  to  violate  the  free- 
dom of  suffrage,  and  to  overawe  the  ensuing  election  by  the  menace  of 
foreign  powers.     And  it  is  further 

Resolved,  That  the  renewal,  at  this  critical  juncture,  of  the  intrigues  of 
the  above  mentioned  French  emigrant,  after  so  long  an  interval  of  obscur- 
ity, viewed  in  connection  with  the  late  turbulent  attempt  of  the  above 
said  Irish  emigrant,  [Thomas  Addis  Emmet  in  an  attempt  made  in  the 
Hibernian  Society  of  Yew  York  to  iiJame  the  passions  of  foreigners] 
contrary  to  his  professed  intention  of  taking  no  active  part  in  political  and 
party  questions,  affords  strong  grounds  of  suspicion  and  be  lief  that  a  great 
effort  is  now  making,  by  a  certain  party  in  our  state,  to  accomplish  party 
purposes  by  the  united  force  of  a  dangerous  foreign  influence. 

They  considered  the  influence  of  intriguing  and  turbulent  foreigners  as 
dangerous  to  the  peace  and  safety  of  our. country. 

Sol.  Van  Rensselaer  to  E.  G.  Genet. 

Cherry  Hill,  15th  April,  1807. 
In  your  statement  of  the  7th  instant,  you  ssem  to  consider  General 
Van  Rensselaer's  and  my  aflidavits  as  violent  attacks  upon  you.  Had 
you  reflected  one  moment,  it  would  have  occurred  to  you  that  you  was 
the  first  assailant.  Your  officiousness  in  procuring  the  affidavit  of  a 
weak  and  intemperate  man  to  fix  a  stigma  on  my  character,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  implicating  the  Governors,  and  of  which  I  warned  you  to  desist 
before  that  affidavit  was  published,  rendered  a  defence  highly  proper. 
In  making  that  defence  I  deemed  it  right  to  submit  to  the  public  every 
circumstance  that  might  serve  to  develop  your  views,  oi  to  designate 
your  secret  prompters.  I  do  not,  however,  mean  this  explanation  by  way 
of  apology  for  anything  contained  either  in  the  Generals  or  my  own  affi- 
da"ifc,  to  such  an  apology  y^u  are  not  entitled,  because  by  assuming  the 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  165 

humble  employment  of  an  affidavit  hunter,  to  subserve  the  basest  partv 
purposes,  you  have  forfeited  the  consideration  of  every  respectable  citizen 
Whatever  the  abuse  may  be  which  has  been  actually  made  of  affidavits 
It  cannot  exonerate  jou  from  the  imputation  of  having  made  the  foolish 
and  unwarrantable  assertions  stated  in  the  affidavits  first  alluded  to      But 
est  rny  object  in  this  disclosure  may  be  misapprehended,  I  now  tell  vou 
that  It  was  not  because  I  gave  credence  to  your  assertions  or  thought 
hem  wise ;  but  because  I  conceived  that  they  evinced  your  real  disposi- 
tion  in  relation  to  the  relative  interests  of  this  Country  and  France,  for  in 
that  view.  It  is  of  little  moment  how  absurd  and  preposterous  soever  the 
assertions  are  when  an  adopted  citizen  (as  you  call  yourself)  utters  senti- 
meats  which  denote  that  he  has  not  abjured  his  alien  propensities,  with 
he  renunciation  of  his  first  allegiance,  it  shows  that  the  work  of  abiura- 
tion  IS  not  perfected.     That  such  a  man,  whatever  his  professions  may  be, 
IS  still  an  alien  at  heart,  and  not  to  be  trusted  in  case  of  a  coniflct  between 
his  adopted  and  native  country.     I  shall  take  no  further  notice  of  your 
statement.,  nor  of  the  obligations  which  you  seem  inclined  to  impose  on 
the  United  States  toward  France  "/or  their  political  existence,  and  themaa. 
nammity  of  Bonaparte  m  excluding  them  from  the  severity  of  the  decree 
o/Berlm,    than  by  observing,  that  whatever  those  obligations  may  be 
they  were  due  to  your  murdered   Sovereign,  and  not  to  the  Usurper' 
whose  magnanimity  and   heroism  you  on  all  occasions  delight  to  3xtol.' 
Jut  that  the  public  may  be  more  fully  apprised    that  your  confessed 
conviction  of  the  absurdity  of  your  assertions  relative  to  Bonaparte's 
subjugation  of  this  Country,  does  not  restrain  or  regulate  your  ton-ue   I 

fZ  T^n  *'''  """^f  '^'^'"''l'-  ^'"^'^  ''  ^»"  "PP«^r  that  ther'e  are 
tour  affidavits  opposed  to  your  bare  assertion  on  this  subject.  Go  then  to 
a  justice  of  the  peace  and  swear  on  the  Holy  Book  "  that  you  never  made 
useof  the  expressions  stated  in  those  affidavits,  and  then  let  an  impartial 
public  decide  where  the  falsehood  lies.  '"jpartiai 

With  respect  to  your  affidavit  maker,  Sta-^ts,  I  only  remark,  that  while 

he  stands  convicted  m  essential  points  by  two  credible  witnesses,  besides 

myself,  and  is  a  convicted  liar^  of  many  years  standing,  and  was  seen 

^2  home  intoxicated  on  Saturday  the'  11th  inst.,  wh^'n  his  Sdavlt 

ccompanying  your  statement  was  taken,  J  deem  it  unnecessary  to  bestow 

Ihli^St'  '"'"'''"  '"  ^""^  ^^'''  ^y  exhibiting  that  conviction  anew  to 
^^'  P"^''°-  Sol.  Van  Hensselaer. 

in^'o?thfutr'^'''*'f"M™"^'.  K^  *^'  ^'•^''■""^*^  '^  *^^''-  »"dignation  meet- 
7r  Rut  4^         (allowed  by  a  mass  meeting  of  democrats,  at  which 

loridl  '^'  T "^'",*  "^'"''*'''  ""^  ^^'  United  States  at  the  court  of 

London,   came  in  for  a  large  share  of  censure,  while  Mr.  Emmet  whs 

satLSf'''P'"J'-  ."'  ^''''''''^   '^  *'^^"'^«-     They  viewed  wTthiveiy 
satisfaction  die  bright  prospect  of  triumph  for  their  cause."  ^ 

at  tht  Albn"rr  ff  ""'n'"^  '^  republican  electors,  held  pursuant  to  notice, 

chant  ohl,!      w  x^^T'^  •'"  ^  '■'^'*^'  ^'^'^  ^P"''  1807,  George  Mer- 
chant, chairman,  Elisha  Jenkins,  secretary.     The  meeting  proceeded  to 


M^ 


papSaWl^n.-^'ff^''"  1798,  caused  a  publication  to  be  made  in  the  public 
1<X  n  ,?'    "f  l""'^^**^  "^  '■•^^'^'■'1  to  tl'e  nomination  of  Mr.  Jay,  which  was  nrov^d 


•UUUMI 


166 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


take  into  consideration  the  resolutions  passed  at  a  federal  meeting  lately 
held  in  this  city,  censurinjij  the  conduct  of  Thomas  Addis  Emmet,  Esq 
and  approving  the  iriterference  cf  Rupus  King,  Esq.,  American  minister 
at  London,  in  preventing  the  migration  of  certain  Irish  state  prisoners 
to  these  United  States,  and  other  resolutions  passed  at  the  same  meetine. 
The  business  of  the  meeting  was  opened  and  explained  by  the  Honorable 
John  Taykr,  in  an  eloquent  and  spirited  appeal  to  the  judgment  and 
feelings  of  all  present.  After  reading  the  federal  resolutions,  etc.,  the 
following  Resolutions  were  read  and  duly  considered,  and  the  question 
being  put  upon  each,  they  were  all  unanimously  agreed  to:"  *  *  * 
The  Third  Resolution  was  the  cause  of  the  State  street  affray,  viz : 

"  Resolved,  That  we  wholly  disbelieve  that  Edmund  C.  Genet  the 
former  minister  of  the  French  republic,  has  declared,  'that  in  case 
the  government  of  the  United  States  did  not  conduct  themselves  towards 
the  Emperor  of  France  with  more  friendship  and  civility  than  it  had 
hitherto  done,  they  would  next  be  attacked  and  subjugated  by  him.'  And 
we  are  warranted  herein,  not  only  by  the  positive  denial  by  Mr.  Genet  of 
his  having  made  such  a  declaration,  but  by  the  whole  tenor  of  his  conduct 
which  has  fallen  under  our  notice  sin  oe  his  residence  in  this  part  of  the 
state.  That  this  meeting  has  incontestible  evidence  of  his  attich- 
ment  to  this  country,  inasmuch,  as  he  has  purchased  and  holds  considera- 
ble real  estate  within  this  state ;  has  resided  here  more  than  fourteen 
years,  has  been  naturalized  more  than  three  years,  and,  by  his  marriage 
with  the  daughter  of  a  native  citizen  of  distinguished  rank,  by  whom  he 
has  several  children,  he  has  every  tie  to  bind  him  to  the  interests  of  his 
adopted  country.  That  to  deny  him  the  rights  of  an  elector,  would  be  a 
prostration  of  the  constitution  and  laws  of  the  United  States,  and  an 
act  of  tyranny,  which  we  abhor  and  detest. 

"  Resolved,  That  we  see  no  evidence  whereon  to  ground  a  suspicion  or 
belief,  that  an  cflFort  is  now  making  to  accomplish  party  purposes  by  the 
united  force  of  a  dangerous  foreign  influence;  but  to  the  contrary  thereof, 
the  citizens  now  assembled  see  in  this  charge  the  revival  of  those  stale 
and  antiquated  attempts  of  the  federal  party,  to  alarm  and  agitate  the 
public  mind  for  the  obvious  purpose  of  promoting  the  election  of  Morgan 
Lewis,  and  defeating  that  of  the  republican  candidate  Daniel  D.  Tompkins 
&c.  &c." 

The  next  thing  in  order  was  the  fight  in  State  street :  After  Dr.  Samuel 
Stringer  had  dressed  the  wounds  of  General  Van  Rensselaer,  at  the  Ton- 
tine Coffee  House,  which  was  located  on  the  north  side  of  State  street, 
above  where  the  City  Bank  now  stands,  he  was  taken  to  Cherry  Hill,  on 
a  mattress,  in  a  boat.  His  thick,  beautiful  long  hair,  fortunately,  was 
braided  and  clubbed  behind,  and  this  had  afforded  some  protection  to  his 
head  ;  but  his  symptoms  continued  very  alarming.  The  stroke  from  the 
heavy  club  on  the  back  of  his  head,  and  the  dastardly  kicking  iif'ter  he 
was  prostrate,  brought  him  to  the  verge  of  the  grave  ;  for  many  weeks  he 
lay  nearly  unconscious,  and  the  chance  for  life  appeared  but  small.  "The 
pv-'iontwas  confined  to  his  bed  about  tliree  weeks,  sometimes  worse  and 
sometimes  better  ;  the  wound  probably  would  unfit  him  for  business  many 
years.  Any  violent  exercise  of  body  or  mind,  at  some  future  day,  might 
carry  him  off.  Dr.  Stringer  was  repeatedly  asked  by  defendant's  counsel, 
whether  he  knew  that  there  was  a  contusion  of  the  brain  in  Van  Rensselaer's 
case  ;  the  witness  replied,  that  he  had  not  been  on  the  inside  of  the  skull  to 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  167 

looh.  Witness  had  forbidden  bis  riding  even  in  a  chair,  Van  Kensselaer  had 
forincriy  rode  much  on  horseback;  but  could  do  it  no  more."  For  years 
afterwards  he  could  not  bear  the  motion  of  a  carriage. 

Lieutenant  Ocvernor  Tayler  to  the  PnUic. 

I  certify,  that  I  do  not  know  or  believo  that  his  Excellency  Governor 
Lewis  mrnished  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Eaquire,  with  a  Cane  on  Tues- 
day  last;^  nor  do  I  know  or  Believe  tha.  the  said  Solomon  had  the 
Governor  s  Cane  during  the  AfFray  on  that  day  ;  nor  do  I  Know  or  Believe 
that  his  i^x^ellency  the  Governor  did  in  any  manner  encourage  or  coun- 
tenancesaid  Aflray  but  wheal  saw  him,  after  it  was  over,  he  plainly 
and  unequivocally  disapproved  thereof.  '' 

Albany,  25th  April,  1807.  •^ohn  Taylee. 


Wilham  James  while  writing  at  the  back  of  his  store,  heard  Mrs 
Cooper  scream  and  went  out  just  in  time  to  separate  Bloodgood  from  Van 
Rensselaer.  "  Mrs.  Cooper  was  between  Tayler  and  Van  Rensselaer  when 
Bloodgood  came  up."  Mrs.  Cooper  had  been  an  intimate  friend  of  my 
mother  s,  and  tiH  her  death,  my  father  always  sent  a  couple  of  oUkoehz 
to  her,  on  New  Year  s  day  by  the  hand  of  her  excellent  son.  Gen.  Cooper 

I  he  tollowing  letter  was  received  a  few  days  subsequently. 

Lieut.  Governor  Tayler  to  Solomrv,  Van  Rensselaer. 

^'1         f    .       *       «•        ,  .      .  Albany,  24th  April,  1807. 

The  unfortunate  affray  that  took  place  on  Tuesday  last  excites  in  me 
the  deepest  regret,  and  to  add  to  the  misfortune  the  grossest  misrepresent- 
ations  are  propagated    it  is  said  that  my  negro  was  armed  with  a  Club 
and  the  others  of  my  fr  auds  were  also  armed  and  prepared.  ' 

I  can  in  the  most  solemn  manner  declare  this  to  be  an  untruth  I  did 
not  Suspect  any  thing  of  the  kind  nor  did  I  know  that  Mr.  Bloodjrood 
was  in  my  house,  passion  and  not  Malice  induced  me  to  address  you  in 
harsh  Language  and  to  go  up  to  you  when  you  called  to  come  on.  I  was 
confident  from  your  skill  in  the  use  of  the  back  sword,  that  small  injury 
only  If  any  could  full  on  you  from  the  mean  of  defence  I  possessed,  in 
us  I  am  sure  you  will  agree  with  me  and  I  can  most  solemnly  pro  est 
that  1  meant  no  more.  •'  ^  "'"" 

r^f^'P^'T''  f v"^  '^'"''  «^^^°e  me  engaged  with  two  men  as  he  supposed 
ran  out  and  got  between  you  and  Mr.  Schermerhorn,  getting  hold  of' him 
but  did  not  as  he  positively  declares,  see  you  after  that  or  ?ouch  you  at 
any  time,  his  back  being  towards  you.  ^ 

Mr.  Bloodgood,  acted  under  the  same  impression,  as  he  also  positively 
declares,  and  that  neither  of  them  made  use  of  any  harsh  or  imprope^ 
language  to  which  they  are  willing  to  be  qualified  ^ 

That  I  should  in  the  remotest  degree  be  the  mean  or  Instrument  of 
guingso  much  pain  and  distress  to  a  family  for  whom  I  always  had  the 
greatest  req»ect  gives  me  great  pain.     Mr.   Bloodgood  most  sincere! v 

hi"'nov.r'"  'TV     'T'  """^  ''"v."^^"'*  ^''''''''  ''  "^''^"^  -'''y  atonement  in 
flSlTlasJErnii:"'  ""'''  '''''''''  that  the  Symptoms  were  very 


168 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


!J!1I. 


That  the  Parent  of  all  good  may  be  gracioasly  disposed  to  Continue 
tlicm,  and  that  your  health  may  Soon  again  be  restored  to  the  great  Joy 
of  your  respectable  and  afflicted  family  is  the  Sincere  wish  and  devout 
prayer  of  Your  distressed  humble  Servant, 


Solomon  Van  Rensse- 
Adjutant  General 


laer,  Esq/., 
of  the  State 
of  New  York. 


"Those  savage  gentlemen,  who  came  well  nigh  being  assassins,  hired 
persons  to  watch  the  house  and  obtain  information,  as  to  the  patient's  situa- 
tion, from  the  four  attending  physicians.     They  made  arrangements  to 
leave  the  country  in  case  of  his  death,  which  for  a  long  time  was  hourly 
expected."     One  of  the  honoryble  men  sent  a  beautiful  letter,  expressive 
of  contrition,  to  my  dear  afflicted  mother  and  begging  her  forgiveness; 
but,  while  she  believed  his  deep  regret  to  be  sincere,  the  wrong  inflicteJ 
was  felt  too  acutely  ;  and  the  uncertainty  if  the  life  of  her  "  loved  one" 
would  be  spared,  together  with  the  thought  that  the  wound  might,  at  any 
rate,  unfit  him  for  business  many  years,  decided  her,  and  in  sorrow  the 
letter  was  at  once  returned  to  him.     They  all  regrettc  1  this  sad  breach  or 
friendship,  and  many  years  after,  when  the  federal  and  part  of  the  demo- 
cratic  party  united  on  DeWitt  Clinton  for  governor,  they  sent  friends 
to  my  father's  friends,  to  ask  them  to  intercede,  and  beg  for  a  reconcilia- 
tion  and   his  forgiveness.     The  general  sent  them  word,  he  was  not  a 
savage,  he  forgave  them,  but  could  not  forget  the  wrong  done,  however, 
he  was  willing  "  to   bury  the  hatchet,"  and  meet  their  advances  if  they 
were  sincere.     It  was  a  great  trial  to  him,  but  those  who  had  once  been 
the  aggressors,  behaved  so  frankly,  so  heartily,  while  the  friends  on  both 
sides  engaged  in  bringing  about  the  renewal  of  friendship  eflfected  it  so 
handsomely  and  judiciously,  that  after  a  long  consultation  with  my  mother, 
he  fully  consented.     The  step  was  never  regretted,  and  those  once  bitter 
politioal  enemies,  were  ever  after  his  warm  friends.     Francis  Bloodgood, 
when  on  his  death-bed,  sent  a  mutual  friend,  ^"^mo  Denniston,  Esqr.,  to 
beg  my  father  to  visit  him  and  grant  him  forgi-     less.     With  tears  rolling 
down  his  aged  cheeks,  the  venerable  man,  pleaded  that  General  Van 
Eenssclaer  would   accompany  him,  to  that  chamber  of  death.     From  a 
quivering  lip,  slowly  came  the  response  :  "Tell   Mr.  Bloodgood  I  freely 
forgive  him,  but  cannot  go  to  see  him." 

Years  after  in  1826,  my  mother  accompanied  my  father  on  a  tour  of 
inspection  of  post  offices,  by  order  of  post  master  general,  John  McLean; 
from  one  of  her  letters  we  take  this  extract :  "  At  Rochester  we  remained 
a  few  days,  sifter  viewing  the  Falls  left  there  in  a  canal  boat  in  company 
with  Colonel  and  Mrs.  Elisha  Jenkins,  they  were  very  sociable.  All  was 
as  pleasant  and  cordial  as  if  nothing  disagreeable  had  occurred  between 
the  gentlemen;  they  parted  with  regret  on  both  sides." 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


169 


A  Brief  Statement  of  Facts  Which  led  to  and  attended  the  Affray  in  Albany 

April  2Ut  1807.  »  ^^wimy. 

On  the  17th  instant,  at  a  meeting  of  the  Clintonians  in  this  city,  certain 
Kesolutions  were  adopted,  one  of  which  declared  the  utter  disbelief  of  tht^ 
meeting  ot  certain   tacts  contained  in  a  deposition  of  Hknry  K    Van 
Rknssklaer,  Esquire   and  Solomon  Van   Rensselaer,  Esquire,  the 
Adjutan    General.     The  latter  gentleman  feeling  himself  grossly  injured 
and  insulted  and  having  understood  that  the  Resolutions  were  drawn  up 
by  Elisha  Jenkins,  Esquire,  who  was  Secretary  of  the  meetin-,  at- 
tacked Mr  Jenkins  m  the  street  on  the  morning  of  the  2l8t  inst.,  having 
first  accosted  him  and  to  d  him  to  defend  himself,  and  gave  him  a  sever! 
■  f"""  *  *  *  ^ll  Jenkins  himself  being  armed  with  a  cane.     Abou? 
two  hours  after  this  Judge  Tayler,  in  the  presence  of  several  gentlemen, 
used  abusive  language  of  the   Adjutant  General,  calling  him\ls,.am« 
Rascal  Scoundrd,  &c.,  and  shortly  after  seeing  the  Adjutant  Genera 
passing  down  State  Street,  pursued  him  with  his  cane  raised,  callin-  him 
damn  d  rascal,  and  demanding  of  him  why  he  had  used  Mr.  Jenkins^thus 
and  coming  up  with  him  attacked  him,  the  General  defending  himself 
with  his  cane    which  was   soon   wrested   from  him  by   Jud^e  Tayler 
*    *    *    *    On  which  Mr.  Cornelius  Schermerhorn,  jun.  came  up  and 
furnished  him  with  another,  with  which  he  struck  Judge  Tayler  and 
while  they  were  thus   engaged  Francis    Bloodgood,  Esquire,  and'  Dr 

ir  ?!,?■  ^rP/'v^T'J'P'  Tf  ^^  ^^^"^  •"•^'"g  ^^<^<^^  tn7damn'd  rascal 
down  the  othe"  kill  the  damn'd  rmcal,  and  Bloodgood  with  the  thick  end 
of  a  heavy  cane  which  he  held  with  both  his  hands,  struck  Van  Rens- 
selaer  from  behind  a  blow  that  felled  him  *  *  *  Both  Tavler  and 
Cooper  as  well  as  B!oodgood,>en  struck  Van  Rensselaer  while  down 
with  their  canes,  and  Cooper  also  kicked  him,  Van  Rensselaer  bein- 
raised  up  by  two  persons  and  greatly  disabled,  walked  ofif  with  their  as"- 
sistance,  Bloodgood  pursued  him,  and  while  he  was  led  oflP,  struck  him 
two  severe  blows  with  the  thick  end  of  his  cane,  held  as  before,  Van 
Rensselaer  being  then  unarmed.  "le,  vdu 

While  Judge  Tayler  and  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  were  engaged,  and  iusfc 
before  the  Brst  mentioned  blow  from  Mr.   Bloodgood,  Henr°y  Yates  iun 

bilTT  "P  ^"  V"''/^''''^  ""''^  ^'-  ^^°  Rensselaer  but  being  disabled 
hmself  by  a  stroke  from  a  person  unknown  retired.     The  Governor 
[Morgan  Lewis  took  hold  of  Tayler  and  told  him  it  was  a  shame      Tayler 
ephed,  My  dear  Governor,  I  could  not  help  it,  are  we  to  be  mu  dered  for 
expressing  our  sentiments,]  who  happened  to  be  near  at  the  time  of  the 
amay,  exerted  himself  to  the  utmost,  in  quelling  the  tumult    and  the 
Mayor  of  the  city  [Philip  S.  Van  Rensselaer]  and  other  Ma^Sates 
were  very  active  in  the  discharge  of  their  dutyi"    The  Adjutant  General 
Z^::7^t''Tr''''}''  "t^  ^^"»^^-     Toprevent'erroneousim 
E  enol^hn^K     '''k'^°*-'°,  ""^""y^  mentioned,  and  to  contradict  the 
ts  to  nLw         ^'  ''°'°  industriously  circulated,  by  our  political  oppo- 
net    to  answ.r  party  purposes,  we  publish  the  above  statement,  from 
actual  testimony,  and  from  a  full  conviction  of  its  truth.     Bu  oderZ 
hileral  R>'puhUcan  Committee  of  Albany,  ^  ^ 

Tfitni*  V  XT  V  o  '^^"^  ^-  Wendell,  Chairman. 

iEUNJs  Van  Vechten,  Secretary 

Albany^  27th  April,  1807. 

22 


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170 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


t' ill 


CHAPTER  YHI. 

Speech  of  Hon.  Elisiia  Williams. 

The  afiFray  gave  rise  to  more  law,  ill  feeling  and  vindictiveuess  than 
any  occurrence  tliat  ever  took  place  iu  Albany.  For  this  murderous 
attack,  Gea.  Van  Itensselaer  subsequently  had  all  the  parties  arrested, 
and  those  concerned  in  the  several  encounters  went  to  law  about  their 
grieviiuces.  [The  difficulty  which  caused  these  suits  took  place  at  Albany, 
on  the  2lRt  day  of  April,  1807,  a  few  days  previous  to  the  general  elec- 
tion, at  which  time  the  republican  candidate  Daniel  D.  Tompkins  was 
elected  over  Morgan  Lewis  of  the  federal  party.]  The  actions  were  com- 
menced in  the  Supreme  Court,  and,  by  consent  of  parties,  referred  to 
Simeon  De  Witt,  Esq.,  Mr.  James  Kane  and  Mr.  John  Van  Schaack, 
as  arbitrators,  and  was  tried  at  Albany  in  Aug.  1808.  Abraham  Van 
Vechten  and  John  Woodworth,  Esqs.,  were  associated  with  Eusiu 
Williams,  as  counsel  for  Mr.  Van  Kensselaer,  and  Thomas  R.  Gold, 
Ebenezer  Foote  and  John  Chami'LAin,  Esqs.,  were  opposed.  Speech 
OF  Hon.  Elisha  Williams  in  the  causes  of  Elisha  Jenkins  t;s.  Sol.  Van 
Eenssehier.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  vs.  John  Tayler.  The  same  ts. 
Charles  D.  Cooper.     The  same  vs.  Francis  Bloodgood. 

"  The  great  importance  of  these  controversies  to  my  client,  as  they  re- 
spect his  feelings,  his  property  and  his  c+iaracter,  is  the  only  apology  I 
shall  offer  to  you,  gentlemen,  for  the  observations  I  am  about  to  submit, 
The  high  confidence  reposed  in  you  (who  are  selected  by  the  parties  them- 
selves) may  be  more  finely  expressed  by  the  opposite  counsel,  but  cannot 
be  more  sincerely  felt  than  by  ourselves.  Nor,  gentlemen,  can  a  more 
sure  and  ample  pledge  of  your  ability,  candor,  and  integrity,  be  required, 
than  that  which  you  have  furnished  in  the  patience  and  impartiality  you 
have  displayed  through  the  tedious  details  of  this  unprecedented  investi- 
gation. These  considerations,  inspire  a  confidence  that  the  few  observations 
I  shall  now  submit  to  you,  will  be  attentively  heard  and  duly  appreciated, 

"The  opposing  counsel  have  confined  their  observations  to  the  transactions 
of  that  unfortunate  day,  when,  on  the  one  hand  insolence  and  insult  were 
justly  chastised,  and  when  on  the  other,  unbridled  rage  and  brutal  violence 
finally  triumphed  in  the  destruction  of  a  patriot  and  a  soldier.  They  iiave 
described  General  Van  Rensselaer  as  the  baleful  star,  which  arose  in  the 
morning,  and  produced  and  justified  all  the  fatal  excesses  and  crimes  per- 
petrated throughout  the  day.  Upon  this  theme,  they  have  poured  forth 
torrents  of  declamation,  and  evinced  all  the  fiction,  all  the  '  melancholy 
madness/  if  not  the  inspiratit  n  of  poetry. 

"But,  gentlemen,  I  must  beg  the  favor  of  you  to  travel  back  with  me 
to  an  earlier  period,  to  examine  the  causes,  which  produced  the  misfor- 
tunes of  that  unhappy  day.  And  if,  in  this  examination,  we  find  that  the 
political  elements  were  in  violent  commotion,  prior  to  that  lamented  day, 
if  we  find  that  the  machinations  of  the  evil  genius  of  our  country,  had 
prepared  all  things  for  an  explosion,  if  in  fine,  we  find  '  the  hand  of  ^apo• 
Icon  even  in  this  thing,'  let  us  bear  no  more  of  '  the  baleful  morning  star, 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  171 

and  itH  baleful  mid-day  infiuenco.     Rather  let  the  guilty  authors  of  those 
orr.d  transachons   those  incer.dia.ies,  who,  to  .ratify  an  unholy  am  btio„ 
ared  to  a  tack  and  sti,.>rnat>ze  the  fair  fame  of  a  soldier,  to   torture  his 
boDorable  feel.n,.s  w.th  the  most  unfounded  calumnies,  until    at  Ten-' h 
hey  compe  led  h,m  to  raise  h.s  arm  in  defense  of  his  injured  cha  acter 
et  these  calumniators  be  dra-,pd  before  the   public,  and    let  them    feel 
demerits        ''  ^''"''''"^'''  '^'  punishment  which  their  dastardly  con- 
''What,  then,  ie  the  real  cause  of  all  these  outrages,  where  and  when 
did  they  commence,  and  by  «rhose  hand  was  the  fatal  apple  of  contention 
thrown  among  these  parties  ?  ^      "*  vumi^ijuon 

"It  had  pleased  Mr.  Edmund  C.  Genet,  by  some  means,  to  procure  from 
a  Mr.  Nicholas  Staats,  an  affidavit,  deeply  i^npugning  the  character  and 
conduct  of  the  adjutant  general.     [Said  to  be  a"  bribe  to  vo?e  ?o    ftov 
Lewis.]    The  adjutant  general,  then,  not  suspecting  the  dark  and  exte,!.' 
s.ve  system  which  had  been  planned  for  the  destruction  of  his  character 
accompanied  by  his  aged  father,  called  on  Staats  for  an  explanat  on  of 
his  affidavit      He  was  referred  to  Genet,  whose  bureau,  itVeem      had 
now  become  the  grand  arsenal,  whence  were  to  be  drawn  all  the  poiitica  1 
weapons  and  democratic   ammunition    which    the   approachin  '  ZaZ 
migh  reriuire.     Staats,  acknowledging  the  errors  which  his  affidavit  wa 
a  culated  to  propagate,  declared  to  the  general  that  he  had  Ion 'rl  usS 
bu  finally  w^  prevailed  upon  to  swear  by  the  incessant  and  pressi 
johcitations  of  Genet;  and,  at  the  same  time,  referred  him  to  the^cl  S 
or  an  inspection  of  h.s  oath.     The  General  and  his  father  then  repaired 
to  he  house  of  Gene    there  it  was  that  the  offensive  observaLn?  were 
maJe  which  are  detailed  in  the  affidavit  of  those  gentlemen      There 't 
was,  tna   this  Frenchman  painted  the  power,  the  designs "nd  the  inten 
IDS  of  the  Corsica.,  tyrant :  Bonaparte,  he  said,  had  now  disposed  of  al 
h  Luropean  enemies,  excepting  England  and  Russia.     Theyroa  would 
fall  before  his  power;  and  then,  if  America  did  not  treat  him  whh  mo  e 
respect  she  must  expect  that  chastisement  which  his  imperid  mast  r  had 
never  failed  to  inflict  upon  national  insolence  and  national  impudence 
focishly  styled  national    independence.     These,   gentlemen     were  X' 
bseryations  which  my  client  and  his  aged  fathor  felt  Tt  theirsolemn 
duty  to  submit,  under  their  oaths  to  their  fellow     .tizens      11.;^ 

;ii:ri.edSe/'Nj  'T  ^"^  '%''^-'^''  -rprtnci  ^o^^ir 

in  cms  procedu.e.^  No.     It  was  a  public  conversation,  nor    with  a  sem 

a  ce  of  truth,  can  it  be  said,  that  any  confidence  was  v  da^d      NaT 

gent  emeo   had  they  concealed  it,  had  they  failed  to  give  it  every  de  ^ree 

public.y  in  their  power,  then  iudeed  might  thfy  justly  have  been 

tKt  Zt  '".""  '"""^;  *'"  independence  of  thL'  co7nt  "    Who 

hX  Cd  n.th        f  •"'"     '•'"f"  who,  from  birth,  from  educatfon  from 
au   'nfhi^-     "P'',^™""  principle,  was  well  calculated  to  subserve  the 

r^l?  1  l:d'i::i?^^^      a  Frenchman,  by  birth,  by  educaUoa 
c;  J  ^''"^J^*^"^  '«  all  the  mysteries  of  no  itica    ntri<rue  •  allipd    ^,tL 

S!,f,r        ,>P°''''i  ""»">«'""0W  stood  forth  the  ooQimandet  in 
Slf,   ?,"''"?'""""  f"™' of '■>«  no'lhern  dopatlmeat.    To  awe  tha 

snaa  tailed,  he  now,  as  the  dernier  resort,   brandishes  over  thoir 
"eads  the  powers  and  the  vengeance  of  his  impedal  master 


172 


Legacy  of  IIistortcal  Gleanings. 


"  Gentlemen,  conduct  like  this  is  not  new  in  the  annals  of  the  French 
nation,  for  the  last  twenty  years.  Look  at  all  those  miserable  countries 
which  France  has  deceived,  betrayed,  revolutionized  and  conquered,  and 
you  will  find  the  same  means  in  full  operation.  Not  a  nation  but  has  been 
first  corrupted  by  the  emisKuries  of  the  tyrants  of  the  terrible  republic. 
And  if  patriots  have  resisted  the  ruin  of  their  liberties,  if  they  have  de- 
tected and  exposed  the  delusions,  the  deceptions  of  their  enemy,  then  have 
they  invariably  been  menaced  with  the  vengeance  of  the  tyrants  of  the 
world.  But,  gentlemen,  these  emissaries,  who  in  every  form,  spread  like 
locusts  through  every  country,  have  always  been, able  to  delude  and  lead 
astray  the  majority  of  the  people.  They  corrupt  the  presses,  the  very 
sources  of  information.  They  flatter  the  ignorance,  the  prejudices  of  their 
intended  victims,  they  wrap  around  them  the  glittering  robe  of  liberty, 
which  veils  a  thousand  deformities,  they  become  the  friends  of  universal 
liberty,  the  genuine  defenders  of  the  rights  of  man,  they  represent  France 
as  engaged  in  the  great  cause  of  philanthropy  and  liberty.  They  con- 
stantly, and  through  a  thousand  channels,  pour  upon  the  people  vphole 
floods  of  high  sounding  terms  and  metaphysical  jargon,  and  thus  they 
succeed  in  bewildering  the  judgment,  and  corrupting  the  integrity  of  mil- 
lions. In  this  seductive  form,  they  have  constantly  proflFered  their  accursed 
principles  to  the  world;  and  on  the  eastern  continent,  nation  after  nation 
have  'drunken  the  medicated  draught,  nor  dreamed  of  the  lurking  poison, 
until,  racked  by  convulsions,  they  awoke.to  expire!' 

"  Gentlemen,  are  not  these  facts  established  beyond  the  power  of  con- 
troversy ?  Do  you  not  already  perceive,  even  in  this  our  native  country, 
that  this  sentiment,  which,  when  first  expressed  by  Genet,  was  deemed  so 
infamous  as  to  call  forth  its  condemnation  from  the  united  suffrage  of  the 
party,  is  now  heard  with  approbation  ?  Yes,  it  now  passes  current  for 
sound  republican  doctrine  j  and  the  very  thoughts  and  sentiments  then 
first  broached  by  Genet,  are  daily  ushered  into  public,  through  the  columns 
of  the  Boston  Chronicle,  the  Baltimore  Whig,  and  even  Col.  Duane's  Au- 
rora, with  the  silence,  at  least,  if  not  with  the  approbation  of  the  republi- 
can party.  With  a  full  knowledge  of  all  these  circumstances,  gentlemen, 
let  me  now  ask  to  whom  wero  these  insolent  menaces  uttered  ?  To  Gen. 
Van  Rensselaer,  an  old  and  faithful  servant  of  his  country,  an  officer  of 
the  revolutionary  army,  who  had  little  left  but  his  honor  and  his  wounds, 
to  entitle  him  to  the  notice  of  his  country;  and  to  his  son,  the  first  mili- 
tary officer  of  the  state.  These  American  officers  heard  this  language 
from  a  Frenchman,  with  that  indignant  spirit  which  should  ever  inspire 
the  defenders  of  our  country.  They  were  bound  by  every  principle  of  honor 
and  virtuous  patriotism,  to  caution  their  fellow  citizens  against  the  in- 
trigues and  principles  of  a  man,  dangerous  from  his  connections  and  influ- 
ence. They  feU  the  full  force  of  the  obligation,  and  their  affidavits  came 
before  the  public,  supported  by  the  oaths  of  M'Donald  and  llockwell,  in 
whose  presence  Genet  had  made  similar  declarations. 

"  The  federal  meeting,  referring  to  the  affidavit,  and  extracting  the  par- 
agraph, express  of  Genet,  his  sentiments,  and  hib  political  com^uct,  their 
warmest  abhorrence.  In  the  estimation  of  certain  gentlemen,  who  styled 
themselves  republicans,  it  became  important  to  clear  their  northern  manager 
from  the  imputation  of  sentiments  and  designs  so  detestable,  and  then  so 
unpopular.  But  how  was  this  to  be  effected  ?  Two  American  patriots,  two 
gentlemen  of  unblemished  character,  had,  by  their  oaths,  convinced  the 
public  of  their  truth.     To  remove  that  conviction,  the  most  violent  and 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  173 

imposinj?  measures  ninst  be  adopted.     First,  Genet  must  bo  called  on  to 
deny  thv  nswortion  of  tbnse    gentlemen.      lie,  however,  declines  niakin<>' 
his  affidavit.     He  surveys  liimself  with  all  the  complacency  and  pride  ol" 
conscious  frreatneas,  and  asks  'shall  I,  who  but  yesterday  a  great  minister 
of  the  terrible  republic;  who   assisted  in  the  production  of  a  revolution 
which  has  wholly  overthrown  the  land  marks  of  civil  society,  shall  I  who 
with  impunity,  attacked  the  character  of  the  god-like  Washington  •  who 
appealed  from  the  constituted  authorities  of  this  country,  to  the  populace 
and  shook  to  the  very  center  the  government  and  constitution  of  this  re- 
puhiic.  shall  I,  who  sanctioned  in  my  own  country  all  those  principles  which 
finally  mingled  in  one  mighty  ruin  the  throne  and  the  altar,  shall  1,  who 
even  now  bask  in  the  dazzling  glory,  and  greatness  of  Bonaparte,  l'  who 
am  m^.W/ a  Frenchman  shall  1,  stoop  to  kiss  tha  Gospels  of  Cod  to  sanction 
what  I  publish?  No.     Two  American  officers  haves   orn  to  a  fact.     Sin- 
gular  indeed  must  be  the  state  of  the  republican  luind,  and  all  my  efforts 
and  intrigues  must  have  wholly  failed  of  their  wonted  buccees,  if  the  very 
troops  7,  command,    are  not  yet  prepared,  upon  mt/  word  of  honor    to 
pronounce  those  officers  guilty  of  perjury. '     Gentlemen,  was  he  mistaken  ? 
Not  nt  all.     As  though  inspired  by  h!»  genius,  a  republican  meeting  was 
called  at  the  seat  of  government :  a  ci-devant  republican  secretary  of 'state 
descended  to  the  rank  of  a  republican  secretary  of  this  electioneering  con' 
vention.     This  universal  secretary,  introduces  to  this  meeting,  a  resolution 
substantially  adopting  the  assertion  of  his  manager,  as  truth,  and  substan- 
tially  declaring  that  General  Van  Rensselaer  was  guilty  of  perjury.     Yes 
gentlemen,  an  officer  of  our  government,  dependent  upon  his  superiors,  if 
not  upon  Genet  for  a  future  salary,  thus  descends  from  his  high  station 
to  become  the  propagator  of  the  basest  slander.     But  he  did  not  stop  here' 
Not  contented  with  this  private  blow  at  the  character  of  the  general,  he 
steps  forth  into  the  gazettes  of  the  day,  and  sanctions  by  his  name  und  his 'offi- 
cial character,  the  basest  slander   that  ever  transpired.     That  this  name 
gave  a  charactor,  weight  and  deadly  influence  to  this  calumny,  which  it 
never  would  have  derived  from  ten  thousand  anonymous  publications  ia 
not  to  be  disguised.  ' 

_  "  Much  has  been  said  of  the  character,  the  exalted  stanuing,  the  exten- 
sive influence  of  the  secretary.     Wo  admit  them  all.    But  surely  in  pro- 
portion 10  that  character,  standing,  and  influence,  when  he  gave  his  name 
to  the  propagation  of  the  slander,  he  inflicted  a  wound  upon  Gen.  Van 
liensselaer's  character  more  deep  and  deadly.    And  in  the  same  proportion 
was  the  injury  he  inflicted  and  the  crime  he  perpetrated,  more  aggravated 
more  destructive.     And  here,  gentlemen,  let  it  be  remembered,' that  Gen. 
Van  Kensselaer  was  not  a  volunteer  before  the  public.     He   was  drawn 
out  in  self-defense  against  the  foul  aspersions  of  Sf,aats,  upon  whom  Genet 
has  prevailed  to  swear  to  conversations  implicating  the  general's  reputation 
He  was  not  the  first  '  to  cheapen  oaths,'  by  making  voluntary  affidavits. 
Wo,  this  very  Citizen  Genet,  who  afterwards  disdained  to  swear  to  a  sus- 
picious  statement,  he   was  the  man,  that  first  induced  the  attack  in  the 
lorm  ot  an  affidavit.     How,  then,  can  his  advocates  indulge  in  declamation 
against  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer,  for  the  course  he  adopted  '(  Away  with  all  this 
l*rench-mummery  —thissqueamishness  of  '  cheapening  oaths.'     They  are 
Observations  which  should  blister  the  mouths  of  the  advocates  of  the  man 
Who  imposed  the  painful  duty  on   my  client  of  repelling  with  his  oath  a 
base  and  in.sidious  slander,  to  which  Staats  had  been  made  to  swear. 
L"  ine  federal  republican  cause,  founded  on  the  basis  of  the  common 


4V' 


it 


174 


Lbqacy  of  Historical  Gleaninqs. 


good,  and  havlnj^  for  its  objoots  the  prn.sorvafcion  of  sociul  order  and  the 
protection  of  >;eneral  liberty,  in  a,  cominnn  oauHo,  in  wbich  tho  interuu  of 
troe  citizens  in  general  arc  concerned :  That  it  is  a  oomnioi:  duty  uf 
federal  rcpublicimH  without  rej^arding  local  distinctions,  to  support  tlmt 
cause  wherever  it  is  (|uostionod,  to  assert  and  maintain  its  priuciplt-s 
wherever  they  are  assailed,  and  to  defend  the  reputations  of  our  uiuKt 
virtuous  and  distinguishbd  patriots  whensoever,  and  by  whomsoever  they 
are  calumniated."] 

"  But  it  is  now  denied  that  Mr.  Jenkins  referred  at  all  to  the  aif  duvit 
of  Gen.  Van  Uonsselaer.  He  referred,  say  his  counsel,  only  to  the  reso- 
lutions of  tlie  federal  meeting.  Qentlemen,  if  those  resolutions  were  be- 
fore him,  the  marks  of  quotaciou  therein  used,  clearly  demonstrate  from 
whom  the  extract  was  made.  If  the  public  papers  of  the  oity  were  before 
him  the  affidavit  itself  was  under  his  eye.  If  ia  short  the  denial,  tho 
word  of  honor  of  Genet  was  before  him,  then  he  was  referred  to  tho 
affidavit,  and  then  all  pretense  of  not  referring  to  the  general's  affidavit, 
while  he  cites  its  language  with  such  scrupulous  exactness,  taust  appear 
a  hollow  pretense  iud  a  puerile  evasion.  I  disdain  to  i-pend  another 
moment  in  cxposi  ^  this  weak  subtei  fuge  of  conscious  guilt.  VVhat  grounds 
then,  gentlemen,  had  Jenkins  to  publish  to  the  world  a  charge  of  perjury 
against  Gen.  Van  llensseluer  ?  Is  his  veracity  questionable  1'  Is  the 
story  improbable  '(  Is  there  any  opposite  testimony  '{  On  the  •contrary, 
he  is  fully  supported  by  throe  witnesses  of  unimpoac  .ole  verac^y.  Yet, 
says  Mr.  Jenkins,  I  believe  these  gentlemen  guilty  of  perjury,  because 
Mr.  Genet  denies  the  charge.  I  believe  his  naked  assertion  though  op- 
posed to  the  ouths  of  four  American  citizens,  characters  above  suspicioD. 
J3ut  why  believe  Genet?  Because  '  this  meeting  have  incontestible  evi- 
dence of  his  attachment  to  this  country.'  And  where  is  that  evidence  ? 
Is  it  to  be  found  in  the  calumuies  which  he  heaped  upon  the  immortal 
Washington  '/  Is  it  to  be  found  in  his  early  attempts  to  drag  this  country 
into  tho  wars  of  Europe;  in  his  efforts  to  involve  us  in  all  the  horrors  of 
the  French  revolution  i*  In  tho  insults  which  he  profusely  dealt  out  to 
our  firmest  patriots  ?  Or  is  it  to  be  fou  id  in  those  wretched  remnants  of 
jacobin  clubs  which  a  la  mode  de  Paris  he  scattered  through  the  con- 
tinent ?  Whore  is  it  to  be  found  ?  What  exploit  for  American  inde- 
pendence exists  of  which  he  is  the  author  '{  \/hat  monument  of  patviotisiu, 
of  bravery  or  of  wisdom  will  remain  to  tell  posterity  even  that  hp  ever 
existed  ?  You  search  in  vain  !  Not  so  my  honorable  client  and  his 
venerable  father !  The  one  even  in  youth  a  veteran.  The  other  long  a 
faithful  servant  of  his  country  both  in  the  cabinet,  and  in  tho  field.  Let 
them  bare  their  scars,  those  honorable  testimonials  of  their  long  and  faith- 
ful services  to  their  native  country;  and  to  them  let  this  adopted  citizen 
boast  of  his  warm  attachmect  to  our  republic. 

"But  the  meeting  further  say  Genet  had  married  into  a  respectable 
family,  that  he  has  several  children,  that  he  had  been  naturalized  and, 
was  the  purchaser  of  real  estate.  I  dispute  not  the  respectability  of  the 
family  with  which  he  is  connected.  But  if  this  consideration  is  to  affect 
the  question,  I  ask,  from  what  family  has  my  client  descended  ?  Search 
the  annals  of  the  state,  and  you  will  find  from  its  earliest  settlement  that 
family  has  never  ceased  to  be  honorable.  The  children  of  Mr.  Genet,  I 
grant,  are  conclusive  evidence  of  the  soundness  of  his  constitution;  but 
by  what  species  of  necromancy  the  secretary  could  drag  them  in  to  bolster 
the  veracity  of  their  father,  is  wholly  uukuown  to  me;  nor  can  I  perceive 


Legacy  op  Hihtorical  Gleanings.  175 

in  wlint  maimer  liis  naturalization  and  property  can  bo  applied,  either  to 
conhrintlic  denial  of  Genet,  or  to  prove  the  perj.iry  of  Van  Ilensselaer. 

"  ft  Mr.  Uenet  F^  -  naturalized,  I  admit  he  was  entitled  to  all  the  m.liti- 
cal  priyilcf^'es  whicl.  ise  directors  of  this  '  aHylum  ofopprcHBcd  huroanifv' 
mvc  determined  to  extend  to  emigrants  from  Europe.  But  I  w.-uld 
humbly  submit,  whether  the  citizen,  or  any  other  emiirrant,  has  any 
cliiim  to  a  credit  superior  fo  that  of  tho  native  citizens  of  our  republic 
Gentlemen,  all  these  pretenses  are  straws  at  which  counsel  will  ever 
grasp,  when  sinking  in  a  flood  of  absurdity,  and  behold  no  chance  of 
escupe.  il-id  they  not  been  dwelt  upon  in  the  resolutians,  and  supported 
by  the  very  respectable  counselor,  in  opposition,  I  sjiould  have  deemed 
tluiiii  scarcely  worth  a  comment. 

"  Gentlemen,  you  wiH  perceive  that  I  have  treated  the  resolutions  of  the 
deuiocratie  meeting  implicating  Gen,  Van  Kenssplaer's  character,  as  the 
act  o   Mr.  Jenkins.     We  do  not  deny  to  any  man  or  number  of  men  the 
privilege  of  canvassing  on  the  eve  of  an  election.     liut  we  deny  that  any 
pohtical  club  18  justified  in   greater   liberties  with   individual      aructer 
than  IS  permitted  to  individuals  of  that  club.     We  deny  that  any  indi- 
vidual ol  the  meeting  who  promoted  the  circulation  of  the  slander,  is  to 
be  at  all  protected  because  others  joined  with  him  in  p-irpetratinc  tht 
outrage.     And,  above  all,  we  deny,  th  ,t  a  man  who  gives  his  name  to  the 
publicin  support  of  a  ca.umny,  who,    hereby,  gives  it  force,  and  form, 
and  durability,  can  skulk  from  the  responsibility,  behind  that  portion  oi 
he  populace  whom  he  might  prevail  upon  to  sanction   the  transaction. 
Wherever,  then,  the  vile  tale  originated,   whether  in  the  wily  brain  of  a 
foreigner,  or  whethei  in  a  motley  .concourse  of  electioneering  dependents 
Jenkins  adopted  it  as  his  own.     He  placed   H  on  a  lasting  record.     Ho 
attempted  to  hand  the  name  of  my  client  and  his  aged  father  down  to 
their  posterity,  covered  with  the  deepest  infailiy.     Is  he  not  then  answer, 
able  for  his  conduct  f     As  a  gentleman,  can  he  wish  to  avoid  rcsponsi- 
bility  (    Does  he  attempt  to  shield  himself  from  responsibilitv  behind  the 
political  puppets,  whom  he  collected  and  danced  before  the  public  in 
Albany  ?     1^  or  his  own  honor,  gentlemen,  let  him  disavow  attempts,  so 
weak,  so  degrading      Let  him  step  boldly  forth,  and  in  the  character  of 
a  man,  tell  you,  '  HI  have  injured  General  Van  Ilensselaer,  here  I  am  to 
answer  him.      Let  him  disdain  longer  to  keep  a  position  so  humble,  so 
disgraceful,  as  is  that  in  which  his  counsel  have  placed  him.     It  is  stron-lv 
in«ii.uated    however    that,  as  a  soldier,   General  Van   Rensselaer   wi^ 
bound  by  the  code  of  honor  to  call  his  antagonist  into  the  field,  and  wash 
awa3  the  injury  with  blood.     Gentlemen,  he  might  have  called  him  :  and 
so  might  he  have  '  called  spirits  from  the  vasty  deep.'     Not  that  I  would 
insinuate  aught  against  the  persona!  bravery  of  Mr.  Jenkins.     But  this 
IS  certainly  true,  that  Van  Ilensselaer.  who  had  sought  a  personal  inter- 
view the  preceding  day,  could  hardly  expect  that  this  gentleman,  who 
hd  promised  to  see  him,  and  had  falsified   his  promise,  would  uJw  re- 
proaca  him  with  any  violations  of  the  rules  of  honor.     And  here  rentle- 
nien   permit  ine  to  correct  the  opposing  counsel,  who  seems  to  suppose 
hat  Schernierhorn  was  directed  by  Van  Rensselaer  to  conceal  his  name 
on  Jonkin..     Ho  did  not.     The  measure  was  adopted  by  Schermerhorn, 
as  he  says,  because  he  believed  it  the  only  course  to  procure  a  pergonal 
ntuview  between    the   parties.     That  Jenkins    knew  the  person   who 

Zi-       '"'Tiir  tT  ^.""o^'^"  liensselaer,  is  perfectly  obvious,  by 
tuc  testimony  of  Mr.  John  C.  Spencer.     Why  then  did  not  Jenkins  com- 


176 


Leqacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


ply  with  his  promise  to  Schermerhorn.  This  he  mij^ht  have  done  ia  the 
presence  of  his  friends.  And  if  he  was  unconscious  of  havinjj;  inflicted 
intentional  injury,  he  could  have  feared  no  personal  violence.  Gentlemen, 
if  Jenkins  could  have  uttered  the  language  which  his  counsel  now  utter 
for  him,  would  he  not  have  met  the  general  and  hove  said  to  him,  '  It 
was  not  my  intention  to  question  your  veracity,  I  did  not  allude  at  all  to 
your  aflSdavit.  I  only  referred  to  thp  proceedings  of  the  federal  meeting.' 
Such  an  explanation  (if  founded  in  truth),  would  as  readily  have  been 
oifered  as  accepted  as  satisfactory  by  any  man  of  honor.  This,  gentlemen, 
Jenkins  did  not  do.  With  truth  he  could  not  do  it.  No,  he  well  knew 
that  ho  had  inflicted  upon  Van  Rensselaer  a  wound  which  apoiogies  could 
not  heal.  He  had  declared  to  the  world  that  the  general  and  his  father 
had  incurred  the  moral  guilt  of  perjury,  that  they  had  severed  the  chain 
which  bound  their  consciences  to  truth  and  to  heaven,  and  had  become 
richly  entitled  to  temporal  and  eternal  infamy  and  wretchedness.  What, 
then,  could  General  Van  Rensselaer  do  ?  Insulted  in  the  grossest  manner, 
wounded  in  the  tenderest  point,  and  doubly  wounded  by  the  attack  upoa 
his  aged  and  defenseless  father;  denied  the  possibility  of  access  to  Jen- 
kins; goaded  almost  to  madness  by  the  conduct  of  his  adversary,  he  de- 
termined to  chactise  and  disgrace  the  man  who  had  wantonly  and  in  cool 
Mood  aimed  the  dagger  at  his  reputation  ;  and  who  when  called  on  for  a 
personal  interview  had  promised  it,  but  had  basely  forfeited  his  promise. 

"  Q'his  he  did.  And  now  gentlemen  let  me  ask,  was  the  chastisement  dis- 
proportionate to  the  oflFense  ?  I  do  not  coutend  that  the  provocation,  high 
and  aggravated  as  it  is,  furnishes  a  legal  justification  of  the  assault  and 
battery.     But  it  must  reduce  the  damages  to  a  point,  merely  nominal. 

"  That  Jenkins  expected  (as  he  knew  he  merited)  the  chastisement  be 
received,  is  evident  from  his  language  to  Spencer,  that  he  knew  of  the 
attack,  is  f  t'ident  from  the  testimony  of  Miss  Steele,  of  Eaton,  and  of 
several  other  witnesses  ;  for  when  he  beheld  the  man  he  had  injured  in 
pursuit  01  hir.>,  could  he  doubt  his  object  ?  It  is  also  evident  from  the  con- 
versation that  succeeded  the  affray.  When  Van  Rensselaer  declared  that 
he  had  given  him  notice  prior  to  the  blow,  he  did  not  at  all  deny  the  truth 
of  the  assertion.  But  above  all  it  is  evident  from  the  character  of  the  as- 
sailant. Strong  and  conclusive,  gentlemen,  must  be  the  evidence  to  con- 
vince any  one,  that  a  man  of  acknowledged  honor,  bravery  and  humanity, 
like  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer,  could  act  so  contrary  to  all  his  principles  and 
his  habits. 

"  There  cannot  be  a  doubt  then,  gentlemen,  that  Jenkins  beheld  Van 
Rensselaer  in  pursuit  of  him,  heard  his  call,  and  expected  the  attack. 
That  Van  Rensselaer  was  his  superior,  both  in  activity  and  resolution, 
and  that  he  easily  inflicted  the  chastisement  he  intended,  we  admit.  And 
if  we  are  to  give  any  credit  to  the  towering  flights  of  the  counsel,  a  scene 
followed  in  which  more  blood  was  spilt  than  flowed  at  the  battle  of  Tra- 
falgar. If  the  counsel  are  correct,  poor  Mr.  Jenkins  was  beaten  to  a 
very  mummy,  his  joints  were  dislocated,  his  bones  broken,  his  features 
all  disfigured,  and  he  exhibited  to  the  astonished  citizens  a  spectacle  to 
dissolve  the  marble  heart  of  the  veriest  savage.  This,  gentlemen,  is  a 
doleful  picture  ;  but  unfortunately  it  has  no  original.  What  is  the  evi- 
dence? While  Jenkins  was  down  and  in  Van  Rensselaer's  power,  he  did 
to  be  sure  inflict  several  blows ;  but  in  a  part  where  most  it  wound  his 
honor  and  least  endangered  his  life  or  limbs.  He  thou  voluntarily  re- 
treated, and  Jenkins  rose  and  retired.     Van  Rensselaer  did  not  pursue 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  177 

him  He  chose  the  manner  best  calculated  to  disgrace  him,  to  punish 
him  for  his  insulting  and  injurious  conduct  to  himself  and  his  father 
lou,  gentlemen  as  men  of  honor,  who  know  and  duly  estimate  the  value 
of  reputation,  who  can  feel  the  situation  of  a  man  unjustly  and  vilely 
calumniated,  you  will  fully  examine  the  offense  and  the  provocation  and 
you  will  say,  whether  Jenkins  did  not  merit  the  slight  chastisement  he 
received  trom  the  man  he  had  wantonly  injured 

"I come  now  to  the  causes  in  which  General  Van  Rensselaer  is  plaintiff 
And,  gentlemen  m  the  very  threshold  we  are  met  by  a  sort  of  justifica: 
tion  interposed  by  the  defendants,  generally,  not  a  little  singular. 

"  The  argument  of  the  opposing  counsel  is  in  substance  this.  To  mv 
cient  they  say,  'you  sir,  in  the  morning,  broke  in  pieces  the  shield  of 
.he  law  You  therefore  demolished  all  legal  protection,  and  became  an 
ou  law  through  the  day.  Upon  you  as  upon  Cain  of  old,  was  fixed  a  mark 
and  any  that  found  you  might  kill  you.'  Really,  gentlemen,  I  am  dis! 
posed  to  allow  much  for  the  difficulties  with  which  the  counsel  are  forced 
to  struggle.  And  much  for  that  peculiar  horror  which  their  in-enious 
minds  must  have  experienced  when  they  were  forced  to  enter  u?on  the 
justification  of  a  transaction  so  savage  and  flagif  lous.  But  this  is  a  s.roke 
.^0  bold  so  utterly  at  random,  as  to  surpass  the  bounds  of  charity  itself. 

It  (general  Van  Rensselaer  had  committed  a  breach  of  the  peace  in  the 
morning  it  might  well  operate  as  a  warning  against  all  similar  excesses 
for  he  day.  Rut  by  what  principle  of  common  sense,  reason  or  law  it 
could  JUS  ify  or  extenuate  subsequent  outrages,  outrages,  too,  so  enormous 
and  bloody,  is  who  ly  beyond  my  power  to  conceive  Nor  can  I  devise 
any  legal  or  rational  connection  between  the  morning  chastisement  and  the 
savage  excesses  in  the  afternoon. 

"But  by  what  authority  did  these  defendants  become  the  aven-ers  of 
Mr.  Jenkins  s  wrongs  ?  What  connection  exists  between  them  and  Jen- 
\Z:  h.T  ^'^^^.^^"f  "S'^'^ity  which,  among  savages,  entitles  to  vengeance. 
N  n  but  a  political  connection  has  been  disclosed.  And  has  it  come  to 
this  f  If,  insulted  and  injured  in  tiie  grossest  manner  by  a  man  who  refuses 
me  every  other  satisfaction,  I  chastise  and  disgrace  the  insolent  poltroon  ; 
and  ,f  he  happens  to  be  a  republican,  has  every  membsr  of  that  Lternit; 
li  use  0  grasp  the  cudgel,  feel  himself  injured,  and  offer  me  personal 
^  ui  and  violence  in  the  street.  Gentlemen  seem  to  suppose  that  when 
Van  K  nsselaer  presumed  justly  to  punish  a  man  be..ring  the  ..acred  name 
ot  republican,_it  was  viardejure  with  the  whole  tribe  of  democracy  Nay 
not  content  with  this  they  declare  it  a  war  of  extermination,  a  wa?  which 

Tnt"    /r^;-'"^!"'*^"-!"  '^'  vilest  attempts  at  assas'sination      If. 
gentlemen,  this  triumphant  tribe  have  arisen  superior  to  the  law  as  well  as 
e  constitution;  if  to  gratify  their  passions,  a^l  the  sacred  JLciple    of 
u  t  ce  equity  and  law  esteemed  so  sacred  and  inviolable  by  oSr  ancestors 
are  to  be  rampled  under  foot,  then  this  high  claim  may  have  some  foundal 
jOQ.    Rut  if  we  are  '  brethren  of  the  same  family,'  and  law  and  justice 
me  superior  to  the  political  squabbles  and  clubs  of  the  day,  then  a  Weaker 
or  more  ridiculous  extenuation  of  an  outrage,  never  was  a^Iempted. 
alonp     TJ    ""^'Sentlemen,   to  call  your  attention  to  the  case  of  Tayler 

with  Je,  kin^'v     ■  1'^""^^ ^  ""'^^  ''^'''■'^'  "^'"^^^-    l'''-^^  ^fte--  the  affray 

bvra  wlfr'.,    T  1^^"«««1''«^  ''r^'^'^fl^  walked  the  streets;  went  to  the 

!!"  r'_7  •",^,  'f  ^"^  ^^«>,f"d  to  the  post-office  for  his  letters.     And 

I^v,  wayahuulu  he  uuL  walk  the  streets?     After  caning  a  man  who 

23 


178 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


J 
i. . 


richly  merited  it  who  but  a  tyrant  would  attempt  to  prevent  it,  and  who 
but  a  madman  would  question  his  right. 

"  Again,  it  is  said  he  sought  Tayler.  This  is  not  true  ;  for,  had  he  sought 
him  J  when  in  full  view  of  Lewis's  Tavern  he  stood  upon  the  side  walk  on 
the  direct  course  to  the  post  oflSce,  would  Van  Rensselaer  have  passed  to 
the  opposite  side  of  the  street,  and  on  his  return  have  entered  upon  the 
south  side  walk  below  him  ?     'Tis  incredible.    But  he  did  not  run,  when 

Tayler  called  him  d d  rascal  and  assassin.     No,  he  did  not  run  from 

Tayler.  He  never  did  turn  his  back  upon  an  adversary,  and  I  trust  in 
God  he  never  will.  These,  gentlemen,  are  not  the  general's  habits, 
His  conscience  and  his  feelings  never  taught  him  this  resort  of  cowardice. 
"  This  Judge  Tayler  is  a  grave,  wealthy,  senatorial  father  of  the  city, 
whose  presence  might  arrest  the  arm  of  the  pugilist,  quell  a  mob,  or  hush 
a  riot;  whose  staff,  like  the  trident  of  Neptune,  could  in  an  instant  settle  all 
the  waves  of  commotion,  and  preserve  order  even  among  the  elements  of  an- 
archy. Mr.  Hutton,  in  the  true  character  of  a  Christian,  wnich  he  ever 
sustains,  exhorted  Judge  Tayler  to  use  his  influence  to  prevent  any  further 
excess.  This  gravely  and  repeatedly  he  promised.  While  yet  these 
promises  are  upon  his  lips,  a  messenger  arrives  at  his  door.  The  judge 
is  no  rude  man  ;  yet,  sans  cir^monie,  he  leaves  his  friends.  What  powerful 
motive  impelled  him  ?  Possibly  he  heard  that  General  Van  Rensselaer 
was  insolently  walking  the  street.  Vengeance  ran  rasping  through  every 
vein.  The  grave  mentor,  the  venerable  father  of  the  city,  grasping  a 
bludgeon  in  his  hand,  while  his  eyes  beamed  meekness  and  complacency 
on  his  friends  remaining  within  his  own  walls,  rushed  forth  to  gratify  his 
malice,  and  to  wallow  in  revenge. 

"  The  age  of  Tayler  may  have  dimmed  his  sight ;  but,  when  the  name  of 
Van  Rensselaer  is  pronounced  by  Mr.  Rodgers,  he  instantly  drops  the  arm 
of  his  friend.  Even  the  frozen  blood  of  the  grave  old  senator  boiled 
like  Etna's  crater ;  and  the  first  words  that  issued  from  those  lips  that 
so  lately,  sweetly  promised  peace,  were  '  you  d — d  rascal  why  did  you, 
like  an  ossass/n,  attack  Jenkins?'  In  what  ^  code  oi  politeness'  do  the 
opposite  counsel  find  a  warrant  for  the  venerable  judge  for  the  use  of  this 
language  ?  Tayler,  with  cane  uplifted,  rushed  to  the  conflict,  and  my 
client  did  not  run.  '  Ergo  (say  the  gentlemen),  they  fought  by  mutual 
consent.'  Let  me  not  disturb  this  logical  conclusion,  but  frankly  admit, 
that  my  client  never  would  have  troubled  you  with  this  suit  against 
Tayler,  had  he  not  reason  to  believe  that  by  his  procurement,  the  mob 
was  drawn  to  the  scene  of  action,  with  intention  to  permit  the  adjutant 
general  to  depart  with  his  life,  and  with  that  only. 

"  What  is  the  evidence  of  preconcert  ?  Taylor's  house  happens  to  be  the 
rendezvous  of  many  of  his  friends.  Tayler  repairs  to  the  market  to  pur- 
chase provisions,  which  he  happened  to  forget  to  bring  or  order  home. 
He  whispered  to  the  Cassidys.  One  of  them  immediately  after  Tayler 
left  the  market,  with  a  club  drawn,  from  some  republican  arsenal, 
happened  to  appear  at  the  scene  of  action.  The  younger  Cassidy  invites 
his  companion  to  go  up  to  State  street  to  '  see  the  scrape.'  How  did  it 
happen  that  these  Cassidys  were  so  wonderfully  correct  if  not  previously 
iflformed  ?  When  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  passed  up  to  Lewis's,  Cassidy 
said,  '  now  the  d — d  rascal  (the  watchword  of  their  chieftain)  will  pay  lor 
it.'  At  the  moment  of  the  conflict,  it  hapjjcncd  that  Cooper,  Bloodgood, 
the  Cassidys,  Tayler's  tenant,  and  about  seventy  of  his  political  friends,  all 
appeared.     This  may  indeed  be  accident ;  but  much  it  savors  of  pre- 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  179 

concert,  and  of  deep  design.  The  battle  soon  commences;  and  while 
victory  IS  suspended  in  equal  balance,  Couper  appears,  not  to  rescue  his 
wife  from  danger ;  she  was  of  minor  consequence,  and  committed  to  the 
protection  of  another  [Mrs.  CJooper  ran  out  of  the  house  and  took  hold 
of  Tayler  her  father]  Not  to  defend  Tayler  from  imminent  danger,  for 
his  friends  think  he  had  the  better  3f  the  battle,  and  stood  in  no  need  of 
assistance ;  but  Cooper  appears,  crying  '  knock  the  d— d  rascal  down  ' 
He  passed  Van  Rensselaer  and  took  hold  of  him  or  his  cane,  probably 
the  latter;  for  the  small  end  of  his  cane  being  arrested  behind  would 
bring  the  large  end  forward  against  Tayler's  breast,  as  described  by  the 
witnesses  and  the  force  of  the  blow  being  spent,  the  cane  easily  be 
arrested  from  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer's  hand.  Cooper  not  only  thus  asslted 
to  disarm  Van  Rensselaer,  but,  as  one  witness  declares,  struck  him  And 
when  bleeding  and  defenseless,  he  lay  prostrate  upon  the  earth,  ho  kicked 
him  on  the  side;  that  side,  in  which  great  and  continued  pain  Ion-  re- 
mained, without  any  other  cause  that  has  or  can  appear.  This  conduct 
cruel  and  savage  as  it  is,  does  not  prevent  his  counsel  from  attempting  to 

^m ?  iT  ^'u '"  *?'  "'f ''.'^"''  '^  ^  peace-maker.  A  peace-mak"er  ! 
What,  that  man  who,  when  the  battle  was  raging,  mingled  in  the  conflict, 
who  disarmed  and  presented  my  client  as  a  defenseless  victim  to  the 
bludgeon  of  h|s  adversary,  v/ho,  constantly  cried  havoc,  and  gave  his  full 
assistance  to  the  production  of  the  catastrophe,  he  a  peace-maker  !  Gentle- 
men, 'I'f^^be  the  conduct  of  peace-makers,  let  the  blessing  pronounced 
upon  them  be  blotted  from  the  holy  record. 

"It  is  worthy  of  remark,  that  while  Tayler  was  surrounded  by  about 
seventy  of  his  personal  and  political  friends,  Van  Rensselaer  contended 
with  a  host  alone.  But,  'tis  said  '  Schermerhorn  was  there.'  Yes  Scher- 
merhorn  who,  as  one  of  the  witnesses  swears,  commanded  almost  the  ele- 
ments; he  that  day  was  there.  This  giant,  this  Hercules,  this  Orlando 
Fun  so,  was  there.  But  that  he  raised  his  hand  against  kny  one,  until 
Van  Rensselaer  was  nearly  murdered  by  the  joint  attacks  of  Tayler,  Blood- 
good,  and  Cooper,  is  not  pretended  by  any  mortal 

rnon!r''%f  r?r'"'  ^"^ -^^^  ?'?'*  applicable  to  the  oases  of  Tayler  and 
Uoper.  That  they  participated  in  the  outrage,  that  they  gave  their  full 
sistance  to  the  destruction  of  my  client,  is"  beyond  a  doubt.  That  by 
s  alIo"otr' if  ^'^'  '^'  '"'^  ^"^  ''^^''''^  ^""^  '^'  catastrophe  produced^ 
merits.  '""'"''  ^°"  *'  '"^  ""^^^  punishment  theii-  conduct 

"Passing  over  the  causes  of  Tayler  and  Cooper,  aggravating   and  dis- 

K'^  "'l^^"^''^}  '"^^''''^  «"«  «f  ^  ^«^y  Siff^re'n^  comple^xion     one 
which  neither  friend  or  foe  can  examine  without  extreme  pain      Such  a 

he  honor  of  human  nature,  I  trust  such  a  case  will  never  agai ,  appear 
or  judicial  investigation.  I  am  not  an  enemy  of  Mr.  Bloodgood -Tutl 
ave    gen  1  sacred  duty  to  perform  ;'and  if  in  thelSari  0 

nd  st  Iw  .^  h'*"  naked  before  himself,  if  I  paint  his  conduct  loathsome 
tlvL  f  ^  I  humanity,  he  and  his  friends  will  be  pleased  to  remember 

me  to^hu'l^f'^  !•"  ^'T''^^'  ^"?r'-     "'^  h^«  P'^ittcj  M.is  cau  e  to 
he    1  Lnf  T  '"'  ^here  the  silence  of  counsel  would  be  treason  to 

conduct"  T Mi        '  •'*'.""""^"^- •" '"  =^Pology  or  cimense  set  up  fur  this  man's 
conduct.     It  IS  comprised  in  this  :  '  He  was  in  a  frenzy  of  passion;  and 


'i'ji 


180 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


thought  his  friend,  Judge  Tayler,  in  imminent  danger.'     Judge  Tayler 
who  had  grown  gray  in  the  study  of  the  pugilistic  art ;  whose  dexterity 
and  experience  in  the  use  of  the  cane,  could  not  be  unknown  to  those  who 
were  bound  to  him  by  a  '  triple  cord ;'  Judge  Tayler,  whose  herculean 
stature  speaks  his  prowess  ;  who,  with  the  assistance  of  his  hopeful  son- 
in-law,  had  disarmed  his  adversary,  and  who,  surrounded  by  seventy  de- 
pendents armed  with  bludgeons,  was  in  contest  with  a  single  man ;  this 
same  Judge  Tayler,  thus  situated,  was  in  such  imminent  danger,  as  to 
justify  Bloodgood  in  the  murder  of  his  adversary  !      That  Mr.  Blood- 
good  was  frantic  with  rage,  is  certainly  undeniable.     But  why  was  he  so  ? 
Had  General  Van  Rensselaer  ever,  from  his  infancy,  performed  one  act, 
or  uttered  one  syllable  that  could  justly  kindle  all  his  malignant  passions 
into  a  conflagration  so  uncontrollable?     Had  he  injured  Bloodgood?  On 
the  contrary  was  not  this  man  one  of  that  very  meeting  which  originated 
the  vile  slander  against  the  general  ?     Had  he  been  in  any  way  attacked 
for  his  participation  in  this  outrage  ?    Not  at  all.  What  then  is  the  force 
of  this  paltry  attempt  in  his  justification  ?     Without  the  slightest  provo- 
cation, he  tramples  on  justice,  discharges  his  reason  and  bis  judgment, 
gives  himself  up  to  the  control  of  his  malice  and  his  passion,  and  then 
pleads  that  very  passion  in  excuse  for  the  consequences  of  its  violence. 
Now,  gentlemen,  examine  the  conduct  of  this  man.     While  the  contest 
continued  between  the   general  and  Tayler,  and  none  of  the  spectators 
thought  proper  to  interfere,  Bloodgood,  whether  from  Robison's  corner, 
or  from  the  site  of  the  old  church,  or  from  Tayler's   house,  is  wholly  im- 
material, rushes  into  the  street,  crying  "  kill  the  damned  rascal ;"  an  ex- 
pression used  as  a  watchword  by  every  member  of  the  party,  from  Tayler 
to  Cassidy.     He  then  rushed  behind  Van  Rensselaer,  and  with  the  butt 
of  his  bludgeon  (the  smaller  end  being  grasped  by  both  his  hands)  he 
aimed  a  blow  which  brought  his  victim  to  the  ground.     Gentlemen,  what 
language  can  be  found  to  express  the  deep  infamy  of  this  act  ?    While 
engaged  with  Tayler  in  front,  Bloodgood,  like  a  man  abandoned  by  every 
feeling  of  honor,  of  courage,  and  even  of  manhood,  strikes  a  blow  from 
behind  with  a  violence  which  nothing  could  withstand.     Attacked  inthis 
assassin-like  manner,   Van  Rensselaer  falls.     At  this,  Tayler  gave  way, 
and,  as  though  indignant  at  the  infamous  conduct  of  his  coadjutor,  left 
the  ground.     And  even  Cooper,  having  kicked  his  victim  while  wallowing 
in  his  gore,  also  retired  and  left  the  scene  clear  to   the  humane  assassin 
who  had  brought  him  to  the  ground.  Partially  recovering  from  the  effects 
of  the  blow.  Van  Rensselaer  attempts  to  rise.     But  before  he  can  recover, 
another  blow  from  Bloodgood  again  brings  him  nearly  to  the  ground.  At 
this  moment  the  crowd  rush  forward.     Pale,  bleeding,  feeble,  Van  Rens- 
selaer now  totters  from  the  fatal  spot.     Still  frantic  with  rage,  Bloodgood, 
as  though  nothing  but  the  expiring  groans  of  his  defenseless  victim  could 
satisfy  his  mighty  malice,  still  rushes  upon  him.     Yes,  gentlemen,  a  de- 
fenseless victim  he  truly  was.     His  wandering  eyes,  his  death  like  visage, 
spoke  his  disordered  senses.     Instinct  taught  him  to  strive  for  the  pre- 
servation of  his  life;  and,  therefore,  he  raised  his  feeble  guard  against, 
he  knew  not  what  or  whom.     Bloodgood,  still  unsatisfied,  still  thirsting 
for  blood,  unmoved  by  this  spectacle  of  weakness  and  wounds,  beats  down 
his  guard,  and  continues  the  savage  attack.     Blow  succeeds  blow,  and 
wound  succeeds  wound,  unul  the  indignant  spirit  of  the  soldier,  tempered 
with   the   faith  of  an   expiring  Christian,  exclaims  in  agony,  '  Oh  my 
Jesus  !'     At  this  moment,  as  if  forsaken  by  his  God,  as  if  given  up  to  the 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  181 

perpetration  of  a  crime  at  which  his  soul  must  still  shudder;  at  this 
moment.when  his  mutilated  victim  could  findprotection  from  no  human  arm 
and  when,  seemingly  in  vain,  he  cried  to  the  God  of  mercy,  this  frantic 
man  again  drew  his  fell  weapon  in  both  his  hands,  raised  himself  as  if  to 
superadd  the  weight  of  his  body  to  the  strength  of  his  arm,  and  seemed 
to  aim  he  final  blow  at  his  feeble,  bloody,  and  almost  expiring  adversary. 
Instant  y  Mr.  William  James,  as  a  rescuing  angel,  rushed  forward  and 
arrested  the  arm  of  this  infuriated,  this  forsaken  man.  To  him  alone  is 
It  owing  that  this  trial  is  permitted  to  be  had.  But  for  his  instantaneous 
presence  the  fatal  blow  would  have  fallen;  a  blow  which  would  have 
widowed  two  families  and  left  their  children  orphans:  a  blow  which 
must  have  sent  to  its  long  account  the  soul  of  a  patriot  and  a  soldier  and 
have  drawn  down  the  vengeance  of  justice  and  of  heaven  upon  its  bloody 
author.  Let  that  unhappy  man  join  in  devoutly  thanking  the  great  dis- 
poser  of  events,  that  this  was  not  permitted. 

"  This,  gentlemen,  is  a  correct  portrait  of  this  bloody  scene.     That  it  is 
a  picture  compounded  by  the  blackest  shades,  without  one  tint  of  bright- 
ness; that  It  exhibits  a  creature  of  earth  in    all  the  naked  deformity  of 
corrupted  human  nature;  that  it  displays  all  the  vile  passions  and  quali- 
ties which  can  reduce  '  social  man   to  a  civilized  savage,'  is  unhapnilv 
wholly  undeniable.     And  upon  a  full  view  of  this  infernal  transaction  it 
IS  now  your  duty  to  mete  out  to  General  Van  Rensselaer,   the    damages 
which  his  sufferings  and  his  present  ruined  situation  require  at  your  hands 
from  whom  are  these  damages  to  be  taken  ?     From  men,    wallowin-  in 
wealth;  basking  in  the  sunshine  of  political  favor;  monopolizing  alMhe 
emoluments  of  the  treasury,  and  enjoying  the  most  lucrative  offices  in  the 
state,     As  to  one  of  them,  it  is,  beyond  all  doubt,  the  first  in  point  of  emol- 
ument, of  any  in  this  state     Xo  small  sum  will  reach  their  feelin-s     Award 
against  them  but  a  few  thousand  dollars,  and  they  will,  laughingly,  assi-n 
a  portion  of  their  income,  for  a  few  months,  to  pay  the  award  ° 

f/fi^u  '  ;.\^'\o"'/^«"e  these  damages  to  be  given  ?  To  a  soldier,  who,  in 
the  field  of  battle,  has  proved  his   patriotism  and  his   bravery,   and  has 
eniphatically,  learned  that  mutual  dependence  is  the  strong  cord  which 
binds  ingenuous  souls  together;  that  the  only  proper  use  of  wealth  is  to 
render  ourselves  and  friends  happy.     To  a  soldier,  who  is  a  brother  to  the 
whole  human  race;  whose  heart  pants  to  find  the  object  of  charity,  and 
whose  hand  has  never  withheld  from  a  friend  in  want  even  the  price  of 
his  blood  and  his  wounds.     To  a  soldier,  in  whom,  even  while  a  youth 
his  country  reposed  the  most  unbounded  confidence,  and  towards  whom' 
thevetenmsof  our  land  cast  a  partial  eye,   and  destined  him   for  hi..h 
military  glory.     To  a  soldier,  who,  by  this  cruel,  this  dastardly,  this 
b   barous  outrage  IS  compelled  to  drag  out  a  life  of  pain  and   wretched- 
nm     bhoukl  he  be  permitted  to  retain   his  present  office,  while  there 
te  nrJdoT^- "^T  ^"*'f/"  ^e  discharged  ;  yet  his  activity  is  gone,  and 
th   pride  of  h.9  office  and  fame  is  vanished  for  ever.     But  should  war, 
IZnft  Z  T  r  '^"^'^  threatened,  actually  visit  us,  conscious  of  the 
abindnn^         .'  ^'''^^T  ^^^  "'■•^"""^  ^""^'^^  «^'  li'«  office,    he  must 
merctofarpuX"''        "  '''^         ^'' ^'™"^  "P°"  '^'  ''''^'' 

bpplTu  ^  P""'*""  "!■  Pf  °  .^^  ^^  "°^  ^^'^""^^  endured.     What  agony  has 

dtont  7"  T"  '"' ^T''^V   ^^'^"'^   ^"™   ••«'"^"^<i  t«  the   arms  of  a 

abTil      «  '''''''^^''^  ^"'"''^''  ^"'^  ^»  ^  ^^^^^-^""  ^«fc  ^   little 
aoovo  death,    bcarce  one  ray  of  hope   is   afforded   by  the  physicians. 


182 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


mim 


Behold  his  wretched  days  and  slespless  nights.  Of  his  senses  occasion- 
ally bereft  and  tottering  to  his  grave  in  pain  and  misery. 

"  Gentlemen,  observe  him  well,  and  say,  what  ought  those  monsters  who 
have  produced  this  ruin,  to  suffer  for  their  savage  conduct.  With  what 
sum  can  they,  who  are  the  guilty  cause  of  all  these  sufferings,  satisfy  jus- 
tice  and  remunerate  the  sufferer.  This  is  the  past.  What  are  his  future 
prospects?  Forever  blasted  by  this  fatal  blow;  disqualified  to  pursue 
the  culture  of  his  farm,  the  occupation  in  which  he  delights,  and  chained 
to  that  narrow  round,  which  his  feeble  limbs  are  able  to  bear  him  ;  torn 
from  the  fond  embrace  of  his  country  which  had  lavished  upon  him  her 
esteem,  only,  in  proportion  to  the  pledges  he  had  given  of  future  great- 
ness ;  and  finally  barred  from  the  possibility  of  rising  to  that  bright  emi- 
nence which  was  the  darling  object  of  his  youth,  the  delight  of  his  riper 
years. 

"  Gentlemen,  view  him  well,  and  then  tell  me,  shall  not  the  ruffians  who 
have  destroyed  him  forever,  repair,  to  the  full  extent  of  their  ability,  the 
ruin  they  have  caused  ?  Shall  they  not,  with  their  fortunes,  assist  to  initi- 
ate his  pains,  and  smooth  his  passage  to  ^he  tomb  ?     ,,  ^  Williams  " 

"  Awards  in  the  several  causes  —  with  costs  to  be  taxed  against  the  defend- 
ants in  each  cause.  Jenkins  ?;s.  Van  Rensselaer,  $2,500;  Van  Rensselaer 
vs.  Tayler,  $300 ;  The  same  vs.  Cooper,  $500 ;  The  same  vs.  Bloodgood, 
$3,  700." 

"  The  truly  noble,  warmhearted  Honorable  Elisha  Williams,  of 
Hudson,  New  York,  was  born  August  29,  1773.  and  died  in  the  city  of 
New  York,  at  the  residence  of  his  early  guardian.  Captain  Seth  Grosvenor, 
June  29,  1833.  He  was  the  once  famous  barrister  justly  styled  the 
Curran  of  America,  the  i  harm  of  whose  eloquence  still  lingers  about  the 
Court  House  in  Hudson,  and  the  memory  of  whose  remarkable  powers  as 
on  advocate  still  serves  as  an  incentive  to  many  a  poor  student,  as  he  pores 
over  the  legal  lore  of  Blackstone  and  Chitty.  He  possessed  a  mind  of 
superior  mould,  and  he  combined  in  his  character  a  rare  assemblage  of  great 
and  splendid  qualities;  he  was  a  man  of  rapid  and  quick  perceptions,  and 
was  remarkable  for  his  imitative,  imaginative  and  descriptive  power,  for 
his  brilliant  wit,  and  his  suppassing  eloquence.  He  was  exceedin;;ly 
interesting  in  conversation,  warm  hearted  and  ardent  in  his  attachments; 
and  he  was  liberal,  generous  and  charitable.  He  was  as  greatly  distin- 
guished for  his  personal  appearance,  as  he  was  for  his  superior  intellectual 
powers  ;  he  was  above  medium  size  and  height,  and  perfectly  erect  and 
corpulent.  His  countenance  was  indescribably  animated  and  expressive, 
and  his  general  aspect  denoted  great  superiority  ;  a  stranger  would  be 
forcibly  struck  with  his  majestic  and  dignified  appearance,  and  without 
hearing  him  speak,  would  be  conscious  that  he  was  in  the  presence  of  an 
extraordinary  man.  Mr.  Williams  had  a  very  extensive  practice.  He 
possessed  a  deep,  varird  and  profound  knowledge  of  human  nature,  which 
enabled  him  to  exert  an  unbounded  influence  over  a  jury;  he  always 
studied  the  character  of  the  juries  whom  he  addressed  and  swayed  them 
by  his  powerful  intellect,  brilliant  wit  and  matchless  eloquence.  He  com- 
menced the  practice  of  law  at  an  early  age,  and  rose  rapidly  to  eminence 
in  his  profession;  and  as  a  jury  lawyer,  he  has  never  had  a  superior  in 
this  or  any  other  country." 


W 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


188 


Judge  Van  Ness  to  Sol.  Van  Benssdacr. 

^ 'n    tI'     a  .  Ti*    a  ,  ,  '^"<^««n  21s':  July,  1807. 

On  Ihursday  next  Mr  Schermerhorn's  note  at  our  baiik  falls  due  of 
which  I  have  just  received  notice,  will  you  inform  him  of  this,  so  that' he 
may  prepare  accordingly  ? 

I  have  not  heard  from  or  about  you  since  I  was  at  your  house.  I  see 
you  and  the  Governor,  however,  are  in  great  majesty  busy  organizing  our 
military  poet.  '     ^        j      b  n  ""» 

Alrcu/i/  the  British  Lion  humbles  himself  before  the  Faale.  vou  and 
the  Governor  have  unfurled  and  one  more  general  order  e/pressinc.  two 
or  three  more  lively  hopes"  will  make  the  poor  Lion  run  and  yelp  fike  a 
wounded  puppy.  j    ^      ^  a 

Take  good  care  your  Baffle  does  not  turn  out  to  be  an  Owl.  But  to  be 
serious,  I  want  to  know  whether  you  are  well  or  not  (from  that  attack  in 
Aprin  when  may  I  expect  you  and  your  wife,  whom  1  love  almost  as  much 
as  I  do  my  own,  here  ?  "iui,u 

Pray  ymr  Excellency  just  drop  a  body  a  line  or  two  in  answer  hereto 
IfyouandtheGovernor,  however,  are  so  much  engaged  in  the  defence 
of  the  Nation  that  you  have  no  time  to  write.  Mrs  Van  Bensselaer  will 
probably  be  good  enough  to  favor  us  with  an  answer.  My  wife  and  little 
ones  are  well.  Yours  affectionately  &  sincerely 


Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Esq. 

In  1807  Governor  Lewis  was  succeeded  by  Daniel  D.  Tompkins  ;  and 
the  same  year  Albany  was  made  the  capital  of  the  state.  Lately  tSe 
autumn,  at  the  particular  request  of  Governor  Tompkins,  Solomon  Van 
Kensselaer  was  in  New  York  city,  a  member  of  his^  own  family  to  aid 

frrhirruS^^'^'^'^^^"^^"^^^^  ^•^^'  ^"^  ^«  -  -^^  ^^ 

In  August  1807  the  first  steamboat  made  its  appearance ;  it  was  an  ob- 
ject of  anxiety  and  wonder.  As  the  Clermont  under  the  ^mediate 
supervision  of  Robert  Fulton  (the  eminent  inventor  of  steambiZ)  was 
slowly  coming  up  the  Hud.on  river  from  New  York  on  its  first  1^00^ 
ful  trip,  a  farmer  living  on  the  banks  of  the  Hudson,  hast  ned  home  to 
apprise  his  wife  and  neighbors  that  he  had  seen  the  devil  ZLZ  Ml 
river  in  a  saw-mil  This  apparition  of  the  first  steamboat  wa'sL  marvelous 
phenomenon.  When  the  Indians  assembled  in  groups  along  the  rTve"s 
knk,  they  looked  at  the  "  monster  as  it  moved  on  the  water  defying  the 
winds  and  tide,  and  breathing  flames  and  smoke,  as  a  fire  spir  t  wh  ch  was 
l.gh  ning  Its  path  by  the  fires  which    it  vomited.     The   fir  t  Z^mCt 

f  Sd'f  n  "'  ""'  '7  P'r  ""''?  '''  ^"^''  -•^'^h  -nds  forth  a  clnm 
ot  isn.ted  vapor  many  feet  above  the  flue,  and  whenever  the  fire  is  stirred 
a  ...laxy  of  sparks  fly  off,  which  in  the  night  have  an  airy    bi^l.n     and 

or  .he  crewb  of  other  vessels  and  from  them  she  had  «  mo«t  ^errifio  -nnPir 
ance.    Notwithstanding  the  wind  and  tide  were  adverse  t!,  lis  ap^E; 


\  'fell 


,   11 


n 


% 


184 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


r^  ■■vm 


they  saw  with  astonishment  that  it  was  rapidly  coming  towards  them  ;  and 
when  it  came  so  near,  that  they  heard  the  noiHe  of  the  machinery  and  pad- 
dles, the  crews  in  some  instances,  shrunk  beneath  their  decks  from  the 
terrible  sight ;  others  prostrated  themselves,  and  besought  Providence  to 
protect  them  from  the  approach  of  the  horrible  monster.  She  excited  the 
astonishment  of  the  venerable  Dutch  burgomaster  who  almost  dropped  hia 
precious  pipe  as  with  strained  eyes  he  exclaimed  Dundcr  en  blicksem." 

Judge  Van  Hess  to  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  Hudson,  29th  August,  1807. 

1  do  not  believe  it  is  your  fault,  so  I  have  nothing  more  to  say  than  I 
wish  you  the  richest  blessings  which  are  bestowed  on  man. 

Yours  &c.,  W.  W.  Van  Ness. 

But  Madam,  to  you  I  have  much  to  say,  you  promised  me  and  my  wife 
to  be  here  last  week.  Day  after  day  have  we  strained  our  eyes  east,  west 
&  north  in  expectation  of  seeing  you  approach  our  humble  mansion. 
Disappointment  saddened  us  for  sometime,  until  reiterated  again  &  ajjain 
we  are  roused  into  passion  &  mortification.  Your  husband  I  know  is 
willing  to  spend  a  few  days  with  us.  If  even  you  do  not  wish  to  favor  us 
with  a  visit,  why  not  indulge  him  in  doing  so  ?  But  come  my  friends, 
let  us  forget  the  past  and  start  anew,  you  are  largely  in  our  debt.  But  I 
release  the  whole  provided,  that  sometime  next  week  you,  and  little  Van 
Vechten,  and  as  many  more  of  the  children  as  you  please  are  with  us. 
Thank  God  we  have  room  enough  &  altho'  we  abound  not  in  wealth,  & 
roll  not  in  splendor,  we  have  peace  &  plenty.  To  be  serious,  both  Jenny 
&  myself  are  not  a  little  hurt.  If  there  are  any  persons  on  earth  whose 
friendship  we  want,  whose  society  we  wish  to  court,  &  whose  good  opinion 
to  preserve,  it  is  yours.  I  have  reason  to  believe  this  disposition  to  be 
mutual,  let  us  cherish  &  perpetuate  it.  It  is  possible  I  shall  be  obliged 
to  go  to  New  York  to-morrow.  If  so  you  shall  hear  from  me  by  Tues- 
day's mail.  If  you  do  not  hear  from  me  then,  you  of  course  will  conclude 
I  am  at  home.  I  began  the  latter  part  of  this  scrawl  to  Mrs.  Van.  I  see 
however  it  will  answer  to  be  directed  to  the  firm. 

Yours  afi"ectionately,  W.  W.  Van  Ness. 

The  foregoing  memorial  of  his  Majesty  my  Lord  and  Master  is  sanc- 
tioned by  your  friend.  Jane  Van  Ness. 
Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Esqr.,  Adjutant  General,  Albany. 

Judge  Van  Ness  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  Claverack  '  30th  April  18G8. 

Federalism  has  triumphed  most  gloriously  in  this  Country.  We 
have  at  least  600  majority  200  more  than  ever  we  had.  If  Ilensselaer 
County  is  faithful  we  shall  carry  both  our  members  of  Congress.  Hasten 
to  communicate  this  to  our  friend  Abraham  Van  Vechten  [Recorder]. 
Let  somebody  write  us  about  members  of  Congress  &c.  &c.,  in  Rensselaer 
and  VVashiagton  Counties  as  soon  as  possible.  I  shall  soon  again  be  ab- 
sent from  my  family,  it  is  upon  the  whole  an  unpleasant  life  which  my 
office  obliges  me  to  lead,  but  I  must  endeavour  to  reconcile  myself  to  it 
as  well  as  I  can.     Why  can't  you  and  your  wile  take  a  ride  to  Claverack 

'  Claverack,  literally  Bignified  Clover- reach,  so  called  in  iis  settlement  from  the 
immense  iields  of  clover  which  abounded  at  this  place. 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  igs 

and  flee  us  ?  We  are  snugly  situated,  would  be  happy  to  see  vou  and  T 
want  to  see  you  about  a  thousand  thin-s.  Do  try  ;  if  you  stay  but  one 
day  suppose  you  start  on  Saturday.  You  can  spend  Sunday  with  us  and 
return  It  your  business  dnvos  you  on  Monday  again.  Mention  this  to 
your  w.fe  &  come  down  if  possible.  It  just  occurs  to  me  that  our  friend 
the  Kecorder  [Abraham  Van  Veohten]  and  his  wife  would  perhaps  accom- 
pany  you.  Speak  to  him  about  it  and  try  to  make  up  a  party  at  all  events 
mention  me  to  him  with  that  friendship  and  esteem  which  I  have  for  him 
and  which  I  cherish  as  a  great  blessing.  Make  my  respects  to  your  wife^ 
and  please  to  tell  her  that  I  think  of  her  as  often  as  she  can  wish  &  tha 
I  ardently  wish  her  happy  &  prosperous. 

Yours  as  I  ever  shall  be,  affectionately,         W.  W   Van  Npsh 
Solomoa  Van  Rensselaer,  Esq.,  Albany,  NY. 

Gov.  Morgan  Lewis  to  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer. 

^Tu%    -.1,    1  ,.  ,  Staatsburgh  2d  May  1808. 

I  should  with  pleasure  have  attended  the  Trial  of  your  Causes  agreeable 
to  your  wishes  had  your  Letter  reached  me  in  Time  to  have  rendered  it 
practicable  I  presume  however  that  the  abundance  of  Testimony  vou 
nius  have  been  furnished  with,  rendered  any  Thing  I  could  have  said 
of  little  Consequence  to  you.  I  have  not  as  yet  heard  of  the  Result  If 
they  have  been  tried  before  an  honest  Jury,  I  cannot  doubt  but  you  have 
recovered  handsome  Damages.  I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  your 
riendlyoffersof  writing  to  promote  the  object  hinted  at  in  my  fomeJ 
letter  But  the  Idea  I  have  (whether  right  or  wrong  is  immateria  Hf 
my  Sanding  in  Society  forbids  my  being  an  Applicint  for  any  public 
Situation  Should  my  future  Services  be  deemed  necessary  on  any  Oc- 
mion  he  demand  of  them  must  be  made  free  from  even  the  Shadow  of 
Sohcitation  or  the  most  distant  Hint  of  a  wish  on  my  part 

vo„  M„  TTI?'  f P°"""  T^'"'-  ^"^^  ^""'''''  *  ^^^  ^'°"»t'««  adjoining 
you  ?  In  Ulster  &  Green,  Gardinier  is  probably  again  elected  to  Congress^ 

&  in  this  County,  Emmott's  prospects  are  better  than  those  of  that  old 

sinner  Johnson.     Ulster  &  Dutchess  will  return  to  the  Assembly  a  mixtue 

t  Quids,  Feds  and  Clintonians.     In  this  County,  Robert  W^iams  who 

to  gull  them.  It  IS  asserted  among  the  Clintonians  here,  that  Selden  of 
Iroy  IS  to  be  your  Successor  and  is  to  attend  Daniel  D.  on  the  fourth  of 
July  when  he  is  to  appear  in  all  the  pomp  of  Military  splendour.  How 
does  the  Attorney  General  (John    Woodworth)  relish  his  remo;al  and 

Man  S  r'  ^'^V-"  '^''  ^'T*^  '^  ^''  P»«t  Services?  Does  Ihe  oM 
Man  with  Roman  Virtue  subscribe  to  the  propriety  of  such  conduct  or 
do  she  bounce  &  swear  a  little?  SouthwiW Appointment  (as  Sheriff) 
instead  of  Dennison,  has  I  presume  procured  the  Clerkship  for  Cooper  bv 
way  of  Amends  for  old  Taylor's  pretended  Disappointment;  and  Isaac 
tha  thpl  ^"PP-^^?,^^  ?  fi™  belief  that  his  Uncle  played  h  m  fair  and 
that  there  was  no  Contrivance  at  all  on  his  part. 

mUuiJ  ^°^'^  'T  '"^  ^""^^  y^*"  by  the  Hand,  tho'  I  doubt  whether  it 
nnk^of  a  nTviirr^?''  rega  ned  the  Post  of  Honor,  by  a  reduction  to    he 

be  ed  L  ^i  Ik  T^l  l'°-  ^^'!-f''  d^^'-^e^  to  be  affectionately  remem- 
Dered  by  all  the  Inhabitants  of  Cherry  Hill     ,,.  ^ 

Your  friend  &  Servt. 

Solomoa  Van  Rensselaer,  Esqr.,  Adjt.  General,  Albany,  n\^^^^^" 

24 


186 


Leqaoy  of  Hihtorical  Qleaninqs. 


Major  General  Morgan  Lewis  wao  a  true  patriot  and  labored  earnestly 
to  advance  the  best  interests  of  hiu  country.  In  1777  he  was  deputy 
quarter  master  general,  was  present  at  the  battle  of  Stillwater  on  yeptem- 
ber  19th.  When  he  returned  from  the  field,  being  questioned  by  General 
Gates,  he  reported  the  undecisive  progress  of  the  action  ;  at  which  Gen. 
Arnold,  who  was  standing  near,  exclaimed,  "  1  will  soon  put  an  end  to  it" 
and  cli»jping  spurs  to  his  horse,  galloped  off  at  full  speed  ;  Colonel  Lewis 
immediately  observed  to  Gtneral  Gates  :  "  You  had  better  order  him  back 
the  action  is  going  well,  he  may  by  some  rash  act  do  mischief." 

Oovernor  Lewis  to  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  Staatsburgh,  4th  Sept.,  1808. 

I  should  have  given  an  earlier  Answer  to  your  polite  favor  of  the  Slst 
Ult".  had,  I  not  been  absent  from  Home  when  it  reached  my  House. 

The  Decision  of  the  Arbitrators  does  not  Surprise  me.  It  requires 
Men  of  great  firmness  of  Mind  to  do  complete  Justice  on  Such  an  Oc- 
casion. 

They  certainly  have  been  guided  by  no  Rule,  and  must  have  forgotten 
that  Tayler  was  an  original  oflFender,  and  attacked  with  a  Club,  while 
Cooper  only  acted  as  an  Aid,  and  used  the  weapons  which  Nature  gave  him. 

I  should  be  sorry  to  think  that  Tayler's  being  President  of  the  Bank 
produced  any  Effect,  and  yet  I  Suspect  It  will  be  thought  so  by  many. 
When  shall  we  have  the  Pleasure  of  seeing  you  and  Mrs.  Rensselaer  at 
this  Place  ?  Your  friend  &  Servant. 

Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Adjut.  General,  Albany,  Morgan  Lewis. 

In  those  good,  palmy  old  days,  sixty-seven  years  ago,  many  persons  were 
then  "  lachrymosely  bewailing  the  existing  state  of  things. 

"  If  we  all  could  unite  with  the  Puritan  mystic  (Peter  Sterry)  doctrines : 
Let  all  that  differ  in  principles,  professions  or  opinions,  and  forms,  join  to 
tee  that  good  which  is  in  each  other,  and  the  evil  in  themselves,"  there 
would  be  a  steady  improvement,  and  a  better  state  of  things.  We  then 
might  hope  with  a  certainty  that  the  very  times  on  which  we  have  fallen, 
*  old  times'  to  those  who  come  after,  will  be  even  clothed  with  the  mar- 
velously  roseate  hues  we  love  to  invest  our  by-^one  years. 

Oen.  Wilkinson  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselarr. 
My  dear  Sir,  Washington,  Sept.  14th,  1808, 

I  have  this  moment  received  your  lettter  of  the  6th  Jany.  &  will  reply 
by  a  single  line.  I  had  anticipated  your  wishes  &  had  also  nominated 
Visscher.  If  we  have  an  army  &  I  have  influence  he  shall  have  a 
Majority.  But  at  this  moment,  I  am  struggling  against  a  torrent 
of  Slander  &  Calumny,  exceeding  everything  which  has  past,  having  dis- 
graced John  Randolph  for  a  Coward  &  being  about  to  report  Daniel 
Clark  as  an  accomplice  of  Aaron  Burr,  the  one  to  gratify  his  resentment 
&  the  other  to  avenge  the  disappointment  of  the  Conspirators,  have  as- 
sailed my  Honor  with  made  up  documents,  perjuries,  &  forgeries,  and  on 
the  floor  of  Congress  where  privilege  sometimes  sanctions  the  most  vil- 
lainous abuse,  they  have  worried  &  torn  &  mangled  my  Honor,  without 
feeling  or  conscience.  Yet  let  not  my  friends  be  appalled.  I  thank  high 
Heaven  I  shall  be  able  to  vindicate  my  Fame,  &  save  my  Brethren  in 
Arms  from  Blushing  for  my  shame.  In  the  first  moment  of  Randolph's 
Anathema  I  demanded  a  Court  of  Inquiry  into  my  Conduct,  which  was 


1 


Legacy  of  Historical  Glbaninqs.  187 

ordcreJ  for  the  10th  Inst  &  will  actually  convene  to-morrow,  when  I 
.shall  otter  a  prehmmary  udclrcss  which  will  make  my  EnomicH  staro  in 
the  u.ear.t,mo  say  from  me  that  Clark  is  the  author  of  this  attack,  which 
was  digested  m  New  Orleans  last  Summer,  by  the  Associates  of  Burr  & 
the  Mexican  combination,  who  will  seek  my  ruiu  as  Ion-  as  they  are  per- 
mmed  to  hang  together  He  came  round  &  brought  with  Him  the 
villainous  power  to  Swear  for  Hurr  at  Richmond,  they  arrived  there  Z 
alarmed  &  after  several  conferences  with  Uurr,  Clark  went  off  with.Tu 
appearing  before  the  Court.  I  will  prove  II  im  an  accomplice  of  Burr 
hat  He  tampered  with  an  officer  of  the  army  to  induce  Him  to  attack  & 
take  Baton  Kouge  m  the  summer  1806,  which  by  producing  hostilities 
would  have  effected  Burr's  plans.     This  villain  has^rjured^ims  If  to 

tV  ^'\r"*n  '''"  °"'  ^'''  I  "^  '^"J  that  your  relative  here 
[Killian  K.  Van  Rens^^elaer  M.  C]  &  Mr.  Barent  Oardenier  should  have 
T  T  1  aI  P"''  "^  liandolph  &  tflis  Scoundrel  Clark  before  they  knew 
what  I  had  to  say.     My  best  regards  to  Visscher.  ^ 

Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  P]sqr.,  Yoav  friend  most  truly, 

Adjt.  General  State  of  New  York,  Albany.  '^^-  Wilkinsow. 

O&vernor  Lewis  to  Solomon  Van  Renmelaer. 

^T?'\\\  T,  .  Staatsburgh  March  2,  1809. 

I  shall  have  some  Pear  grafts  put  up  for  you  and  will  send  them  by  the 
firstsafe  conveyance  that  offers.     I  hope  they  will  succeed  better  with 
you  than  they  do  with  me.     A  disease,  which  I  cannot  find  a  remedy  for 
.8  destroying  them  as  fast  as  I  can  replace  them,  and  I  fear  will  oblige  me 
eventually  to  give  them  up.  "uiij,o  uie 

It  certainly  would  give  me  great  pleasure  to  bo  instrumental  in  the 

Khfr?    y'^"'- "'^''^^  "«  to  the  regiment  of  Cavalry;  and  nothing 

hall  be  wanting  on  my  part  to  effect  that  object,  which  can  be  done  with 

the  least  prospect  of  success.     I  have  already  adopted  the  Measure  wS 

appears  to  me  the  most  likely  to  succeed,  but  I  cannot  for  certain  relsons 

SoTllT  ^'"^  ^''  ""'"."^^  ^«^"«  '^'^^  ^'  ''°°^»-  I'rom  what  qS 
JIayor  Backus  recommendations  proceed  I  am  ignorant,  but  I  under- 
J^^^d  he  IS  considered  at  Washington  as  an  able  officer.'  Has  he  ever 
theS  Ir  '  •  ?  t  r  ^  '''""""  ^«"  ^^"  b«  g^'^tified  in  seeing  me  in 
aB  ;  S  ^'tpT'^'-  '^r  "■''  '"^'^^  Circumstances  which  will  operate 
lllh  •        :  ^  "".^J''''^  °^''  ^°  arrangement  is  about  to  take  place 

thoewL""'  '""T^'^^H  'Hf"y-  «°d   which  will  leave  little  room  fo^ 
wilh  ouT/n    "^'""\  '%  Employment,     We  shall  not  be  able  to  com' 
aLh!     W  ^"g'^S^^t'^t  of  paying  a  Visit  this  winter  to  our  friends  in 

al  our  h-n.;  '  aT  ''•*'u  "'  T  *'"''  ^^^^'^  ^°y''  ^^ose  education  employs 
Or  friend  T.  7""'"^''  '"®°'°"'  inducements  for  us  to  stay  at  home. 
MtPnL  ^^^^'^'•'^  °»»«t  excuse  us,  and  accent  in  lieu  of  a  personal 
th  hutinir'^'^'  ''T'"'^  ^''^  ''^''^  «•■«  ""^^«d  our  best  Wishes  fo 
tained  P??«v ^  ^  ^?  '"'^  ^r?"""'.  ^'^''''^  Majorities  will  probably  be  ob. 
tamed  at  next  election  in  Dutchess  &  Ulster,  all  due  to  D^  Witt  Clinton 

^nl  v„    Tj         ,     ^^^  Sincerity  I  am  your  friend  and  Servt. 
bol.  Van^Rensselaer,  Esq.,  Adjt.  General.  Morgan  Lewis. 

General  Van  Rensselaer  to  the  Public. 
"  Mv  r^^onf  ,  r.         ,     ,"  ^"'^ny.  Tuesday,  March  28,  1809. 

iuy  recent  rfimnvnl  rmm  fho  li^ aLi-  -/E--  -o    A  ^•    .      .    J  .      , 

thissfif^    „„„„r~""'        .     .     V'-'""'^""'  """^'^  "*  iidjutant  general  of 
'ais  state,  constrains  me,  in  justice  to  myself,  my  family,  and  friends, 


■:  n 


...^-,..:i 


188 


Leoacy  op  Historical  Gleaninqs. 


to  publlHh  a  conci«o  and  plain  Btatement  of  facts  :  After  having  Icon  for 
seventeen  years  in  tlie  njilitary  service  of  the  United  States  and  of  this 
Htate,  and,  an  1  trust,  having  discharged  my  duty  with  fidelity,  it  has  liccn 
the  pleasure  of  his  Excellency   Governor  Tompkins  and  the  Council  of 
Appointment,  to  remove  me  from  office,  uotwithBtunding  his  repeated 
declarations  of  unqualified  approbation  of  my  official  conduct.     At  the 
age  of  eighteen  years,  1  was  appointed  a  Cornet  in  the  squadron  of  cavalry 
in  the  army  commanded  by  Major  (Jeneral  Anthony  Wayne.     At  twenty, 
I  was  promoted  to  the  command  of  a  troop.     In  the  action  of  20lh  August, 
1794,  after  the  commanding  officer  of  that  corps  fell,  the  command  de- 
volved on  me.     IIow  I  acquitted  myself,  the  dispatches  from  Gen.  Wayne 
to  the  war  department  bear  ample  testimony.     ["  The  wounds  received  by 
Captain  Van  Rensselaer  of  the  dragoons  and  others  of  the  mounted  vol- 
unteers bear  honorable  testimony  of  their  bravery  and  conduct.    But 
whilst  I  pay  just  tribute  to  the  living,  I  mnst  not  neglect  the  gallant 
dead,  among  whom  we  have  to  lament  the  early  death  of  those  worthy 
and  brave  officers  Capt.  Robert  Ms.  Campbell  of  the  dragoons  and  Lieut. 
Towels  of  the  Infantry  of  the  legion,  who  fell  in  the  first  charge."!    On 
that  occasion,   I  received  a  wound  through  my   lungs,  which   rtuj  con- 
sidered, at  first,  by  the  surgeons  of  the  army,  to  bo  mortal,  but  which  my 
youth  and  strong  constitution  surmounted.     When  the  conduct  of  France 
towards  this  country  made  it  necessary   for  the  general  government  to 
augment  the  army,  and  when  the  Father  of  his  country,  the  immortal 
Washington,  was  again  called  upon  to  place  himself  at  its  head,  he  sent 
for  me,  and,  in  the  presence  of  Generals  Hamilton  and  Pinckney,  ques- 
tioned me  about  the  state  of  my  wound,  and  soon  after  I  was  appointed  a 
Major  of  Cavalry.     When  the  army  was  reduced,  I  received,  under  the 
administration  of  that  great  and  good  man  Governor  Jay,  the  appoint- 
ment of  Adjutant-General  of  the  mil'tia  of  this  state.     When  Mr.  Jay 
was  succeeded  by  Governor  George  Clinton,  and  when  almost  every  fede- 
ralist was  swept  from  office  by  that  council,  of  which  DeWitt  Clinton,  and 
tho  Honorable  Judge  Ambrose  Spencer  were  members,  I  was  left  undis- 
turbed.    This  did  not  arise  from  any  solicitation  on  my  part,  but  from 
the  honorable  resistance  of  Governor  Clinton  against  my  removal,  who 
informed  me  that  a  petition  for  that  purpose  had  been  put  into  the  hands 
of  John  C.  Hogeboom,  then  a  member  of  the  council.     I  called  on  Mr. 
Hogeboom,  and  after  communicating  to  him  the  information  I  had  re- 
ceived, and  the  channel  through  which  it  came,  he  unhesitatingly  shewed 
me  the  petition.     The  charge  against  me  was,  the  heinous  crime  of  fede- 
ralism.    I  am  thus  explicit  in  mentioning  names,  that  my  enemies  may 
have  an  opportunity  of  contradicting  my  statement,  if  it  is  incorrect, 
When  Governor  Clinton  retired  from  office  lni  ro."ommended  me  in  strong 
terms  to  his  successor,  as  he  told  me  at  iuk.  <.    ir   md  which  Governor 
Lewis  afterwards  confirmed.     How  I  stord  wi'.b  ib«  latter  ee  f^uan,  it 
is  unnecessary  for  me  to  state.     I  have  tv..y  u  regitt,  tha.,  uis  honorable 
and  impartial  conduct  as  the  governor  of  the  state  and  not  of  a  party, 
was  one  cause  of  his  failing  of  are-election.     He  would   not  submit  to 
be  made  the  supple  tool  of  DeWitt  Clinton  and  Ambrose  Spencer,  and 
they  therefore  selected  his  successor  [Daniel  D.  Tompkins],  hoping  that 
he  would  be  a  fitter  instrument  to  promote  their  unhallowed  ambition. 
How  far  that  hope  has  been   realized,  the  community  can  determine. 
Last  winter,  when  it  was  notorious  that  there  were  many  applications  for 
my  office,  and  when  it  was  generally  supposed  that  my  removal  was  cer- 


Legacy  op  Historical  Glbaninos. 


189 


tain,  I  cnlled  on  0( 


Totnpki 


tion  of  the  council  to  remove  mo,  und  I  informed  him  tliiit  the  reason  of 
niy    mquiry   wus,    because    my    private    arranf,'emont8    depended    on    a 
itnowied^o  of  that  fact.     His  reply  was,  that  he  had  no  wish  to  maite  a 
change,  tor  he  was  perfdctly  satisfied  with  my  conduct,  and  hadexpreMsed 
hiuiNcIf  so  to  some  of  my  friends  ;  but  that  1  had  i  (-tter  speak  to  some  of 
the  members  of  the  council.     My  answer  was,  that  I  had  never  asked  any 
member  of  the  council  to  .continue  me  in  office,  and  that  I  never  would  —- 
that  ifhc  did  not  wis.i  for  a  chanpe,  the  council  hud  no  right  to  inter- 
fere—that  the  business  of  my  office  was   not  with  them,  hut  with  Am 
He  then  observed,  that  if  that  unfortunate   affray  (meaning  my  suits 
a<,'amst  three  cowardly  wretches)  was  settled,  there  would  be  no  difficulty 
My  reply  was,  that  if  my  continuance  in  office  depended  on  a  compromise 
of  these  suits,  it  would  be  better  to  remove  me  at  once,  for  that  I  was  de- 
termined to    brin<>   the  circumstances  of  that  affray  fairly   before  the 
public;  and  I  pressed  him  to  know  the  determination  of  the  Council 
This  application  I   repeated  on  a  subsequent  day,  as  I  apprehended  my 
removal  might  lay  over  until  after  the  determination  of  the  suits  before 
mentioned.     He  told  me  that  if  I  requested  it,  he  would  urge  the  deci- 
sion of  the  Council.     A  day  or  two  afterwards  I  called  on  him  again   and 
he  then  informed  me,  that  the  Council  had  no  intention  of  removing  me 
at  their  then  session,  but  what  they  would  do  at  their  meeting  in  June 
they  declined  saying.     1  mentioned  to  Governor  Tompkins  tl.at  I  under- 
stood the  thing  perfectly,  and  that  under  such   circumstances,  I  should 
not  let  my  farm,  which  I  intended  to  do,  if  I  remained  in  office      He 
observed  in  answer,  '  I  don't  know  but  it  is  best.' 

"On  Tuesday  of  last  week  I  called  on  the  Governor  upon  business:  after 
finishing  it,  and  as  I  was  about  to  leave  the  room,  he  called  me  back  and 
told  iiie  that  my  removal  had  been  agitated  in  the  Council  the  day  be'fore 
that  he  had  put  it  off  until  he  could  see  me,  on  account  of  the  promise  he 
made  me  last  winter,  to  give  me  notice  whenever  such  an  event  was  re- 
solved upon;  and  ihat  he  believed  it  would  now  be  accomplished  as  a 
member  of  the  Council  had  pressed  it.  I  observed  to  the  Governor  that  I 
was  much  obliged  to  him  for  his  information,  but  that  I  had  nothing  to  say 
on  the  subject,  except  I  requested  of  him,  that  if  there  were  any  char<^e3 
against  me,  he  would  give  me  an  opportunity  of  meeting  and  repellfne 
them  ;  to  which  he  answered,  that  there  were  no  chorr/es  agalmt  me  and 
that  he  was  satisfied  that  none  could  be  brought  against  my  official  conduct  • 
that  my  removal  would  be  on  account  of  my  politics  and  the  affray  I 
have  now  a  word  or  two  to  say  about  a  trio  of  precious  spirits,  to  whose 
dastardly  malice  and  persecuting  villainy,  I  have,  in  all  probability,  fallen 
a  sacrifice.  ■" 

"The  first  in  order,  as  in  the  attack  on  me,  is  John  Tayler,  a  grave 
benator  of  this  state.  I  had  supposed  that  his  vindictive  spirit  had  been 
lully  glutted,  by  seeing  me  at  death's  door,  in  consequence  of  the  joint 
and  cowardly  attack  made  upon  me  by  himself  and  his  assassin-like  asso- 
ciates, Bloodgood  and  Cooper,  in  the  ruin  of  my  health,  and,  perhaps  my 
future  prospects  in  life;  and  that  he  would  not,  still  further  to  gratify  his 
malice  have  connived  at,  and  encouraged  the  taking  of  bread  from  a  much 
it.„ured  and  unoffending  family.  If  he  panted  to  revenge  to  a  still  more 
savage  extent  the  merited  chastisement  which  I  inflicted  on  Mr.  Jenkins 
(.uud  ot  which  the  same  Jonn  Tayler  was  the  cause,  hv  urcHnr,  n.j,l  n.u.^ 
i^aliug  the  base  slander  against  mt  which  produced  it,  and  which  he  knew 


£  L  . 


190 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


at  the  time  lo  be  false)  why  did  he  not  call  on  me  like  a  man  of  honor? 
I  had  hoped,  that  the  alarm  which  he  felt  during  my  hopeless  illness,  oc- 
casioned by  the  wounds  and  bruises  which  he  and  his  coadjutors  had  in- 
flicted upon  mo  that  the  remorse  he  felt,  (if  he  is  capable  of  feeling)  for 
the  death  of  the  most  enlightened  citizen  of  this  state,  [Gen.  Alexander 
Hamilton]  of  which  he,  as  I  verily  believe,  was  the  ocoasion,  by  a  base 
disclosure  of  a  confidential  conversation,  would  have  secured  me  against 
the  further  effects  of  his  boundless  malignity. 

"  As  for  Francis  Bloodgood,  the  clerk  of  the  Supreme  Court,  no  lan- 
guage is  strong  enough  to  express  my  abhorrence  of  him,  or  convey  an 
adequate  idea  of  his  dark,  malignant,  cowardly,  assassin-like  villainy. 
His  very  looks  are  an  index  of  the  malignity  of  his  heart  j  he  is  a  disgrace 
to  human  nature ;  and  I  derive  some  consolation  from  the  reflection,  that 
he  has  incurred  what  he  deserves,  the  detestation  of  every  liberal  and 
honorable  t-ian. 

"  My  resentment  against  Charles  D.  Cooper,  is  not  great.  He  is  too  con- 
temptible to  excite  my  indignation.  From  this  humble  dependent  on 
Tayler's  bounty,  who  is  looking  with  anxious  eyes  for  the  period  when 
he  will  succeed  to  the  greatest  share  of  his  property,  little  else  than  what 
has  happened  could  be  expected. 

"  If  tins  language  is  deemed  harsh  and  grating,  let  it  be  recollected,  that 
the  persons  to  whom  it  relates  cannot  be  justly  represented  in  any  other. 
It  is  not  in  my  nature  to  glory  over  a  fallen  and  disgraced  enemy.  I  can 
therefore  say  nothing  more  about  Mr.  Jenkins,  the  Secretary  of  State, 
than  that  I  equally  p%  and  despise  him.     „  g^^^^  y^^  Rensselaer." 

"  In  one  respect  he  was  even  victorious,  for  he  challenged  hip  opponents 
upon  an  issue  which  they  could  only  meet  by  evasion  and  artitice.  If 
either  of  the  political  parties  would  claim  no  more  for  themselves  than  they 
are  willing  to  g'"e,  the  right  of  being  free  and  independent,  and  not  be 
enslaved  by  a  majority,  it  would  be  far  better  for  the  nation."  We  love 
to  study  the  letters  of  ancient  times  ;  we  see  men  and  things  at  their  full 
length,  and  we  generally  see  them  through  a  medium  which  is  less  partial, 
when  presented  in  history,  than  that  of  experience.  We  see  the  system 
of  politics  on  the  sure  and  false  foundations  and  human  nature  in  man* 
garbs,  but  we  collect  general  principles  and  view  certain  rules  of  conduct 
with  an  unbiased  judgment. 

Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  to  William  Simmons. 
Dear  Sir,  Albany,  January  28th,  1811. 

The  Attorney  of  the  United  S  tates  for  this  District  of  New  York, 
having  presented  an  account  against  me  for  money  due  to  the  United 
States,  it  becomes  necessary  that  I  should  know  what  balance,  if  any,  is 
found  against  me,  and  with  that  view  I  transmit  my  account  and  beg  you 
to  fill  up  the  blanks,  which  can  be  ascertained  from  the  Books  in  your 
olEce.  If  I  mistake  not,  in  that  Examination  it  will  be  found,  that  there 
is  pay,  forage  and  subsistence  due  me  as  Major  of  Cavalry,  besides  two 
months  Pay,  &c.,  allowed  by  Law  as  a  gratuity  to  the  disbanded  officers 
of  th!)  Army.  The  vouchers  for  the  expense  of  moving  my  Troop  from 
Fort  Washington  to  Knoxville,  I  left  with  Col.  Hodgeden  on  my  return 
from  the  latter  place  in  October,  1797. 

The  reason  why  I  did  not  settle  with  him  then  was,  that  the  army  papers 
for  that  year  had  not  come  on.     The  papers  marked  No.  1  &  2  are  copies 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  19i 

of  those  receipts,  taken  by  one  of  his  olerks,  duplicates  of  which  I  have 
.nu.y  possession  &  will  forward  them  if  necessary,  whenever  a  privale 
occasion  offers,  which  cannot  be  done  convenientl/ by  the  Zi\  Tleh 
as  those  of  my  Expenditures  for  the  Recruiting  service  ag  eeable  to 
Staenio  t  No.  3.  I  regret  sincerely  that  the  distance  i  too  gfeat  for  1^*^ 
to  a  ter.;  in  person  to  this  business,  and  that  the  .ame  reason  has  p^e 
vented  me  heretofore,  but  I  am  induced  to  believe  from  your  former 
friendly  conduct  and  the  Statement  of  my  accounts  *hat  thprl  „;n  k 
difficulty  in  striking  the  Balance.  As  MrsSrd'the  1)  ti^:t  A^te^' 
18  now  here,  [Nathan  Sanford  la  membprnf  f>,^  t  «„;  i    ■^'°''"^'' •^'■^orney 

Accountant  »f  the  ?Var  Department,  Washington"  '""'^^-"'^•'- 
Mon.  John  P.  Van  Jfess  to  Judge  Van  Mss. 

Tourl'nf  thA  98H,  TTif  •         Washington,  Feb.  16,  1811. 

Yours  ot  the  28th  Ult.  accompanying  the  papers  in  the  case  of  Adit 
Genl,  So  omon  Van  Rensselaer  were  all  handed  to  me  by  Mr  Knieker 
backer  [Herman  Knickerbacker]  some  days  aeo  I  i'mmodin;.!;  n  i 
on  the  Accountant  of  the  War  iepartmen^  wTh  them  for  tt^rp^^^^ 
0  an  investigation  &c.  He  propo.sed  that  the  papers  should  be  left  with 
him  fo  a  few  days  for  examination  &c.  I  replied  that  as  the  case  anperred 
asiniple  one  perhaps  we  might  conveniently  dispatch  it  ?mmedfatev 
but  being  informed,  by  him,  that  the  other  Was  the  usL  S)urse     and 

that  Mr  V.  R.  had  not  taken  the  advice  which  he  fthe  AccountantXrf 
repeatedly  given  him  heretofore,  to  have  his  account  settled&c  5  W 
days  afterwards  the  papers  were  sent  by  him  to  my  house  wiVh  in f 
t.on  referring  me  to  the  Controller's ^offictnaltdiieTe^i^^^^^^^ 
Knickerbacker  yesterday.  The  Controller  referred  them  back  lain  to 
the  Accountant's  office.  We  teft  them  there.  Last  EveninfMr  Sim 
mons.n formed  me  generally  that  he  had  examined  :he  al  oin^  &c  •  a^d" 
th.tithe  received  the  papers  which  it  appeared  xVlr  V    R  h „7„  K- 

Wha.e  an  opportnnit;  of  co-operating  with  vole  i' tnJthTAfe"'? 

bolt:'irr,VL\rt'L'seT,!i"«,r''" ''"  °^'  r'"''^'  «»•■".  "^  '^ « 

"o  iiiuic  so,  as  the  bession  of  Congress  is  drawintr  to  o  r-lAa^      m 

nf'.in  ^„4.  ■'     .         ■^  ''j'^iea,  iii  luiation  lo  foreiiru  affairs      Tlio  i.u,^ 

01  an  extra  session  is  gaining  ground.     The  Bank^uesti^n  is  laboring 


192 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


very  hard  in  the  Senate.  Its  fate  there  is  admitted,  on  all  hands,  to  be 
very  doubtful.  There  are  one  or  two  Mutes  in  that  house,  on  the  subject, 
whose  noses  (strange  as  it  may  seem)  cannot  be  found  by  the  calculators, 
in  consequence  of  the  loss  of  their  tongues.  Upon  the  whole  taking  into 
view  both  houses,  the  advanced  period  of  the  session,  and  the  accumulated 
mass  of  business,  I  think  two  to  one,  against  the  Bank,  a  fair  calculation. 

I  had  no  idea  that  my  brother  [William  P.  Van  Ness]  had  the  Secre- 
tary's office  in  view,  if  indeed  he  had  any.  I  have  not  had  a  line  from 
him  since  he  left  New  York.  There  appears  to  be  a  flood  tide  again  in 
the  political  affairs  of  a  part  of  your  state  that  was  lately  ebbing ;  and  it 
seems,  the  Bark  drives  on  with  a  prosperous  gale.  Does  the  storm  lately 
gathered  in  the  City  of  N.  York,  menace  with  its  thunders  the  northern 
and  interior  parts  of  the  State  ?  By  all  accounts  Cornelius  [Cornelius  P. 
Van  Ness]  is  ery  successful  in  both  business  and  consequence  in  Ver- 
mont. It  gives  me  great  pleasure.  Mi/  Mrs.  V.  Ness  begs  to  be  kindly 
remembered  to  i/our  Mrs.  V.  Ness.  Yours  very  sincerely, 

John  P.  Van  Ness. 

Hon.  Wm,  W.  Van  Ness  Esqr.,  State  of  New  York,  Albany. 

Gen.  Van  Ifess  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer, 
Dear  Sir,  Washington,  March  13,  1811. 

Yours  of  the  26th  Ult.,  reached  me  in  course.  I  was  extremely  sorry 
to  hear  of  your  Indisposition  and  hope  by  this  time  you  are  restored. 
Your  account  of  the  War  Department  is,  as  Mr.  Simmons  informed  me  he 
would  advise  you,  finally  closed.  The  balance  against  you  $24  or  25. 
Simmons  sent  the  Account  up  to  the  Comptroller,  with  whom  I  am  well 
acquainted,  and  with  whom  I  have  had  two  or  three  conversations  relative 
to  your  business.  He  will  forward  to  the  District  Attorney  instructions 
conformable  to  your  wishes.  Were  the  case  my  own,  I  would,  as  you 
doubtless  will,  immediately  pay  the  trifle  remaining  due.  I  believe  ycur 
wishes  have  been  fully  met  in  the  whole  arrangement.  I  am  extremely 
happy  to  have  had  it  in  my  power  to  give  you  a  little  aid  in  this  business ; 
but,  Sir,  my  services  have  been  trifling,  as  the  case  required  no  more  ;  and 
the^  have  much  less  claim  to  the  polite  acknowledgments  you  are  so  good 
as  to  make  me,  than  my  good  wishes  have. 

Should  any  other  case  occur  in  which  I  can  serve  you,  be  assured  of 
my  disposition  to  do  so,  and  believe  me  with  consideration 

Your  obedt  &  hble  Servant, 

Adjt.  Genl.  Solomon  Van  Eensselaer.  John  P.  Va     Ness. 

''  John  P.  Van  Ness  was  a  cousin  of  the  noble  hearted  and  truly 
brilliant  William  W.  Van  Ness.  He  was  born  in  Claverack,in  the  county 
of  Columbia  in  the  year  1770,  and  died  at  the  city  of  Washington,  March, 
1846,  at  the  age  of  seventy-six  years.  He  was  educated  at  Columbia 
College,  in  the  city  of  New  York,  and  studied  law  in  that  city,  in  the 
office  of  Brockholdst  Livingston.  At  the  age  of  about  twenty-two  he 
commenced  the  practice  of  law  in  Columbia  county. 

"  In  the  year  1801,  he  was  elected  to  congress  from  the  district  com- 
posed of  the  counties  of  Columbia  and  Rensselaer.  In  18U2  he  was 
married  to  a  very  interesting,  accomplished  and  wealthy  lady  of  the  city 
of  Washington,  and  as  her  fortune  consisted  principally  of  real  estate  in 
th.it  fiit"  h',^,  fixed  his  residence  there  until  his  deaths  He  w>!s  appointed 
by  President  Jefl'erson,  brigadier  general  of  the  militia  of  the  district  of 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  193 

Ci)Iumbia,and  was  afterwards  promoted  by  President  Madison  to  the  rank 
of  major   n-onerul,  wh.cii    oiface  he  held   for    many  years.     He   was   for 
severa   successive  years  elected   mayor  of  the  city  of  Washington,  when 
he  declined  a  reelection.     Throu-^h  his  influence  the  Bank  of  the  Metio 
polls  in  the  city  Washington  was  established ;  he  was  the  first  president 
of  that  institution,  and  remained  so  until  the  t^ime  of  his  death  P'"''''*"' 
"  He  possessed  a  high  order  of  talents,  and  was  a  man  of  great  personal 
iDfluence.     For  the  las    forty  years  of  his  life  he  was  exten"sivel/knowa 
and  celebrated  for  his  liberality  and  hospitality,  many  of  the  churchls 
and  the  temperance   hall   in    the  city   of  Washington    wserec^doa 
grounds  given  by  him  for  that  purpose.     During  his  long  residencettha? 
city  he  had  formed  numerous  acquaintances.     Few  men  had  more  devoted 
friends,  and  his  death  wa.s  greatly  deplored  by  the  people  of  the  Americaa 
capital,  his  friends  and  his  country.  •>         f    f  o  .ciiucntaa 

;  l^'  \!^°  Ness  family,  viz  :  John  P.  Van  Ness,  William  P.  Van  Ness 
and  Cornelius  P.  Van  Ness,  is  one  of  the  most  distinguished  and  talented 
families  in  this  country  nnd  are  sons  of  Peter  Van  Ness.  Willian  P 
Van  Ness  was  the  second  to  Aaron  Burr  in  his  fatal  duel  with  General 
Hamilton.  He  was  a  man  of  transcendent  talents;  he  died  of  apoplexy 
in  New  York  on  September  6,  182G."  '»popiexy 

Albany,  July  2,  1812,  Died.  "  This  morning  Bri-adier  General  P^tPr 
Gansevoort  of  the  United  States  Army,  after  a%ery1istrsSr  lines  of 
several  months,  aged  62  years,  11  mos.  16  days.  ^ 

General  Orders. 

Ti     r.         1  -^^^^  Quarters,  New  York,  July  6,  1812 

The  General  announces  to  the  troops  in  the  City  and  harbor  of  New 
York  the  aeath  of  Brigadier  General  Gansevoort  at  Albany  on  the  lM  bstanT 
In  testimony  of  respect  to  the  defender  of  Fort  Schuyler  in  1777  of  an 
offic  r  of  intelligence,  bravery  and  distinguished  military  merit  du  ing  the 
revo  utionary  war,  the  colors  will  be  hoisted  half  staff  high  for  the  day 
and  the  officers  wear  the  usual  badge  of  mourning  for  1  month  ^' 

By  order, 
K.  H.  MacPherson,  Aid-de-Camp. 

Colonel  Peter  Gansevoort  commanded  Fort  Stanwix  during  its  me- 

morable  seige,  and  conducted  its  defense  with  a  vigor  and  succfss  whTch 

crowned  his  name  with  distinguished  honor,  and  fo?  which  he  received  a 

pecia  vote  of  thanks  from  congress.     In  1809,  he  received  the  commis* 

sion  of  brigadier-general  in  the  army  of  the  United  States. 

He  was  a  man  of  noble  presence,  and  fearless  and  magnanimous  spirit- 

t    I;  fl  '^r  "''  '"*^  "'f'"'^'^  '"^^Srity.     His  public  life  was  Si 
out  a  blot  while  his  private  character  was  of  unimpeachable  moralitv  and 

voot  was  with  Gen.  Mont^^  mery  in  his  attack  on  Canada  in  1775  in  one 
of  the  early  letters,  mention  is  made  of  his  illness  when  at  Isle  AuxNoix! 


26 


i 


194 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


vi 


Declaration  of  War  in  1812. 

Upon  the  declaration  of  war,  in  1812,  by  the  United  States  againsit 
Great  Britain',  "  Major  Gen.  Henry  Dearborn  had  in  February,  been 
phiced  in  the  conimand  of  the  northern  frontier,  with  views  to  the  inva- 
sion of  Canada.  Lake  Chaniplain  presented  the  great  military  highway 
to  the  centre  of  the  enemy's  province,  and  the  American  settlements  at 
the  foot  of  that  lake  were  remote  and  exposed  ;  the  general  therefore 
judiciously  determined  to  take  his  first  position  with  the  regular  recruits 
in  that  quarter."  In  the  progress  of  the  campaign,  tlie  western  frontier 
of  the  state  of  New  York  was  in  danger;  and  in  defect  of  regular  troops, 
a  requisition  having  been  made  by  the  general  government,  for  a  body  of 
New  York  militia,  it  was  the  pleasure  of  Gov.  Tompkins  to  appoint 
General  Stei'IIKn  Van  Kensselaep.  to  take  command  of  the  forces, 
which  should  be  raised  for  the  deliense  of  the  northern  and  western  front- 
iers of  this  state,  in  answer  to  that  requisition. 

Gen.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,  as  also  the  adjutant  general,  Colonel 
Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  were  greatly  opposed  to  the  policy  of  the  war, 
and  both  difl'cred  in  politics  from  Governor  Tompkins.  General  Stephen 
Van  Rensselaer  nnd  Gov.  Tompkins  were  rival  candidates  for  the  govern- 
ment of  the  state.  When  General  Van  Renss^elaer  was  selected  to  com- 
mand the  troops,  it  was  considered  by  every  one  as  rather  an  ambiguous 
compliment ;,  and  it  was  fully  supposed  that  under  existing  circumstances 
he  would  refuse  it,  and  thus  injure  his  popularity,  but  for  once  the  inter- 
ested intriguers  were  baflBed.  When  the  noble  man  saw  his  courtry  in 
danger,  with  true,  elevated  patriotism,  all  minor  considerations  were  im- 
mediately laid  aside,  and  he  promptly  responded  to  the  summons. 

At  the  solicitation  of  General  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,  my  father  took 
a  position  on  his  staff  and  joined  the  army  for  the  frontier.  "  That  officer 
entered  upon  his  command  on  the  13th  of  July,  1812,  having  done  me 
the  honor  to  request  my  services  as  his  aid.  1  was  anxious  to  serve  my 
country  in  the  contest  in  which  she  was  engaged,  and  I  did  not  hesitate, 
therefore,  to  take  the  situation  thus  offered  me."  The  benetits  of  that 
war  have  not  yet  been  fully  realized  but  are  beginning  to  be  seen.  It 
taught  the  world  whether  on  sea  or  land,  American  arms  were  invincible. 
The  bravery  displayed  in  that  war  commanded  the  respect  and  adniiratioa 
of  the  world.  It  taught  England  that  the  country  whose  freedom  and 
free  institutions  were  born  in  blood,  would  not  shrink  from  baptizinj; 
them  iu  the  same  element. 

"  Government  asked  for  the  soldier's  blood,  it  was  freely  given.  It  told 
the  patriot  to  sever  all  the  domestic  ties,  he  cut  them  asunder  at  its  bid- 
ding. It  told  him  to  take  the  last  look  of  his  children,  and  away  to  the 
tented  field.  He  looked,  oflered  one  prayer  for  their  safety,  and  turned 
his  back  on  his  home.  Such  sacrifices  demand  consideration  and  remu- 
neration. Those  veterans  served  their  country  in  her  weakness,  she 
sb(!nl(l  icnienslier  them  iu  her  strenu'tli  I'ud  ulurv-.  Thnt  struggle  dutended 
our  honor  at  home  and  gave  us  a  lustrous  name  abroad.     It  developed 


:i?-i 


Legacy  op  Historical  GLEANiNas  196 

the  prowess  of  American  arms  as  a  whole  and  furnished  some  of  the  most 
striking  instancea  of  individual  bravery,   the  world  ever  saw       \  truly 
brilliant  catalogue  of  names  was  added  to  the  world's  list   of  heroes 
Many  who  served  in  the  first  struggle  for  independence,  capped  the  climax 
oftheir  glory  in  the  war  of  1812." 

Albany,  July   13,  1812,  General  Van  Rensselaer  and  suite  set  off  this 
morning  for  Niagara,  where  a  la.ge  body  of  troops  are  now  assembling 
but  whether  for  offensive  or  defensive  measures  we  are  not  able  to  say 
They  are  principally  volunteers  and  militia. 

Herkimer,  July  16.  On  Tuesday  last  Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  his 
aid  and  private  secretary  passed  through   this  village  on  their  way  to 
Niagara.     We  understand  he  is  to  take  command  of  all  the  forces  t)n  the 
frontiers.     The  citizens  of  this  village  being  apprized  the  preceding  day 
ot  his  approach   came  to  the  determination  of  escorting  him  into  town 
Accordingly  about  twelve  o'clock  a  number  of  citizens  accompanied   by 
several  officers  of  merit,  formed  a  cavalcade  under  the  direction  of  Captain 
Myers  as  marshall  of  the  day,  and  moved  on  the  village  of  Little  Falls 
where  they  were  joined  by  a  number  of  gentlemen  from  that  villa.-e 
who  were  desirous  of  shov.ing  this  meritorious  officer  the  intended  tribute 
ot  respect.     The  cavalcade  then  proceeded  about  three  miles  below  the 
talis  where  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  was  received  by  them  in  a  most  cordial 
manner.     They  then  moved  back  to  the  Falls,  where  the  company  partook 
ot  anexcellent.dinner  provided  in  a  sumptuous  manner  by  Major  Mor  'an 
After  the  cloth  was  removed  a  number  of  appropriate  toasts  were  drlink 
all  broathing  the  true  spirit  of  American   liberty,  that  spirit  which  ani- 
mated the  breasts  of  our  fore-fathers  in  the  glorious  struggle  of  seventy-six 
Ihe  general  was  then  escorted  to  the   village  by  the  cavalcade    who 
observed  the  utmost  regularity  where  he  was  received  with  expressions 
M°/'  ^I^u        *"'^^^  announced  by  a  federal  salute  from  the  artillery 
Ihe  following  are  a  few  specimens  of  the  toasts  at  the  dinner      Ry 
Un  Van  Rensselaer.     The  Citizens  of  Herkimer.     May  their  patriotism 
m  the  present  struggle  of  our  country,  equal  their  valor  in  the  revolu- 
tionary war. 

Col.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer.  A  speedy  and  dorious  termination  of  the 
present  war. 

Mr.  Lovett.  The  example  of  our  fathers.  Trusting  in  God  they 
achieved  our  independence;  following  their  example,  we  may  preserve 
the  inheritance.  ^ 

After  a  short  tarry,  the  general  proceeded  on  his  way,  and  thenceforth 
his  name  was  identified  with  the  military  glory  of  his  country.     A  mere 
narration  ot  facts  within  my  knowledge  would  not  be  sufficiently  interest- 
ing; something  might  be  written  of  the  incidents  and  romance  of  history 
as  connected  with  this  campaign,  calculated  both  to  instruct  and  amuse  ; 
tor  the  recorded  events  will  never  pass  into  oblivion,  though  they  have 
been  but  summarily  despatched.     There  are  many  transactions,  many  ex- 
cung  incidents  relating  to  the  war  of  1812,  which  are  more  than  fancy 
Sketches,  yet  have  to  the  present  time  remained  unwritten.     There  were 
many  divisions   and   heart-burnings,    throughout   the   political    masses, 
wl.ich  culminated  into  bitterness  of  feeling  and  alienation,  on  the  part  of 
he  initiated  few,  and  now  the  selection  of  Gen.  Van  llensselaer,  "  consider- 
in-  the  adverse  state  of  his  political  relations  to  Governor  Tompkins,  was 
it'developed     ■      y!!T     '''' "'1"^";°*^;'^  ^?'  *^".  tJi«  ?-rt  of  the  commander  in  chief  of  New 
it  Ueveiopi      H      loik.     Although  the  situation  of  Gen.  V.  R.  was  exceedingly  embarrasa- 


m 


I 


il 


196 


Legacy  of  Hisi-jhical  Gleanings. 


ing,  yot  he  had  one  on  h  is  staff  who  had  signalized  himself  by  his  undaunted 
bravery." 

"  Hon.  John  Lovett,  of  facetious  memory,  was  a  lawyer,  a  man  of  genius, 
and  possessed  great  versfitility  of  talent.  He  frequently  wrote  fugitive 
pieces  of  poetry  full  of  wit  and  keen  satire;  he  always  had  at  couinianda 
great  variety  of  anecdotes,  ready  for  use,  wliatever  might  he  the  subject  of 
conversation.  He  was  remarkably  pleasant,  and  his  sparkling  wit  and 
flashes  of  merriment  would  set  the  table  in  a  roar.  Although  possessed  of 
fine  talents,  he  nevor  relished  the  dry  study  of  law  ;  skillful  in  the  manage- 
ment of  a  cause  before  a  jury,  he  never  excelled  in  the  argument  of  a  ques- 
tion of  law,  and  did  not  obtain  that  distinction  as  a  counselor,  which  was 
in  his  power,  by  applying  himself  more  closely  to  judicial  studies.  One 
of  the  errors  of  his  life  was  a  passion  for  change  of  employment,  not  often 
the  road  to  distinction  or  success. 

"In  the  war  of  1812  he  accompanied  Generals  Stephen  and  Solomon 
Van  llensselaer  to  Niagara,  as  secretary  of  the  former,  and  honorably  ac- 
quited  himself  in  that  campaign.  When  invited  by  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer 
to  become  his  military  aid  and  secretary  Mr.  Lovett  said,  'I  am  not  a 
soldier,'  the  answer,  '  It  is  not  your  sword,  but  your^ew  that  I  want,' de- 
cided the  point.  He  afterwards  represented  the  county  of  Albany  in  con- 
gress with  much  reputation.  He  purchased  a  tract  of  land  on  the  Mau- 
mee,  and  commenced  a  settlement  which  he  named  Perrysburg,  in  honor 
of  the  gallant  hero  of  Lake  Erie.  He  died  of  the  prevailing  fever  of  the 
country  at  Fort  Meigs  in  Ohio,  in  August  1818  aged  fitty-two  years." 

The  following  letter  is  descriptive  of  the  journey  from  Albany. 

Jo7m  Lovett  to  Joseph  Alexander. 
My  dear  Sir,  Ogdensburgh  July  20,  1812. 

If  flying  through  air,  water,  mud,  brush,  over  hills,  dales,  meadows, 
swamps  :  on  wheels  or  horseback,  and  getting  a  man's  ears  gnawed  off 
with  musquitoes  and  gallinippers  make  a  Soldier,  then  have  I  seen  service 
for  —  one  week.  I  certainly  intended  before  now  to  have  written  you, 
but  I  assure  you  I  have  very  little  leisure,  and  I  think  you  will  soon  be 
convinced  of  it :  Let  our  tracks  speak  for  themselves.  It  was  about  11 
oclock  before  Gov.  Tompkins  gave  us  our  orders,  the  next  evening  we 
were  at  Utica ;  having  fought  our  way  again  and  again  through  Cavalry, 
Artillery  etc.  Tts  hearty  and  cordial  respect  paid  to  our  General  every- 
where, is  really  pleasing.  As  we  approached  the  Little  Falls,  we  were 
met  by  a  grand  Troop,  Carriages  &c.  At  the  Inn  a  superb  Baud  saluted 
the  General  and  played  delightfully,  while  a  very  large  company  sat  with 
us  at  an  elegant  Dinner.  'Ihe  escort  proceeded  with  us  to  Herkimer; 
then  a  Salute  was  fired  as  we  entered  the  Town,  and  a  thousand  compli- 
ments &c.  &c.  Before  we  got  to  Utica  the  olreet  was  thronged  with 
Patriots:  Genl.  Piatt's  Cards  for  Dinner  the  next  day  &c.  Poor  souls 
they  did  not  know  that  We  tcere  a// Soldikrs  ! !  Utica  was  full  of  dread- 
ful News.  Sacketts  Harbor  was  blockaded.  The  Oneida  dismantled,  her 
Guns  landed,  and  much  more  of  the  same  sort:  All  believed  it.  Our 
General,  therefore,  thought  it  his  duty  to  abandon  his  route  to  Niagara 
and  visit  Sacketts  Harbor  :  so  away  we  flew,  and  found  all  we  hau  heard 
was  false.  Could  I  see  you,  I  might  fa/k  much  ;  but  I  shall  write  little 
of  Sacketts  Harbor.  There  are  about  200  Militia  at  the  harbor,  not  a 
word  of  them.  The  Oneida  was  there  still.  Woolsey  invited  our  General 
on  board,  the  yards  were  manned  in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  three  cheers 


Leqacy  op  Historical  Gleaninqs.  197 

fronyi  truly  hearty  Crew,  then  "  Starboard,  Fire,"  "  Port,  FIro,"  "  Star- 
board,  iMre,  '  "  Port,  F.re,"  and  so  on,  about  as  fast  as  you  will  read  it  • 
until  all  w..  blue.  Then  the  Crew  were  exercised  in  all  possible  shaVeV 
aruly,truly  .nstye;  but  this  another  time  for  I  see  f  sha  soonTe 
called  ofiF.  Now  will  not  your  heart  aehe  when  I  tell  you  that  this  liZ 
can  be  burnt  at  any  hour  the  British  ehoose  to  do  it"^  They  have  tit 
Royal  George  of  superior  force  the  Earl  Maria  14  Guns,  Prince  Recent 
10  or  12  Guns  and  one  more  Duke  of  Gloucester.  Woolsey  is  trying  L 
mount  a  32  pounder  in  a  Schooner,  and  6-  9  pounders  on  board  a  sloop 
both  vessels  now  lying  in  the  harbor  »a«oop, 

Woolsey  is  alno  with  th.  assistance  of  the  Militia,  erecting  a  small  Bat- 
tery on  the  harbor  to  secure,  if  possible,  the  retreat  of  the  Oneida  if  hard 
pressed  by  superior  force.  Can  you  conceive  how  important  Lake  OntaHo 
aNd  the  St.  Lawrence  are  to  us?  if  so,  pray  answer  me  :  Why  have  we 
nolo  Gun  Boats  there^  That  force,  at  presellit,  would  a„s;er  us^  slekett 
Acheu.  Sad  tidings  from  the  County  of  St  Lawrence;  the  Inhabitants 
are  p:>n,c  struck,  and  flying  off  in  shoals?  To  quiet  them,  to  give  th  a 
confadenceand  constancy  to  keep  their  homes,  secure  their  crops,  &c.  &c 
our  General  deemed  an  object  :vc  rthy  his  attention.  Therefore  down  we 
canie  to  Watertown  and  on  to  this  place  about  80  miles  of  the  most  horrTd 
road  I  ever  saw,  in  a  great  part  of  it,  two  miles  an  hour  is  quick  riding 
Th    luhabiants  have  fled  like  foolish  children,  from  just  such  d"n  "er" 

elf .dl  r?  U  r  ^''''f,r'  '°  ^"  ^^y  y'^'^'^-y-     Now  afterC' 
have  put  all  right  here,  we  shall  return  to  Sackett's   Harbor,   and   if  no 

bones  are  broken,  we  shall  then  go  on  to  Oswego,  and  from  thence  to  Nhl 
^a,  whore  in  about  two  weeks  I  hope  to  lie  lik^  a  Sold^e  o„  my  ow" 
Blankets  free  from  the  infernal  bugs  which  have  already  gnawed  aw^v 
te  per  cent  of  my  whole  fi-ame,  legs  inclusive.  When  I  Vt  encamped  I 
will  icntc  you  ;  at  present  I  can  only  s/retch.  ^-^"iptJu  i 

All  1  shall  here  say  of  my  General  is,  that  Albany  may  justly  be  proud 
that  she  has  such  a  citizen.     Solomon  was  born  for  war.     We    all    Lvel 
as  harmoniously  as  heart  can  wish;  and  you  may  depend  on   it  we   have 
e  ough  to  do,  go  where  we  will.     On  the  Frontiers, our  General  ilhailed 
almost  as  a  new  Washington.     *     *     *  "auea, 

h,l}T  ^''a  ^  '''""!''  ""•'  ^''^  "P  ^''^'  ^  '^^'^  3^°"  t^"^'  I  l>»ve  perfect 
health;  and  as  much  activity  as  is  necessary;  I  believe  I  mi-^ht  sav  as 
a  most  any  man  of  my  age.  I  shall  say  a  word  of  this  pi  ce  t  r  Ttve 
looked  about  a  httle  :  this  is  only  bringing  up  my  iournal  a  little      T  \Zt 

;:  ST "'''"  Y^'"'  r'^  ^''^'^^'"^  whoi^irudi  sh:.'rb:-toi  ,td 

undo  stood,  heaven  and  earth  must  stand  amazed.     Write  me  the  news 
t  T:rUvT"\  "'^-'-.-''yknowshow  or  when  nhallretu": 
houlrl      n  ^  warranted  in  saying  that,  it  was  altogether  desirable  that 

A  to  n  V  m!l  ^r  T  "T^  ^'''''  '^"^  ^  !'''  y''  ^'11  "«t  be  able  to  read. 
uflH^    wr '''''\1''fP"P^"'^  cheer  them:  I  trust  they  will  not 

s  with  n  r^      T-  I  ^^^  ^'"/f  ■'  J"''  ^''"*  I  ^^  '''''^-  «»J  he  who  trav- 

a  11   V    '  »'.»^^\V'^f. "  f?«"d  horse  or  not  keep  up.     I  have  not  rubbed 

i'.m  of!  Imu  in  all  this  heat  and  dreadful  rain..     22d.     I   have    looked 

it  :S  :l  "f  ''  '■''''I  ""  *'?f  ^^J-«burgh  is  one  of  the  mo^t  c  W 

li  r.     ^iT'./"  ^^^^'-'J-.    l^^""cy  could  hardly  mend  it,  and  the 

L     stl  "Vf  ■'  "?  P'^'^  ^'"y  "-  Cards,  Tea  i^artJes  and  all  in  ele- 


l%',\ 


vi 


'f$ 


tut  style.     G  oriuus  times  for  S..,!dior8.  Good  night, 

io  Jlr.  Joseph  Alexander,  Alb 


any. 


John  Lovett. 


198 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings, 


Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife. 

My  dear  Harriet,  ^  Ogdensburgh,  July  22,  1812. 

This  night  I  shall  be  engaged  in  a  most  desperate  enterprise,  to  board 
a  British  armed  vessel  lying  in  the  St.  Lawrence  oiF  this  Harbor.  I  have 
only  Militia  to  accompany  me  on  this  important  service  ;  of  course  I  shall 
be  compelled  to  expose  myself  in  a  high  degree  as  an  example  to  them  to 
do  their  duty.  I  will  succeed  or  fall.  If  the  latter,  let  me  beg  of  you  to 
meet  the  event  with  fortitude,  and  do  not  unnecessarily  repine  at  my  loss. 
Kiss  Adeline,  Elizabeth,  Matilda  and  our  dear  little  Margaretta  for  me. 
Rensselaer  I  presume  is  before  this  at  school  in  Middletown,  Conn.,  where 
the  Patroon  will  keep  him.  When  you  see  Rensselaer  give  him  a  kiss  for 
me,  and  tell  him  to  be  a  good  boy,  and  attend  to  his  studies,  but  where  is 
our  dear  little  Van  Vechten?  in  Heaven  I  hope,  where  sooner  or  later  I 
trust  we  all  will  join  him.  I  have  written  to  the  Patroon  and  Abraham 
Van  Vechten  about  you  and  the  family,  and  likewise  about  my  back  pay, 
which  I  presume  can  be  got  for  you.  The  Certificates  of  the  Surgeons  of 
Wayne's  Army  are  to  be  found  among  my  papers,  and  they  will  attend  to 
them.  1  have  much  more  to  say  to  you,  but  time  is  pressing  hard  on 
me.  I  must  again  repeat  how  anxious  and  interested,  I  feel  on  your  and 
our  dear  little  ones'  account.  Give  them  an  aifectionate  embrace  for  me, 
and  think  kindly  of  me  as  you  ever  did,  for  you  possess  my  warmest  affec- 
tions. Forget  the  past  and  believe  me  to  be  your  affectionate  and  unalter- 
able friend  and  Husband.  Adieu. 

Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Mrs.  Harriot  Van  Rensselaer,  Mount  Hope,  Albany. 

Upon  reaching  Ogdensburgh,  information  having  been  obtained  which 
induced  a  belief,  that  a  descent  was  meditated  upon  that  place,  temporary 
breastworks  ofcordwood,  &c.,  were  hastily  thrown  up,  and  two  old  guns 
mounted  to  repel  it.  The  belief  was  confirmed  while  the  work  was  in 
progress,  by  the  appearance  of  two  vessels  of  war  which  sailed  out  of  the 
lake  and  came  to  at  the  wharf  opposite  the  village.  It  was  supposed  that 
such  palpable  indications  of  being  greeted  with  a  warm  reception,  were 
the  reasons  why  the  intention  was  abandoned.  The  si<^ht  of  these  vessels 
so  near  him  was  enough,  however,  to  excite  the  resolute  spirit  of  Colonel 
Van  Rensselaer,  and  he  forthwith  projected  a  handsome  enterprise,  (which 
failed  through  the  want  of  a  few  regular  troops,)  against  an  armed  vessel 
of  the  ctiemy,  which  lay  along  side  a  wharf  adjoining  the  British  maga- 
zines at  Prescott  on  the  opposite  shore.  The  tocsin  of  war  still  continues 
to  ring.  Colonel  Van  llenss-jlaer  proposed  with  one  hundred  and  twenty 
men,  to  ascend  the  St  Lawrence  four  or  five  miles,  after  night,  cross  the 
river,  down  under  the  'Janada  shore,  take  possession  of  the  buildings  and 
carry  the  vessel,  boarding  her  by  land  and  water  at  the  same  time.  Vol- 
unteers from  the  militia,  turned  for  the  enterprise  at  evening  roll  call,  but 
at  midnight,  they  had  changed  their  minds,  and  as  they  believed  there 
existed  no  competent  authority  to  order  them  '.eyond  the  limits  of  the 
state,  this  feasible  project  was  abandoned.  A  sinnlur  occasion  never  again 
offered,  as  the  next  morning  the  two  vessels  sa.led  back  to  the  lake.  It 
was  subsequently  ascertained,  that  there  was  no  other  fcrce  at  the  place 
to  contend  with,  but  the  crews  of  the  two  vessels. 


Legacy  op  Historical  Qlbaninqs. 


199 


SSELAER. 


Major  General  Van  liensselaer  to  Gmemor  To.apkini. 

^"'  ..      .,         Ogdensburj-h,  July  23'^,  1812,  8  o'clock,  P.M. 

On  receiving  information  that  Sackett's  Harbour  was  menaced  by  the 
enemy,  1  deemed  it  expedient  that  General  Brown  should  repair  there  • 
and  accordingly  he  departed  from  this  place  early  yesterday  morning 
One  reason  lor  my  remaining  a  day  or  two  longer  at  this  post  was  to 
await,  and  possibly  improve  the  success  which  might  attend  a  projected 
attack  upon  a  ten-gun  British  schooner  which  has  for  several  days  been 
Ijin-  at  the  dock  in  Prescott,  opposite  to  this  place.  The  proposed  attack 
mis  concerted  by  my  aid-de-comp.  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  and  Col.  Benedict 
who  commauds  at  this  post.  Yesterday  was  spent  in  preparations.  The 
boarding-boats  were  ready  at  1  o'clock,  last  night,  and  the  attack  was  to 
have  been  'uade  by  land  and  water,  at  3  in  the  morning.  But  when  every 
thing  was  prepared  m  such  marner  as  to  promise  complete  success  it 
was  discovered  with  infinite  chagrin  and  mortification,  that  only  sixuAix 
men  would  vo  unteer  for  the  service  !  This  number  being  by  no  uieans 
competent.  Cols.  Van  Rensselaer  and  Bendedict,  who  would  certainly  have 
led  the  men  to  action  with  the  most  cool  and  determined  bravery  were 
compelled  to  abandon  an  entcrprize  honourable  in  itself,  and  upon  the 
result  of  which  might  have  depended  the  whole  command  of  the  Lake 
and  river. 

This  promising  project  having  been  blasted,  and  as  nothing  further  of 
consequence  appeared  to  demand  my  longer  stay  here,  I  was  on  the  eve 
ot  my  departure  at  five  o'clock  this  afternoon,  when  a  large  armed  shin 
was  dhscoyered  coming  down  the  river.  She  anchored  close  on  shore  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  near  to  the  schooner,  and  appears  to  be  a 
fourteen-gun  ship.  Considerable  solicitude  prevails  in  this  place.  It  is 
generally  believed  that  the  vessels  in  the  harbour  are  the  object  of  the 
enemy  Ihe  ownera  of  the  vessels  are  preparing  to  scuttle  them,  or  re- 
move them  as  far  out  of  the  reach  of  the  enen,  as  may  be.  The  troops 
are  busy  constructing  a  fort  of  timber  north  of  Parish's  store,  on  the  best 
ground  or  the  purpose.  But,  sir,  our  very  great  misfortune  is,  that  we 
have  only  two  s>x  pounders.  If  this  harbour  is  to  be  protected,  it  is  abso- 
lutely necessary  that  I  should  be  immediately  furnished  with  cannon  of 
competent  calibre,  for  the  probably  approaching  emergency.  I  shall  wait 
your  answer  by  the  return  of  the  express,  and  govern  myself  accordingly. 
„.    „      ,,  I  ^ave  the  honor,  &c.^ 

His  hxcellency  Gov.  Tompkins.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer. 

_  Jo7m  Iiovett  to  Joseph  Alexander. 

'^  '!!'■'     .        ^  Ogdensburgh,  July  23,  1812. 

liy  hrow.ng  off  my  flannel,  and  being  a  little  too  much  in  the  rain,  I 
uugh  a  horrid  cold  which  laid  me  up  yesterday.  And  as  we  quit  here 
tills  atternoon,  1  must  soon  close  my  wretched  scrawl.  We  have  here 
say  tour  hundred  troops,  well  armed,  pretty  well  disciplined.  Three  Field 
pieces,  a  little  amuuition,  no  works.  *-«  nem 

Last  Saturday  a  ten  Gun  British  Schooner  came  down  from  the  narrows 
a  a  anchored  at  Prescott  opposite  this  place.      We  have  been  squintin- 

b  n;'v'h.r?.'f  V°  i"""^  ^^r'  '"'  '•''■•  ^"'''  ^^«""'«  it  ^"«  determined 
,•  ,"{  !!"^:'^  <  "1.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  and  Col.  JJonedict  to  attack 
iiti  at  oo  clock  this  morning,  the  uight  has  been  spent  in  .-.r-tivitv  ^x- 
wi;iient  Loats  aud  all  things  were  in  readiness  at  o  o'clock.     The'"m~cn 


200 


Leqacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


P 


Tirero  paraded,  and  out  of  four  hundrrd,  all  clamorous  for  attack,  jn'^t  m'xti/. 
three  men  wore  willing  to  go  !  Of  course,  at  daylight,  the  expedition  was 
abandoned.  Never  did  I  see  a  man  more  mortified  and  disappointed  thao 
is  Col.  Van  Rensselaer.  Never  did  any  man  see  a  soldier  more  eajjer  for 
attack.  I  am  now,  more  than  over  before,  satisfied  of  the  awful  stuiF  for 
battle  which  he  carries  in  his  pluck.  He  was  to  have  led  the  van,  and  I 
believe  he  would  willingly  have  given  a  Quit  Claim  to  all  lie  possesses  io 
the  world,  could  he  have  but  persuaded  the  men  to  go  with  him  and  stick 
by  him.  I  may  hereafter  give  you  a  number  of  amusing  anecdotes  of  lust 
night ;  yet  as  Thorn  was  present  with  us,  and  will  soon  be  with  you,  I 
refer  to  him.  Oiut  word.  Aa  I  write  you  any  how,  you  are  never  to 
publish  anything  I  write :  you  know  what  I  moan  ;  the  facts  I  state  you 
may  publish  as  you  please  when  deemed  expedient,  but  now  this  8inf,'le 
fact  of  the  Men's  refusing  to  volunteer,  if  published,  would  raise  a  bobbery, 

From  Sackett/S  Harbor  wo  learn  that  the  British  Squadron  looked  ia 
there  a  day  or  two  ago,  gave  and  received  a  few  long  shots  and  retired. 
There  are  here  eiglit  or  ten  fine  Schooners,  which  if  armed,  would  give 
us  command  of  the  Lake  and  Uiver.     How  came  all  this  '/ 

Although  no  blow  is  yet  struck  in  these  parts,  it  does  appear  to  me 
impoiisible  that  the  thing  can  continue  so  long  The  command  of  the 
water  is  every  thing  :  the  Ikitish  now  have  it ;  but  I  think  tiiero  will 
yet,  in  some  shape,  be  a  struggle  for  it;  there  must  be,  for  our  little  force 
must  be  subdued  or  increased, 

What  has  become  of  our  Salt  water  Fleet? 

Tell  my  good  wife,  I  have  not  another  moment  to  write,  that  I  am 
neither  homesick,  crop-sick,  war-sick,  nor  sick  of  my  Wife.  Tell  her 
also  that  we  are  in  point  blank  shot  of  31r.  Honeywood.  When  you  are 
up  all  night,  and  the  devil  about  among  IJoatsand  Militia,  you  will  write 
nearly  as  bad  as  I  do. 

With  one  foot  in  the  stirrup  and  good  pluck  for  Niagara. 

Good  bye  to  you. 

Mr.  Joseph  Alexander,  Albany.  John  Lovett. 

There  were  many  hardships  and  deprivations  to  be  encountered  in  the 
early  part  of  this,  as  in  every  campaign. 

On  one  occasion  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  accompanied  by  Colonel  Solomon 
Van  Rensselaer  and  Major  Lovett  were  traveling  on  horseback  on  a  four 
of  inspection  "  along  the  frontier  from  Sackett's  Ilarbor  to  learn  the  con- 
dition of  troops  and  the  means  of  oftcnsive  or  delensive  operations  aloug 
the  lake  and  St.  Lawrence.  Sending  our  horses  by  land,  we  took  two 
sailors,  a  sergeant  and  eight  soldiers  and  started  in  an  open  boat,  pre- 
pared to  fight  a  little  and  run  a  good  deal,  and  escape  any  lurking  boats 
of  the  enemy.  Until  nearly  night  wo  had  no  wind  ;  then  a  breeze  sprung 
up  and  increased  to  a  gale,  the  night  was  cold.  I  had  no  outer  garment 
but  my  flannel  night  gown,  God  bless  my  good  wife,  she  made  me 
bring  it.  We  all  were  cliilly,  it  was  dark,  the  sea  ran  high  and  much  to 
our  vexation,  were  overtaken  by  a  severe  thunder  storm.  It  was  a  wild 
and  boisterous  night,  the  rain  came  down  in  torrents  and  the  lightning 
flashed  in  bright  sheets  of  light  from  the  heavy  thunder  clouds.  Our 
pilot  got  bewildered,  wo  run  the  lord  knows  where,  but  we  struck  on  the 
rocks  near  the  mouth  of  little  Salmon  river  in  Mexico  bay,  the  guard 
hailed  us,  and  gave  us  directions  how  to  get  oif,  we  did  soon  get  oil'  and 
■were  glad  to  seek  shelter  ia  a  deserted  house  from  which  its  frightened 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  201 

inrnntes  had  previously  flo.l,  leaving  only  a  table  and  wash  bench.  Being 
JoHt.tute  of  evcrytbu.g  noceHHHry  fi.r  tboir  comfort,  ibov  were  obli.a.!  t? 
go  supperlcHS  to  bed.  It  wan  half  pant  twelve  and  we  ^ou^I.t  needed  re. 
pose  Wo  placed  our  general  on  tbe  table  about  four  and  orur.half  feet  LI 
crooked  up  h.8  legs  borrowed  a  thick  blanket  of  a  .soldier  and  covered  him 
up  (,u.te  comfortably.     The  patience  with  which  this  man  endures  privl" 

.on.s  a.s  we  1  as  hardships,  can   only  be  known  by  thoro  who  certifrthe 
fact.      But  as  to    he  rest.     Col.  Van  llenssoiaer  got  two  boards  and  laJd 
huusclf  down  in  h.s  great  coat,  while  poor  Major  Lovett  had  el  oice  of  a 
filthy  floor  or  the  large  Dutch  oven,     lie  selected  the  latter  as  ^o  more 
Csin.  le  couch  and ''  the  thought  struck  me  it  would  be  my  sa?e  Uetreat 
from  the  vermin.     But  how  under  heaven  to  get  in  I  knew  not.   I  got  a 
wide  board   placed  an  end  in  the  mouth  of  the  monstrous  oven,  la  d^my! 
sel  on   he  board,  then  bade  the  sergeant  of  the  guard  raise  up  the  other 
end  and  push  me  into  the  oven,  in  I  went,  like  a  pig  on  wooden  shovel 
y  s  and  there  I  sta.d  and  had  one  of  the  loveliost  night's  rest  of  my  life  "' 
Makmg  the  bes   of  present  circumstances,  the  jocular  major,  duHn..  the 
uight,  hearing  from  their  conversation,  that  his  friends  were  sadly  tor- 
ujeated  with  bats  and  vermin ;  boasted,  much  to  the  anno^an  e  of  the 
ohenyof  h,8  nic-e    snug  chamber;  and  early  in  the  morning  greeted 

em  with  the  vociferous   nfbrmation,  that  he  never  slept  moreWorta- 
by,  "such  a  lovely  u.gut's  rest."     His  dubious,  but  amused  comrades 
allowed   he  gallant  and  contented  major  to  rest  long  without  any  Srt 
nee,  in  his  so  styled  pleasant  quarters,  till  at  last,  endurance  was  unsup- 

stand  re  ha  f  birr"  '''\''^^^  Pretty  tough  times,  we  all  are  about 
X  and  one-half  hours  on  our  horses  among.st  the  most  infernal  set  of  fleas 
ha  ever  graced  a  man's  ears.     I  find  the  war  is  considered,  in    hi    par 

of  the  country  unpopular  and  indeed  intolerable."  ^ 

Major  Lovett  to  Josejyh  Alexander. 
My  Dear  Sir,  Ogdensburgh  July  29   1812 

.li,iT       °  considered  It  a  given  point  that  those  who  Jj  aothin<^  ar. 

mv  own  r  "5v *  '"^rl"^  ''u  ^"  "''y  '^'"^'  °'^«-  N«^  this  is  very  n^early 
my  own  condition :  although  we  effect  nothing,  we  are  all  the  whUebusy 
II  . •emus  be  a  redoubt  thrown  up;  some  Tents  pitched  yonder-  thTs 
Schooner  hauled  this  way,  and  that,  that  way.  And  the  cursedT'^Lrof 
Truce  bother  our  souls  out.  Scarcely  a  day  passes,  but  some  scamp  3s  a 
anoe,  sticks  up  a  pole,  and  such  part  of  his  shirt  as  he  can  Is  spafe^afte? 
having  v^-ashed  ,t  so  long  that  he  can  venture  his  soul  and   body  o^  £ 

But  ZrJ^'^il"'  ^'^^oe-O'^  '"  Pl'^i"  truth,  to  reconnoitre  .is. 
IJut  our  General  has  a  bait  put  on  and  to  all  this  stufi".  Thus  and  thus 
passe,  our  time:  stop,  though,   there  is  one  good  job  -^oinc/on     An  oW 

^^l^lZ  rir'^'^^'r^'r^]  the^Gral^pla^Hiufeyt 
since  lie  year  1758,  told  our  Soldiers  where  lay  an  8  Gun  Vessel  sunk 

At  t  the  poor  devils  went ;  several  days  ago  they  dreio  ,«,  one '  ood  la".e 

eCin'     ''  ""f^'  they  grabbed  another :  we  have  stfainedtwihl 

twoT      °^^  stands;  this  day  the  Boys  say  they  shall  hlye  up 

Sr  V     ^V'.^'"'  ""^''^  ^'^^  ^•^"^^■'*'  ^""^  State  Governments  are  sS 

"oistuig  old  Ireuch  Pieces  from  the  bottom  of  the  bay.     Now,  Sir   1  will 

2G 


'■ 


202 


Leoacy  op  IIibtorical  Gleanings. 


i^ 


relate  to  you  a  little  expedition  which,  (Jod  knows,  wuh  huziirdouH  enoujih. 
At,  lluniilton  V'illiigo,  twenty  niilcH  helow  this,  we  have  a  lew  troopM,  umJ 
the  HritiHli  are  throwing  up  .-soniu  works.  Our  (iencrul  hud  an  inciinutiuu 
to  visit  that  place.  lie  ordered  our  UorHcs  down  by  land  and  the  Qeneritl 
the  grtmt  Mr.  Purirth,  a  Mr.  Kainhoart,  Col.  Van  UenHnelaer  and  niyHelf 
made  up  the  rafscngers.  Three  Hoatmon  conducted  us.  Our  boat  was 
80  BUiall,  that  Hcvcral  gentlemen  were  alarmed  when  wo  started  and  at- 
tempted to  have  uh  called  back,  but  without  Huccess.  We  went  on  very  well 
eight  DiileH;  then  appeared  a  Hapid  which,  to  me,  lookoil  jyokirinfn-nmi/h 
but  I  am  not  timid  on  water,  the  boatmen  run  into  the  very  worst  place 
the  boat  plunged  bows  under.  Co'.  Van  Kensselaer  was  with  mo  iu  the 
bow,  and  the  old  goldier,  who  tears  nothing  on  /iitt(/,  admits  he  was  horridly 
scared  oii  water.  Our  boatmen  turned  pale,  and  gave  up,  the  bout  wal- 
loping in  the  breakers;  we  shipped  such  quantities  of  water  that  the 
General  and  Mr.  Kainheart  got  their  breeches  full.  Mr.  I'arish  his  coat- 
pockets  lull.  Col.  \ .  11.  and  myself  our  boots  full.  My  pistols  were  afloat. 
I'eople  saw  us  from  the  shore  and  gave  us  up,  for  without  another  boat, 
salvation  was  very  distant,  liut  wo  all  kept  steady,  and  that  saved  all; 
we  got  our  bout  ushore,  baled  out,  and  tried  it  again.  I  am  not  very  fond 
of  relating  hair-breadth  escapes,  but  1  am  to  tell  you  the  truth;  and  you 
may  be  assured  this  is  just  such  a  scrape  as  wo  (foii't  mean  to  attempt 
again.  We  returned  here  last  evening.  1  do  not  recollect  where  my  war 
narrative  left  off.  We  have  been  all  mortified,  almost  to  death,  by  the 
failure  of  the  expedition  against  the  Schooner.  Had  she  fallen,  the  Earl 
Maria  which  came  down  the  next  day,  must  have  inevitably  followed  the 
example,  and  this  bobbing,  as  it  may  look  to  you,  would  have  led  to  the 
command  of  the  waters,  and  the  want  of  that  command  will  distrcBS  us 
incalculably.  W^e  sent  up  to  Woolsey  to  concert  a  plan  for  attacking  both; 
and  last  night  the  concert  began  to  be  matured;  and  now,  to  renew  our 
vexation,  while  I  am  writing,  both  the  Ship  and  the  Schooner  arc  under 
way,  with  a  very  feeble  breeze,  going  up  the  Kiver.  As  far  as  I  can 
learn  their  object  here  has  been  to  wait  for  arms  and  stores  from  Moutreal, 

2  Brigades  of  Canada  Boats,  that  is  24  of  them  have  been  several  dajs 
below  this  coming  up,  each  boat  manned  a  small  Piece,  but  we  had 
pretty  much  detei mined  to  attack  them,  but  the  citizens  discouraged  the 
idea  for  fear  of  a  retaliating  Bombardment,  as  we  have  no  guus  for  the 
Ship  and  Schooner;  and  now  they  will  be  up  the  River  again.  As  long 
as  John  Bull  travels  by  water  and  the  rest  of  the  world  by  Land,  he  will 
tucker  all  out. 

1  have  seen  letters  from  Sackett's  Harbor,  giving  a  dreadful  account  of 
the  attack  there,  all  froth;  barely  a  few  long  shots.  If  any  man  wants  to 
see  folly  triumphant,  let  him  come  here,  let  him  view  friends  by  friends 
stretched  for  hundreds  of  miles  on  these  two  shores,  all  loving  and  be- 
loved ;  all  desirous  of  harmony ;  all  wounded  by  being  coerced,  by  a  hand 
unseen,  to  cut  throats.  The  People  must  waken,  they  will  wake  from 
such  destructive  lethargy  and  stupor. 

The  Troops  here  are  very  steady,  respectful,  obedient,  healthy.  It  is 
certainly  a  great  compliment  to  the  morality  of  the  Country,  that  hereon 
the  lines,  among  a  collection  oi' every  thing,  there  is  no  noise,  disturbance, 
bad  language  nur  uproar. 

Soldiers  without  pay  or  Blankets  as  dutiful  as  children.  What  might 
not  the  good  spirit  of  this  great  People  effect,  if  properly  directed.  His- 
tory while  recording  our  folly,  will  dress  her  pages  in  mourning,  the 


UMi 


Leoaoy  op  Historical  Gleaninos.  208 

Hhowern  of  PostorUy'H  toar«  will  full  in  vain  ;  for  fho  Hpon^o  of  ti.no  can 
ncvor  wipo    h...  blot  from  M.o  Anu-ri,..,,  X-nno.     Wo  arc  a\\  ^mU^t^Z 
ansha.  ,  an,l  brown  as  In.l.anH;  well  wo  may,  for,  wo  aro  noldon.   iVbo 
»cre  than  five  out  of  twon.y-four  l^ourn,  but'  wo  aro  hoarty  and   t -oatcJ 
with  tho  hiK'hest  rosnoct      Thursday  Morning,  80th  Julv,  I  into,  dod  to 
h«vewr.tten   more,  [ut  Ia«t  ni^ht  our  Mxpre^ss  returnod  fro  u   Albany 
w.  hou   any  answer,  and  as  wo  have  dono  all  that  can  bo  dono  hero  w  tnl 
out  Ordnance  wo  must  leave  tho  pb.co  to  its  fate,  and  take  upour  lino  of 
nmrch  to  day  for  Sackott  h  Harbor.  Cwe^o  and  Niagara,  ^ho^ro  you  may 
apa,,.  hear  trom  me.  and  let  mo  hear  fron.  you,   particularly  a^to  tho 
symptoms  of  awakomn^.  an,on«  tho   People.     May  AimiKhty^Uod  rouso 
them,  for  this  War  ,s  tho  Ominous  (JathcinK  of  folly  ami  madness  a"  d 
so  every  one  must  know  who  comes  in  sifjht  of  it  "'"uness,  ana 

'''wf  ""'nu^°*^''',7'J  T""  ^'*'  "•'^  «entleman  yesterday  well.  Comfort 
S!  a  day       '''  "  ""'^ ''"  ^»'^^''Stewar't  I  attend  oTurch 

You  have  seen  General  Hull's  Proclamation,  Matter  and  manner  all 
speak  onr  laniTuago.  I  am  not  tinnd.  but  my  f  lend,  mv  faith  bo"ins  to 
qu.ver.  The  People  must  rouse  quickly,  or  we'shall  in'ovitlbly  bo  crushed 

nf     T       1^    . .         ,  Yours  very  truly,  ,  , 

Mr.  Joseph  Alexander,  Albany.  J.  Lovett. 

Mqjar  Lovett  to  Joseph  Alexander 
My  dear  Friend,  ^swe^^o  .5eh  August  1812 

J'M^r^ -i:  ^r.s  Vnj^r  rr^ii^  s 

moment  (J  at  night)  concluded  the  Division  Orders  to  Col.  Flemmini. 
who  command  J  at  this  J>ost.     There  are  hero,  525  as  fine  V   ii  ^  '  >" 
could  w>sh  to  see,  under  the  command  of  an  old  Revolutit    .^Vet^^^^^^^ 
who  was  m  every  ^.eneral  action  during  the  las'  ;var.     The  wholo  service 
IS  to  hiui,  as  familiar  as  hou.sekeepin"  ° 

JVt  ()swego  is  really  deserve.ily  "the  admiration  of  every  one      The 

et  '■  tt  like' th!""  1 ''''  ^""^..'"^  '''■^'''''''>  '--  ««-  1"  «^%  to 
St  chnrm  Ih  K  1  F'""'  'T'""^'^'""  ^'^'^'  "^  ^  handsome  woman,  they 
Btchaim  the  beholder,  at  tho  same  time  exciting  admiration  softened 

SSfd^Xyr. ^'••'^'^"'  ''''  ""^  '^^"="  --  -  perrrtuM 

Rive'l't'tl'^V  ^'?r'  '%'"  *  P'-r'"°*«'"y  °»  ^ho  east  side  of  Oswego 
d  'Here  thfS  '!'^-  ^'''.  ^'^"  '^^  "'^"""^  «^""'"«nJ  f''«  «ii?'<H  of 
itwJi  M^^"" '"'•''" '"'J ''^^y'  ^''^J'"^  ^<iieu  to  earth,  he  sinks 
It  were,  in  the_  western  main.     Without  visiting  these  re^nons  no  liv  if.. 

Z^^IT'T  't   ""t^'y  ^'^'^   ^^'"«h   nature    'JXe   paiS 
every  stroke  speaks  the  mighty,  the  mighty  hand  of  Jehovah.      ^  ' 

"Here  Nature  strikes  her  strangest,  boldest  lines, 
And  paints  broad  scenes  unknown  in  eastern  climes." 

J.  Lovett. 

era?Vr  R '°°  ^}^  ^J""*""'"'  ^'^"^'^^  *'^^»''<^«  *he  middle  of  Au-ust    Gen- 

ri-  u^dtr  r[o  src'  l'^  '"^p?  rr^^f  ^.''^°°  ^^«  ^'-•^"S  «f  "o 

his  rp.     ,•    P*'^'^'^  ^'^  ^®  ^""^  "P  i«  detail.     Hariusr  insneeted  hi.  .around 
•"^  re..lution  was  promptly  taken  to  concentrate  his  fbrces"at  X^wiron; 


1--1 


204 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


I  ^":. 


leaving  the  necessary  guards  of  observation  at  different  points.  Orders 
to  that  effect  were  immediately  given.  His  camp  was  formed,  and  the 
duties  of  discipline  and  instruction  were  entered  upon  without  delay. 
From  the  moment  of  his  assuming  the  command,  his  position  was  ont  of 
the  utmost  exposure  and  danger.  He  lav  within  sight  of  a  powerful  en- 
emy, separated  from  him  only  by  a  narrow  river,  for  the  crossinjr  of  which, 
that  enemy  possessed  every  facility.  He  had  a  line  of  thirty-six  miles  to 
guard  and  his  whole  force  was  considerably  less  than  one  thousand  men, 
on  the  first  day  of  September,  he  had  only  691  men  fit  tor  duty,  many  of 
them  without  shoes,  and  all  of  taem  clamorous  for  pay.  Of  ammunition, 
there  were  not  ten  rounds  per  man,  and  no  lead.  There  was  not  one  piece 
of  heavy  ordnance  in  the  whole  line,  and  there  were  no  artillerists  to  man 
the  few  light  pieces  which  we  possessed.  Add  to  this,  that  the  troois 
could  not  lake  or  keep  the  field,  for  want  of  tents  and  covering;  that  tht 
medical  department,  if  one  could  be  said  to  exist  at  all,  was  utterly  desti- 
tute of  everything  necessary  tor  the  comfort  of  the  sick  or  the  disabled; 
and  that  i  -^re  was  among  the  men  that  entire  want  of  subordination,  to 
say  nothi).,4  <>;  '-^nipline,  which  always  characterizes  raw  militia  j  and  some 
idea  maj  bo  for-'  i  of  the  condition  of  our  army. 

The  c  /"i  '  rthe  forces  on  the  opposite  bank  of  the  river,  was  in 
contrast  v,  i  o^.a  in  every  particular.  There  was  a  well  appointed,  and 
well  found  army,  under  the  most  exact  discipline,  and  coii;manded  by 
skillful  and  experienced  officers.  Every  important  post,  from  Fort  Erie 
to  Fort  George,  o-s  in  a  defensible  state,  and  the  enemy  had  possessed 
himself  of  a  very  commanding  position  on  the  heights  of  Queenstown, 
which  he  was  rendering  every  day  more  secure  and  formidable.  He  had, 
moreover,  the  mastery  of  the  lakes,  and  was  at  that  moment  industriously 
employed  in  using  that  advantage  to  increase  his  numbers,  and  add  to  his 
supplies  at  Niagara.  Expresses  had  been  sent  by  Gen.  Van  llens>(  laer 
to  Albany,  to  represent  this  stiitn  of  things,  and  to  urge  on  the  necessary 
supplies,  which  in  time  arrived  ui  Sackett's  Harbor,  the  nearest  depot  on 
the  lake  :  but  as  the  rendezvous  of  the  army  was  now  established  hetieecn 
the  two  lakes,  on  the  Niagara  river,  owing  to  the  impossibilities  of  trans- 
porting those  indispensable  articles  by  land,  it  became  necessary  to  resort 
to  diplomacy,  in  order  to  secure  their  safe  passage  through  the  waters 
under  the  control  of  the  enemy.  Fortunately  an  opportunity  of  a  trial  of 
this  act  soon  occurred.  An  armistice  was  in  course  of  negotiation.  Major 
General  Dearborn  wrote  that,  "  Our  government  had  received  despatches 
from  England  of  a  conciliatory  nature ;  to  the  proposition  on  the  part  of 
Sir  George  Provost,  for  a  mutual  cessation  of  hostilities  on  the  frontiers, 
he  would  comply  so  far,  as  to  agree  to  direct  the  respective  conimandinj; 
officers,  to  confine  their  operations  to  defensive  measures  for  the  present." 

Oen.  Van  Bensselaer  to  Oovernor  Tompkins. 
Sir,  Buffalo,  August  11th,  1812. 

I  have  to  advise  your  Excellency  that  I  arrived  here  last  evening,  and 
various  consideratiois  induced  me  to  "idopt  measures  for  obtaining  the 
most  satisfactory  information  respecting  the  situation  of  General  Hull 
Accordingly,  I  this  morning  sent  my  aid-de-canip  to  Black  Rock,  having 
beard  that  Judge  Porter,  brother  of  the  Quarter  Master  General,  had  lately 
returned  from  Detroit.  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  has  returned,  having  had  a 
coufuruiicc  wiili  the  Qu;ii'icf  Mazier  General,  and  Judge  Porter.  'niC 
amount  of  information  obtained  is  substantially  this.     That  J  udge  Porter 


li  ctii 


river,  was  in 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  205 

left  Detroit  on  the  29th  ult.,  General  Hull  was  entrenching  himself  on 
pos|te  to  Detroit;  Fort  Maiden  was  not  taken  as  has  been  reLr^d     GeS 

eral  Hull  s  force  was  eight  hundred.     At  Brown's  Town,  beirw  Detroit 
are  fifteen  hundred  hostile  Indians.     Quarter  Master  Gen'eral  Po    er  Sas 
lately  sent  several  boats  with  provisions  for  General  Hull:   burunforti! 
nate ly,  one  boat  has  been  taken   by  the  enemy,  and  unfavourable  annre 
hensions  are  entertained  for  the  other  boats,     if  is  here  geulral  f bel  eved 
tha  detachments  of  troops  have  been  sent  from  Fort  George,^    elieve 
Fort  Maiden  ;  tho  nau.ber  remaining  behind,  I  have  not  "bUn  able  lo 
ascertain,  but  shall  endeavour  to  make  this  an  object  of  early  inliry    }? 
18  said  that  the  enemy  abound  on  the  opposite  shore,  with   ordnance  and 
every  munition  of  war.     We  are,  here,  as   indeed  a   all  of  our  posts  ?a 
mentably  deficien    in  ordnance.     The  situation  of  Ogdensbur"hCd  the 
necessity  of  supp  ying  it  with   heavy  ordnance,  I  have  befo  estald  to 
your  Excellency  in  my  letter  by.  express  from 'that  place.     Every  coj 
sideration  connected  with  the  success  of  any  operations  in  this  quarts 
urges  me  to  solicit  tho  earliest  possible  supply  of  heavy  ordnan^ce  and 
some  rkillful  engineers  and  p.tillerists.     Without  such  aid  and  sunpHes 
lean  hardly  conceive  how  it  will  be  possible  for  us  to  achieve  anvthn^ 

f  impor  ance,  or  even  defend  our  posts  in  case  of  attacks  frorjhe^nem? 

shall,  tomorrow,  proceed  on  to  Black  Rock  and  Lewiston   and  mS 
further  communications  of  every  incident  of  moment 

the  messenger  of  peace  and  ^^S^,  ^g^  ^  ^ - 

bespeaks  of  Fort  Maiden  as  beino- foLpn^'^  t\  •    ^^^r^o^""'  i"  which 

atiion  the  subject  astha^tre  obt:rn;d'  'nSlZeZZ^  iT"^' 
To  His  Excellency  Governor  Tompkins.  *° 

Cornplanter,  the  venerable  Seneca  chief  did  all  in  liJa   r,-.^     .    i 
is  race  neutral.     At  the  request  of  the  Unired  State   'o  erZont  he?n' 
duced  their  influential  chiefs,  to  visit  the  Indians  on  thl  cITa     • 
talk  with  them  about  remaining  neutral  and  brin^  Ko\  ""^  'Z^^' 

authorities  of  the  United  Stal  uTed  eve"y  efe^l^^^  Jhe 

^<^or  Loveti  to  Jouph  Atemn/ler. 
M,  dear  Friend,  Niagara  Falls,  A«-a,l  U   181.> 

I  liopo  I  may  never  cease  to  praise  God  for  lii,  LimTln,     -n    i,    , 
«t'a.ge  kind  of  ,ome,h!„!,  whioh'ho  was  plea  ed   i^  mer™  ?  ^  .  ■^.  *" 
e.a,p„si,ion  wbioh  still  co.tinaes  to  ZuinTe  1^031  aoK,'".""^ 


206 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


struck  ;  which  she  has  continued  for  ages  and  ages;  and  which  will  pro- 
bably continue  until  tliat  dreadful  moment  wlien  she  will  swell  it  a  note 
louder  and  expire.  Here  I  have  slept,  in  state  with  our  baggage,  on  the 
floor  for  two  nights  ;  and  this  makes  the  third  and  last.  I  say  in  atate, 
because  I  have  a  sentinel  the  outsid^  my  door,  and  a  Cask  of  Wine  the 
inside  ;  but  I  can  have  no  intercourse  with  either  ;  for  etiquette  forbids 
the  former,  and  the  want  of  a  gimlet  the  latter  *  *  *  I  now  and  then 
get  a  peep  at  your  Papers,  and  the  most  abominable  lies  which  are  thrown 
out  are  producing  such  mischief,  that  I  willingly  rob  myself  of  sleep  to 
give  you  the  truth,  for  what  I  write  you  may  depend  on  as  fact.  I  wrote 
to  Van  Vechten  by  the  last  mail  the  situation  of  General  Hull,  I  am  in- 
clined to  think  he  is  not  in  a  very  eligible  situation.  General  Dearborn 
believes  Fort  Maiden  is  taken,  he  writes  so,  but  it  is  not  true.  Now  in 
justification  of  the  movements  of  our  General,  who  God  knows  would 
serve  his  Country  if  he  could  (I  made  a  little  sketch  of  the  country  &c. 
where  and  how  Hull  is  situated,  in  my  letter  to  Van  Vechten,  read  that 
and  you  will  see  what  condition  we  are  in),  but  how  is  that  possible  in 
our  present  condition.  We  have  eleven  cannon  for  all  our  extensive 
lines,  no  works  of  any  consequence,  except  old  Fort  Niagara,  and  that, 
though  once  a  master  piece,  is  all  going  to  decay.  From  Buffalo  to 
Niagara  both  inclusive  we  have  not  1000  Militia,  Capt.  Leonard,  of  the 
Garrison  at  Niagara  told  me  this  afternoon,  that  our  Regulars  are  360  and 


no  more 


Wait  another  sentence,  although  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  is  inces- 
santly pressing  the  Commander-in-Chief  ith  the  indispensable  necessity 
of  a  competent  supply  of  heavy  ordance  ;  for  Engineers  ;  Artillerists;  still 
a  noble  company  of  106  Artillerists,  at  Niagara,  are  in  two  or  three  days 
to  take  up  their  line  of  march  for  Albany  !  This,  Capt.  Leonard  told  me 
this  day.  After  all  that  you  have  heard,  you  will  not,  you  cannot  believe 
nie,  but  hear  me,  and  wait  until  the  next  mail  when  we  shall  send  the 
Commander-in-Chief  our  Inspection  Returns  of  all  the  Posts.  Now  as  to 
the  enemy  :  Although  they  have  .sent  oflF  large  detachments.  General 
Wadsworth,  who  commands  at  Lewiston  told  me  to  day,  1000  from 
Niagara  to  reinforce  Fort  Maiden,  yet  they  appear  to  be  awake  all  along 
the  lines,'yet  exceeding  civil,  and  still  with  ordnance,  of  every  description, 
and  all  the  munitions  of  war  they  abound. 

Every  three  or  four  miles,  on  every  prominent  point  or  eminence, 
there  you  see  a  snug  Battery  thrown  up,  and  "  the  last  "  saucy  arguments 
of  King^  poking  their  white  noses,  and  round  black  nostrils  right  up  ia 
your  face,  ready  to  spit  fire,  ball  and  brimstone  in  your  very  teeth  if  you 
even  oifcr  to  turn  Squatter  on  John  Bull's  land.  Niagara,  on  the  British 
side,  or  as  it  is  called  sometimes,  New  Ark  ;  I  mean  at  Lake  Ontario,  looks 
wicked  every  where.  It  is  a  charming,  fertile,  broad  village,  but  all  a 
camp,  fortified  at  every  point.  Capt.  Leonard  was  this  afternoon,  in  my 
presence,  asked  seriously,  for  his  professional  answer,  as  an  able,  gallant, 
and  experienced  officer,  What  number  of  Troops  would  be  competent  to 
promise  success  in  an  attack  upon  Fort  George,  that  is,  their  main  work  ? 
I  heard  the  answer  "  Not  less  than  2,000  well  disciplined  Troops. 
Those  who  know  Leonard  will  believe,  for  they  must  respect  his  opinion. 
No  sooner  did  we  approach  with  our  cavalcade,  than  away  ran  expresses, 
on  the  opposite  shore  at  full  speed.  Here,  again  I  saw  our  old  Friend, 
the  Earl  of  Moria.  While  we  were  reconnoitering  the  works,  the  Prince 
Regent  Up  sails  and  stood  off  North.  Now  let  the  reasonable  part  of  the 
world  judge  why  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  cannot  act. 


er  IS  inces- 


Legacy  of   Iistorical  Gleanings.  207 

To-morrow  I  take  our  Bagpage  to  Lewiston,  where  we  shall  establish 

Mr.  Jo.eph  Alexander.  Albany.  ^'""'  ''"TZ^tt. 

Journal  of  the  Campaign  continued. 
Sunday,  August  16,  1812.  n     j  n      . 

The  oftener  I  get  a  peep  at  your  Papers,  t^^ZtrfTm]^ryT;  to 
give  you  the  correct  history  of  every  occurrence  which  can  Dossiblv  h« 
tortured  into  a  he;  hut  as  I  must  of  necessity  write  in  Lat  has  f  Li 
ing,  as  It  were  the  time  :  writin.r  on  mv  knZ    m^w  ^  f    '  ^*®^'' 

will  of  course  excuse  10,000  bhinder7  bufV^        '  "^  '"y.^"^'  ^"'^ 

hadjomelj  a»igaed  ».,,  that  he UpeCed  I  «a  In'Vo'A'r."  ■"  "'J 

the  open  land,  a  soldier  catching  his  bieath  ran  un  tn  n,«      T  ''  ^"  *'' 
"i,  two  that  w^enl  Lar  eilough^o  l.Ye  J    gH„      cjl  V  R     "^'"^ 

plaudiof  o^c&llw      "1   '''^'"'"   ^^  ^""^'"^'-  ^""^^   amidst%he 


208 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


guards  had  been  fired  on.  And  I  have  just  had  the  honor  of  answering 
his  letter,  to  say  that  2  men  appeared  near  the  American  shore  under 
suspicious  circumstances,  they  hailed  the  opposite  shor  ,  and  soon  a  Boat 
appeared,  presumed  to  be  for  the  object  of  transporting  the  two  men  over; 
and  she  was  therefore  fired  upon  and  the  fire  returned.  Col.  Van  Rensse- 
laer decorated  with  all  the  pomp  of  war,  as  the  best  sample  we  could  give 
Canada,  has  just  been  over  with  the  letter  and  returned,  that's  all.  Now 
one  civil  question,  and  your  answer  to  it  if  you  please.  Did  you  ever 
expect  to  see  me  encamped  on  the  Field  of  Mars,  in  my  own  Horseman's 
Tent,  with  my  board  slaw-bunk,  2  blankets,  1  trunk,  a  brace  of  Pistols,  my 
valise  stuflFed  with  hay  for  a  pillow,  a  large  tin  box  at  my  feet  and  li 
round  of  cartridges  for  my  pistols  ?  Just  so  is  the  fact.  Col.  V.  11.,  is 
on  my  right  and  the  2  black  boys  directly  in  our  rear,  and  to-morrow  we 
rear  the  general's  Marquee  in  the  centre.  I  am  hearty,  eat  my  allowance, 
do  my  duty,  am  first  up,  and  last  in  bed.  I  am  happy  and  respect  myself, 
but  the  Lord  only  knows  what  will  become  of  home.  I  have  not  received 
a  cent  from  any  quarter.  The  General  is  now  going  to  concentrate  all 
our  forces  at  this  place,  and  order  in  more.  We  must  soon  hear  from 
Hull  and  Albany,  and  afi^airs  will  by  and  by  assume  some  further  cha- 
racter. Everything  is  so  uncertain  that  I  can  say  but  little.  One  '^hing 
I  can  with  great  truth  say  ;  nothing  but  Gen.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer's 
having  the  command  of  this  campaign  could  have  saved  the  service  from 
confusion  ;  the  State  from  disgrace,  and  the  cause  from  perdition ;  and 
nothing  could  have  been  more  fortunate  for  the  General  than  the  man  he 
has  at  his  elbow,  for  Solomon  in  /act  and  truth  does  know  everything 
which  appertains  to  the  economy  of  a  camp  —  Stop  : —  Away  we  must  all 
march,  at  beat  of  drum,  and  hear  an  old  Irish  clergyman  preach  to  us. 
Amen.     I  have  become  a  perfect  machine ;  go  just  where  I'm  ordered. 

9,  at  night.  Huzza  !  Huzza !  and  tantivy  !  we  have  been  all  day  making 
out  and  dispatching  orders  to  Oswego  for  a  Rifle  Battalion  ;  Cayuga  for  a 
Troop  of  Horse ;  to  Ontario  for  Bloom's  Regiment  &c.  and  now,  since  dark, 
comes  a  memorandum  from  Capt.  Dox,  at  Albany,  of  the  road  full  of  Troops, 
Flying  Artillery,  Infantry  &c.  and  all  the  Uniformed  Companies  in  the 
State !  ! !  An  express  from  the  Governor  General  of  Canada  to  Gen.  Dear- 
born proposing  au  Armistice  ! ! ! !  Very  well  :  I've  got  my  Tent,  and  no 
one  but  a  better  fellow  than  myself  shall  oust  me.  I  have,  also,  just  got 
lib.  of  Candles  ;  stuck  up  one  of  them  in  a  little  3  cornered  kind  of  a  pig- 
yoke  and  begin  to  feel  proud.  The  old  Preacher  today  gave  us  the  whole 
history  of  David's  battle  with  Goliath,  under  what  zeal  he  pushed  across 
the  river  to  Goliah,  and  told  us  we  should  bring  his  marrow-bones  to  the 
ground  if  we  only  had  faith.  We  believe  he  was  right,  but  at  the  same 
time,  we  should  like  some  ordnance  heavier  than  6  Pounders,  otherwise 
we  shall  hardly  be  able  to  knock  off  Goliah's  armor.  Monday  Aug.  17th, 
3  P.M.  Mr.  Dickson,  a  gentleman  of  respectability  from  Queenstown,  op- 
posite this,  is  this  moment  over  with  a  Flag  of  Truce.  We  asked  him  the 
News  on  the  Canada  shore  ?  He  says,  that  all  the  Re-inforcements  going 
from  Ohio  to  General  Hull  are  cut  off  and  destroyed  by  the  Indians  from 
Browns  Town,  Since  writing  the  above,  Peter  B.  Porter  tells  me  that 
from  information  he  before  possessed,  he  has  no  doubt  of  the  fact  stated 
by  Mr.  Dickson.     You   have  seen  me  tart,  seen  me  sweet,  so  I  am  now. 

Van  Rensselaer  or  myself  been  off  our  legs  since 
I  all  in  motion  concentrating,  there 


Not  a  moment  has  Col 


5  o'clock  this  morning. 
is  everything  to  do. 


\j\xT  j.roopH  are  i 


^' 


ro  men  over ; 


Legacy  op  HisTORrcAL  Gleanings. 

See  that  my  Wife  ami  chiMron  do  not  droop.     It  was  right  for 
)me,  and  I  cannot  thmk  of  returnin,^  u.uil  sJinethl,.,  comes  out  c 

'"T"  Wnh  a';  "^''^''^Z^  ^^''^^^t'^rlo  know  how  and  whore  we  are 
Mr.  Joseph  Alexander,  Albany.  j^  Lovktt, 


come, 


209 

me  to 
of  this 


r    ^  '  nffi^       J'^u  ^J!'^  ^^"^"^  midnight,  I  heard  a  whoop  "  Officer  of  the 
Guard  !  Officer  of  the  Guard  !"  Out  I  ran  :  for  to  tell  the  canSruth  I 
have  about  done  with  sleep.    Reveille,  Tattoo,  "  who  comes  there  ?  »  '' A 
friend     ''Friend  advance  and  ^ive  the  countersign,"  and  the  d-  knows 
what  al  ,  has  broke  up  all  the  little  regularity  I  eve;  had.     I  am  a  peJ^ec 
piece  of  machinery^    I  feel  no  more  like  John  Lovett  than  I  doHkeGat 
Van  Wie.     Wei  ,  this  was  an  express  with  letters  from  Gen.  Dearborn  in: 
closm.  a  sort  of  three  legged  armistice  between  some  sort  of  an  Adjutant 
General  in  behal    of  the  governor  general  of  Canada  and  the  said  Gen 
Dearborn.     Also  letters  to  Lt.  Col.  Myers  commanding  at  For    George' 
In   he  morning  we  sent  down  to  Niagara,  seven  miles,°sent  a  fla.  acrS 
w  h  the  letters  &c.     There  i«  nothing  but  flag  after  flag,  lettr  after 
letter.     Gen.  Brock  gone,  somewhere.     Lt.  Col.  Myers  not  at   h J  ^nS 

"hla^  elH"  tT--  ''"^^'  '°^">^^^^  ^'  Boston'"(br"othef  of /aS 
fcheaffe  tell  my  wife)  is  now  commanding  at  Fort  George.  Our  General 
often  has  to  act  when  responsibility  is  very  hi-h  wp  c^n  rlu 
council  but  our  little  famify :  in  wLt  shl/e  th^es^  lets  may  L"  "o 
another  day,  I  know  not :  for  this  reason,  if  I  live,  I  am  deSineTthat 
the  whys  and  wherefores  of  all  these  acts  shall  remdn  on  record  'As  is 
work  try  it  who  wi        From  four  in  the  morning  until  nine  or  ten  at 

s;air:grtr  ""• ' '- '-'  '-'-^  ^^-  -^  -  ^  ^^^r:^ 

Those  who  only  know  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  in  civil  life  know  but 

more  and  more  the  favorite  of  the  whole  Camp.  Fivf  Stes  Jo  wl 
returned  through  the  lines,  a  man  had  fallen  in^a  fit:  the  Gen  ral  SoklS 
and  felt  of  him  called  one  of  his  Mess  to  go  directly  with  him  to  his  Mar 

th:i^To?^C:T  ''"  Pri""'  ^  *""'^'^^  ^^  '^-^     Scamp  ntTn 
All  ^.t   I  the  soldiers,  and  being  every  hour  in  their  view  pleases  all 
All  the  boats  which  Porter  has  sent  to  Gen.  Hull  are  undoubted  vcS  nff 

Tfor  n!  K       I      T^  '  ^'™'^'  ''"'^  bequeathed  with  their  dyin-  breath 
hel  r     ?f  ^"'  '\'  "r^  ^'"^"  "^'  ^"••'i^k  soup  which  is  poSc  oa  our' 

ences,  they  are  not  worth  mentioning.     But  0  for  a  voice  of  thunrflr  Ir. 
rouse  my  sleeping  Countrymen.    Tell  my  Wife  I  love  her  like  a  true  soldier! 

Iruly  your  friend,  J.  Lovbtt. 

n   arm!.st.!ce   had  becii   concluded  between   Gen  Dearhnrn  nnri   t^^^ 

g...r»or  gcaeral  of  Ca„ad» d  Gen.  Van  Ken«laer  .aw  iUecame  ne! 

27 


'  i"jj 


i 


I 


210 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


cessary  to  settle  with  the  commander  of  the  l^iiti^h  forces  opposite  to  them, 
terms  of  an  anaugement  for  the  government  of  the  armies  on  the  Niujjara, 
during  the  continuance  of  the  ainiistice.  The  performance  of  this  duty 
•was  assigned  to  Col.  Van  Rensselaer;  and  at  his  suggestion  he  received 
the  authority  of  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  secure  if  possible  the  waters  of 
Lake  Ontario  as  a  common  highway  for  the  purpose  of  transportation. 
"  The  following  clause,  proposed  and  insisted  on,  on  the  part  of  the  British 
general,  will  serve  to  show  how  wide  of  each  other  were  our  respc  tive 
views  and  interests.  '  It  is  moreover  to  be  distinctly  understood,  that 
there  is  not  any  thing  in  the  foregoing  articles,  to  be  construed  into 
granting  facilities  for  the  forwnrding  of  troops,  stores,  &c.,  which  did  not 
exist  before  the  declaration  of  the  armistice,  farther  than  they  are  to  pass 
unmolested  as  therein  pr  .lOd,  in  the  mode  and  by  the  routes  assigned 
to  them  prior  to  the  cci  a^';aof  hostilities.'  My  interview  with  Gen. 
Sheaffc,  on  this  mission,  y,%L  jne  full  of  interest.  As  was  anticipated, 
the  terms  proposed  by  me  were  met  not  only  with  objections,  but  at  first 
by  an  unequivocal  refusal  to  accede  to  them."  The  result  of  a  protracted 
discussion,  however,  was  an  agreement  which  confined  the  restrictions  to 
the  movements  of  troops,  stores,  &c.,  to  the  country  above  Fort  Erie,  and 
left  such  movements  elsewhere,  entirely  unshackled  and  free.  Before 
leaving  the  tent  of  General  Van  Rensselaer,  my  father  observed  that, 
*'  Our  situation  is  critical  and  embarrassing,  something  must  be  done,  we 
must  have  the  cannon  and  military  stores  from  Oswego,  I  shall  make  a 
powerful  effort  to  procure  the  use  of  the  waters,  and  shali  take  such  ground 
as  will  make  it  impossible  for  me  to  recede.  If  I  do  not  succeed,  then 
Lovett  must  cross  over  and  carry  Gen.  Dearborn's  order  into  effect." 
General  Van  Rensselaer  gave  his  cordial  consent ;  but  Major  Lovett  said, 
"  Van,  you  may  as  well  give  that  up,  you  will  not  succeed."  His  answer 
was,  "  If  I  do  not,  it  will  not  be  my  fault."  The  colonel  in  his  full 
military  dress,  mounted  his  charger,  for  the  British  head  quarters,  and 
with  the  flag  of  truce  crossed  the  river.  He  was  of  course  courteously 
received.  He  met  Gen.  SheafFe  :  Col.  Myers  and  Major  Evans  of  the 
British  army  were  present  at  the  interview. 

To  the  proposition,  that  no  troops  should  move  from  that  district  to 
join  Gen.  Brock,  Gen.  Sheaffe  readily  agreed  ;  but  when  ray  father  pro- 
posed to  him,  the  use  of  the  navigable  waters  as  a  public  highway  in 
common  with  themselves,  as  was  expected,  he  replied,  "  It  was  inadmissi- 
ble." Col.  Van  Rensselaer  insisted  upon  i)is  terms  which  were  unequivo- 
cally refused.  He  then  said  to  Gen.  Sheaffe,  '■  There  can  be  no  armistice, 
our  negotiation  is  at  an  end.  General  Van  Rensselaer  will  take  the  re- 
sponsibility on  himself  to  prevent  your  detaching  troops  from  this  district." 
The  officers  all  rose  upon  their  feet.  General  >heaffe  clapped  his  hand 
upon  the  hilt  of  his  sword,  and  in  an  hostile  attitude  said,  "  Sir, you  take 
high  ground!"  The  colonel  rose  upon  his  feet,  and  put  himself  in  a  like 
position  and  replied,  "  I  do  sir,  and  will  maintain  it."  Then  addressing 
himself  decidedly  to  General  Sheaffe,  "  You  dare  not  detach  the  troop!" 
Not  another  word  was  uttered.  After  walking  the  room  for  a  few  mo- 
ments the  general  said,  "  Be  seated,  and  excuse  me."  He  then  with  liis 
two  aids  withdrew  to  an  adjoining  room.  Shortly  after  he  returned  and  said, 
"  Sir,  from  amicable  considerations,  I  grant  you  the  use  of  the  waters." 
Here  the  interview  closed,  perhaps,  in  polite  enmity  !  Thus,  by  the  decided 
tone  and  judicious  management  of  Col.  V.  li.,  the  only  passage  to  all  the 


Leqacy  of  Historical  G  ^anings.  211 

wants  of  the  army  was  opened  contrary  to  the  expectations  of  even  the 
commander  in  chief. 

Major  Samuel  S,  Forman  of  Syracuse  and  Jacob  Ten  Eyck  of  Cazenovia 
were  lu  the  camp  at  Lewiaton,  when  the  express  arrived  from  Gen  Dear- 
born,  with  the  mtelli-ence  that  an  armistice  hud  been  agreed  on  betweoa 
him  and  bir  George  Provost ;  it  caused  quite  an  excitement 

Major  Forman  wrote :  "  I  happened  to  be  on  a  visit  among  our  people 
I  saw  your  gallant  father,  the  finest  looking  officer  I  ever  beheld,  mount 
his  Buchephalus  ;  then  he  was  in  the  prime  of  life,  in  full  court  cc.tame 
and  indeed,  he  made  a  most  martial  appearance  as  he  went  over  to  the 
JJritish  side.  We  all  watched  for  his  return  with  the  greatest  anxiety  • 
and  when  at  length  he  came,  full  speed  on  his  way  to  head  ouarters  I 
met  him.  ~  ' 

"  He  courteously  made  short  halt.  I  hailed  him  with,  '  Well  colonel 
what  success?  His  reply  was,  laying  his  hand  on  his  breast,  with  a 
happy  aaimated  expression,  '  To  my  heart's  content,  come  to  head  quarters, 
and  i  will  tell  you  all  about  it.'  Your  father  then  dispatched  messeni^^ers 
to  Sacketts  Harbor.  The  necessary  cannon  and  war  implements  were 
put  on  board  of  bateaux,  and  sent  on  the  lake  and  landed  safely  at  the  four 
mile  creek  from  Fort  Niagara,  thence  to  the  camp  ground  without  the 
knowledge  of  the  enemy.  What  a  saving  of  time  and  expense  to  the 
United  btates  by  this  wise  and  judicious  management  is  incalculable,  they 
could  have  laid  ^yaste  miles  of  our  country  and  returned  in  safety  to  their 
own  dominion  !  ! !  This  most  extraordinary  manoeuvre  and  its  consequent 
ettected  by  the  young  dragoon  (the  result  of  stern  discipline  and  firmness 
acquired  on  "the  dark  and  "bloody  ground,")  was  not  intended  by  his 
political  enemies  to  be  known,  and  has  scarcely  ever,  even  at  this  late 
day,  now  sixty-two  years,  had  more  than  cursory  notice,  yet  his  services 
were  ot  a  peculiarly  marked  character. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife. 

V^T  ^r"?K'    u  .  Lewiston,  Niagara,  Aug.  21,  1812. 

VV  hat  under  the  Heavens  is  the  reason  you  do  not  write  to  me,  I  have 
written  from  almost  every  place  I  have  been  at,  without  r«ceivin-  a  line 
irom  you  The  only  person  I  have  had  a  letter  from  is  Robert  which 
was  dated  at  Utica,  but  which  gratified  me  much  as  I  heard  from  you.  and 
that  Rensselaer  was  safe  with  Rev.  Mr.  Huntingdon.  Major  Forman  and 
Jacob  fen  Lyck  reached  this  today,  the  latter  informed  me  he  Lad  seen 
you  about  a  fortnight  since  and  that  you  were  all  well ;  it  is  unnecessary 
or  me  to  say  how  happy  it  made  me.  I  had  only  one  moment  to  speak 
to  I  im  but  I  shall  see  him  when  I  have  finished  this  which  goes  by  the 
mail  this  evening.  When  they  reached  Camp  I  was  mounted  on  my 
horse  to  go  over  to  the  British  side  to  conclude  an  Armistice  in  which  I 
nave  be  ,n  engaged  for  three  days  in  conformity  to  an  arrangement  made 
at  Albany  between  Gen.  Dearborn  and  the  British  Adjutant  General  I 
have  succeeded  to  the  astonishment  and  admiration  of  all  ;  and  until  we 

S  hrR^l  "^  nffi"'  ^^  P'f '  "^l'^  "'''■  °«'Sht,or.<.  in  my  intercourse 
wi  h  the  British  Officers  ou  the  subject  of  the  armistice  and  from  other 
TZIT  r  ^''."  •nf'J'-med,  and  I  have  no  doubt  of  the  correctness 
oUhe  information,  of  an  action  fought  between  Gen.  Hull  and  the  British 
at  Detroi  i„  which  our  Troops  suffered  severely.  From  all  wo  can  learn, 
u.h  euncr  been  taken,  or  compeilod  to  re-cross  the  river;  but  in  mv 
negotiations  with  Major  Geu.  Sheaffe,  Colonel  Myers  and  Major  Evans  I 


212 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


kept  up  such  a  hold  front  that  althoutrh  General  Dearborn's  Instructions 
were  confined  to  their  not  sending;  re-inf'orcenients  to  act  against  Ihll 
I  succeeded  in  getting  the  use  of  the  waters  of  tlie  Rivers  and  Lalies. 
This  to  the  Army  and  the  Merchants  is  of  incalculable  value  lor  future 
operations  ;  and  this  was  eifected  by  a  proper  disposition  of  our  snuill 
iorces,  and  holding  out  to  them  moderate  but  strong  language.  The 
Troops  before  we  came  here,  were  scattered  along  the  frontiers,  we  have 
concentrated  them  and  are  now  getting  in  fine  order.  They  did  nothing 
before,  they  are  pleased  in  the  change,  but  in  making  that  change  I  assure 
you  I  have  my  hands  full ;  we  have  now  eleven  Hundred  only  above 
Oswego,  instead  of  Tompkins's  Jive  thousand  ;  but  1500  more  are  on  the 
inarch.  I  am  everything  to  all,  and  as  for  my  General,  he  is  much 
pleased  with  me.  The  Tatroon  at.d  Lovctt  are  well.  We  all  live  in  our 
tents,  are  up  at  the  firing  of  the  morning  gun  at  day  break.  It  is  getting 
too  dark  to  add  more,  take  good  care  of  yourself.  Kiss  the  children  for 
me.  God  bless  you  my  dear  Harriot.    Your  affectionate  Husband, 

Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Mrs.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Mount  Hope, 

["  General  Brock  crossed  the  Detroit  river  on  the  9th  of  August,  with 
white  and  Indian  troops,  and  demanded  the  surrender  of  Detroit  and 
Hull's  army,  at  the  same  time  intimating  that,  in  the  event  of  a  refusal, 
the  savages  would  have  free  rein  in  the  exercise  of  their  bloody  method 
of  warfare.  Hull  was  cautious  and  humane.  An  intercepted  letter  as- 
sured him  that  a  large  force  of  Indians  might  be  expected  from  Mackinaw. 
This  letter  was  written  at  Maiden,  as  if  from'  a  British  agent,  and  so  con- 
veyed as  to  fall  into  the  hands  of  Hull,  who  was  completely  deceived  by 
it.  Doubtful  of  his  ability  to  sustain  a  siege  with  his  limited  supplien, 
and  desirous  of  saving  the  people  in  the  fort,  Hull  surrendered,  August 
16,  1812,  the  town,  garrison,  stores,  and  the  Michigan  territory,  into  ihe 
hands  of  the  British."] 

In  a  letter  written  by  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  to  General  Wilkinson  in 
reference  to  the  difficulties  of  their  situation,  he  tells  of  the  negotiations 
with  General  Sheaffe.  In  Gen.  Dearborn's  instructions  was  "  that  no  troops 
shoidd  move  from  the  British  Niagara  district  to  aid  against  General 
Hull,  they  surrendered  to  me  this  important  point  &c.  &c.  This  armis- 
tice is  most  important  and  highly  favorable  to  us ;  and  is  as  much  es- 
teemed as  we  could  desire  as  securing  advantages  to  our  state  and  the 
country  at  large,  and  our  posterity  will  reap  the  benefit  of  our  judicious 
management  in  this  effort."  The  importance  of  this  arrangement  has 
never  been  sufficiently  appreciated.  The  immediate  and  pressing  neces- 
sity for  this  step  on  our  part,  was,  that  without  it,  the  ordnance  and 
supplies  intended  for  our  army,  having  been  collected  at  Oswego,  were 
not  likely  ever  to  reach  us;  the  roads  were  impassible,  especially  for 
heavy  cannon,  and  the  highway  of  the  lake  was  beset  by  a  triumphant 
enemy.  As  soon  as  the  negotiation  was  successfully  completed,  an  ex- 
press was  despatched  to  Col.  Fenwick  at  Oswego,  to  move  on  with  his 
Bunplies  with  all  possible  expedition.  But  General  Van  Rensselaer  was 
enabled  to  use  this  advantage  for  another  purpose,  of  great  importance  to 
the  service.  No  sooner  was  the  way  open,  than  an  express  was  sent  to 
Ogdensburgh  vviili  an  order  for  the  removal  of  nine  vessels  from  that  place 
to  Sackett's  Harbor.  To  this  movement  was  Commodore  Chauncey  in- 
debted for  the  ascendancy  which  ho  ibr  a  time  was  enabled  to  maintain  on 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  213 

the  lake,  nnd  without  which  the  subsequent  descent  at  Little  York  coald 
not  Irive  been  attempted.  "-"me  i  unt  coaia 

Major  General  Van  Itenmlaer  to  Major  General  Dearborn. 
t'    I     jt.  •  H^''*^  Quarters,  Lewiston,  August  21   1819 

expected  in  your  letter,  have  been  nbfninoH      Ti.J  "vumuuie  man  tnose 

..,»t,.rr,ved  here,  Ih.,ee„„™„„iea£d  mjMeaiof  ehe  fair  eo„«rTo 
non  rf  Ihe  Agreeuiea.  and  be  „ill  act  i:-„ed4=ly  for  relUiog  Ge"e"i 

a.   V  AN  KENSBJiLAER. 


CHAPTER  X. 

Critical  Situation  op  the  United  States  Army. 

General  Orders. 

It  is  painful  to  the  Majof  Gen?"aTfo"indThl?°'  ^"^"'*  f 'u^^^^' 
are  so  regardless  of  their  duty  as  o  di ^ob  y  tte  ord^Ts'i ^'"'.1  '^'  ''''P' 
ing  scattering  f -i„g  in  and  ab!,ut  the  cani.^  This  da„t  ""us t.  d'dl'"'"*' 
ful  practice  is  once  more,  and  for  the  las?  time  prohEd  f  ^  "" 
of  the  line  (the  guards  and  sentinels  except  d)  s^hall  a  W  th;  T^ T'^ 
his  fire-arms  without  ordprw,   li«  ™ill  u  "^  .^''^*^>'  .s"»".  a"er  this  discharge 

less  otherwise  Jrde^d     aid  i^npr^^^^^^^      A^"  "*  "'«'^'  '"  '^'''  '«"*«,  un- 

S55t:sll3pEH£r 

meistir'ToVoJrowTirih^^^hh'i^         ''''^'^'"^'  ^^^  -^-i^^ve 
their  pieces  until  M.rZ  ''^.^  ^^  n^'*'?^^'''  ^}^  S^^'^'  will  not  discharge 

By  order  of  Mnjor  General  Van  Rensselaer, 

boL.  Van  Hensselaeb,  Aid-de-Camp. 


214 


LEOAcy  OP  Historical  Gleanings. 


General  Dearborn  to  Gen.  Van  Rentitelaer. 
Sir,  Head  Quarters,  Greenbush,  Aug.  25,  1812. 

As  soon  as  practicable  after  the  receipt  of  this,  you  will  please  to  have 
the  enclosed  letter  directed  to  the  ComraandinK  Officer  of  the  Britinh 
forces  at  Fort  George,  at  Niagara,  conveyed  to  him  by  a  flag;  and  the 
letter  directed  to  Gon.  Hull,  you  will  please  to  have  forwarded  to  hiiu  by 
express,  with  as  great  despatch  as  practicable ;  and  at  the  expiration  of 
four  days  after  the  letter  is  delivered  to  the  British  Commanding  Officer 
at  Fort  George,  you  will  consider  the  temporary  conditional  agreement 
for  suspending  offensi/o  operations  between  the  forces  under  your  com. 
mand,  and  the  British  forces  in  your  vicinity,  as  no  longer  binding  on 
either  side;  and  you  will  act^accordingly ;  and  you  will  make  every  exer- 
tion  in  your  power  for  annoying  the  enemy,  as  well  as  to  guard  against 
any  attack  from  him.  Considerable  reinforcements  have  been  sent  on 
from  Montreal  to  strengthen  their  positions  in  Upper  Canada;  and  I  trust 
you  will  very  soon  receive  such  additional  force  from  this  State,  and  from 
Pennsylvania,  as  will  enable  you  to  pass  into  Canada  with  safety  and 
effect.  A  large  reinforcement  is  on  its  march  under  Brig.  Gen.  Dodge,  for 
Sacketts  Harbour  and  Ogdeusburgh,  as  well  as  for  Plattsburgh.  I  have 
ordered  thirty  bateaux  to  Niagara,  and  an  equal  number  to  Sacketts  Har- 
bour, and  have  directed  the  building  of  proper  scows  for  the  transporta- 
tion of  ordnance.  If  the  enemy  should  have  detached  from  Fort  Georjje, 
it  may  afford  you  an  opportunity  to  strike  a  blow.    I  have  the  honour,  &c, 

P.  S.  Sir,  it  will  be  advisable  to  wait  until  the  arrival  of  Lt.  Col.  Fen- 
wick  with  the  cannon,  and  stores  shall  be  rendered  certain,  within  four 
days,  before  you  send  the  enclosed  letter  to  Fort  George.  I  presume  he 
must  arrive  before  this  reaches  you;  but  it  may  be  otherwise. 

(Signed)  H.  Dearborn. 

Major  Gen.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer. 

M(^or  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Major  General  Sheaffe. 
Sir,  Head  Quarters,  Lewiston,  August  25,  1812. 

I  have  learnt,  with  regret,  that  last  night  a  subaltern  officer  with  a  few 
soldiers  and  citizens,  contrary  to  my  orders,  passed  over  from  the  Ameri- 
can shore,  and  on  Buckhorn  Island,  surpritf^d  and  brought  off  a  sergeant 
and  five  men,  with  a  boat.  Early  this  morning,  I  ordered  the  ser-eant 
and  men  released,  and  the  boat  restored  to  them. 

I  have  the  honour,  &c. 
Major  General  Sheaffe,  Commanding,  &c.        S.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Major  General  Isaac  Brock  to  Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Sir,  Head  Quarters,  Fort  George,  25th  August,  1812. 

Major  General  Sheaffe  having  communicated  to  me  your  letter  of  this 
date,  addressed  to  him,  I  seize  upon  the  first  moment  to  express  my  thanL 
for  the  measures  you  have  adopted  to  prevent  the  possibility  of  any  mis- 
understanding which  might  have  arisen  in  consequence  of  the  unautho- 
rized act  of  one  of  your  subaltern  officers.  It  was  not  until  my  arrival  at 
Fort  Erie,  late  in  the  evening  of  the  23d  instant  that  I  learnt  that  a  ces- 
sation of  hostilities  had  been  agreed  upon,  between  General  Dearborn  and 
Sir  George  Provost ;  and  I,  in  consequence,  despatched  early  yesterday 
Trinming.  an  express  to  Amherstburgh,  ordering  a  cessation  of  all  offensive 
operations  against  the  United  States,  in  that  quarter ;  and  likewise  to 


Leoacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  215 

X^Sll  '""""''  '"  '"''""""«  '^'  '"'^'""«  ''^-"  committing  any  acts 
The  fortune  of  war  having  put  me  in  possession  of  Detroit  and  its  de- 
pendenc.es  a  «mali  garrison  has  been  ordered  to  occupy  the  Fort  the  chief 
jhject  0   wh.ch  was  to  afford  protection  to  the  inhabitants  of  t^e  IWo^i^y 

LiToLln'r"^'  "  ''''''-'  '  -P^  of  a  Proclamation  which  I  issue":;:^; 

1  nave  the  honour,  Ac, 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer,  commanding  Lewiston^'"'''"  ^^''''''' 

Oen.  Van  Renmelaer  to  General  Dearborn. 

^"t'i        *i,     1.  ^''^«<i  Q""rter8,  Lewiston,  26th  Auirust   1812 

I  have  the  honour  to  enclose  you  a  copy  of  a'Proclamat^ion '  which  I 
this  day  received  from  Major  General  Brock,  under  cover  of  h h,  l^Uer  of 

tter  to  Major  General  Sheufle,  of  which  mention  is  made,  was  to  Lavow 
r    ^       ?    act  ol  a  subaltern  officer,  who,  with  a  few  soldiers  and  cit^ 

The  surrender  of  General  Hull's  armv  excites  n  o-rpnt  ^««i  ^e    i 
.hU  vioini,,.    I  .b,U,  however,  a,  f„  Z  IXMTJ:^  :L"l°™  Z 

M        n  1  T.      ,  ^  ^^"ve  the  Honour,  &c. 

Major  General  Dearborn.  g.  y^^  ^^^^^  ^^^^^^ 

ucnsselaer  had  such  a  bitter  dispute,  that  it  resulted  in  a  challen-e  from 

of  the  armistice  as  shown  by  the  above  letters.  infringement 

One  of  the  old  soldiers  under  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  writes  :  "  I  witnessed 

the  un  inng  exertions  of  this  gallant  officer  to  bring  the  militia   norTr 

our     ,.  '•^^'f '^r  ^^--^  the  most  concise  and  mi  itary  I  evf r Taw 

or        t"!;H     r"'^.  ^""'•^^  T  ''  "«'  ^'"'^  ^'-^  -''"bl/  and  dee  dTd 

thl^imfonablf  "'l!!^  ""f""'  "'"k  '^^"^  '''''''^"  '"^  '^^^'^0^'  to  make 
the  ord^luTr  !ul  ritrofTh'"'  ^"'  '"^^  eye-witness  can  form  an  idea  of 
the  whole  line  of  ipJi  *"'  '^7"""*  ^''r^'^'b  arrangements  along 
him  ttv  „   1  on  ^u'"*-     ^¥  S^°'''"^  "••^^'•^  ^ere  all  written  by 

Me  wan    of  cannon  and   military  stores  embarrassed   them  much 
u  the  colonel  left  us  to  <rn  nvnrti,^ ..;„„„  „i .u.        .    .    '^'^  mucn. 


■      Whnn  .1.        1  '",V,.*"""  ''""   muiiary  stores  em 
B       "  "fu  the  colonel  left  us  to  <jn  nvor  tl,e  r:,,pr  ->> >■ 


^ot  but  be  proud  of  his  handsome  looks  and  manly  bJaJIng; 


tiie  ufmistice,  we  could 


216 


TjEaACY  OP  Historical  Gleanings. 


n 


1 1 

!:| 
Ml 


••  When  IIuH's  army  was  inarehoil  past  \in,  thoro  worn  insinuations  that 
Gen.  Van  Rcnssoiaer  would  do  the  like,  but  notwitliHtandin^  m11  the 
reports,  (lol.  Van  Rensselaer  kept  the  troops  every  day  ut  close  drill  and 
field  duty,  ho  was  constantly  amonj;  them.  Homo  of  thefluspoctcd  otlieers 
discovered  that  his  ea^lo  eye  was  upon  iheni  ;  ho  wo'.  generully  feared  aud 
lovod  ;  and  it  was  owin<^  to  his  unflinching  firmness  that  there  was  not  a 
mutiny  in  camp,  and  that  the  militia  did  not  disband  themselves  and  go 
homo,  as  was  the  case  after  ho  was  wounded.  The  disastrous  fortune  of 
Hull,  together  with  several  other  reverses  to  our  arms,  up  to  this  time, 
had  a  very  dispiritin^i  effect  ;:pon  the  army  collected  at  Lewiston.  Beside 
this,  it  was  ascertaine  <  that  there  were  persons  in  the  camp,  busily  en- 
gaged, either  from  political  or  selfish  motives,  exciting  this  discontent  and 
in  promulgating  doctrines  which  had  the  tendency  of  producing  coiiscien- 
tiom  scruplcif  among  the  men,  against  crossing  into  Canada. 

"  When  (Jen.  Brock  with  all  the  force  ho  could  draw  from  the  upper 
country  arrived,  he  intended  to  take  Fort  Niagara,  but  the  cannon  and 
military  stores  had  arrived  and  been  judiciously  disposed  of,  we  showed  a 
bold  front,  and  no  attack  was  made.  Yet  their  ditficulties  were  many,  for 
the  great  deficiency  of  all  the  necessary  munitions  for  war  curtailed  their 
movements.  There  were  about  fifty  or  sixty  Schenectady  boats  loaded 
with  heavy  cannon  and  stores  at  Oswego  not  wishing  to  enter  further  on 
the  lake  for  fear  of  the  British  ships  but  after  the  cessation  of  arms,  they 
all  passed  safely  -in,  as  also  the  vessels  with  which  General  Dearborn  and 
the  lamented  Pike  made  the  attack  upon  York.  If  Gen.  John  Armstrong 
or  i>ny  man  of  the  same  political  clique,  in  favor  with  the  government, 
had  commanded  at  Queenston,  he  would  have  been  promptly  and  pro- 
perly supplied  with  all  necessary  articles  for  use  and  defense,  but  with 
the  present  officer,  every  thing  had  been  curtailed.  The  agreement  re- 
garding the  armistice  and  use  of  the  waters  of  the  lake,  as  a  common 
course,  was  signed  on  the  21st  of  August;  this  important  service  which 
was  only  gaineo  ^"  the  firmness  of  the  soldier's  friend,  gave  us  the  com- 
mand of  Lake  Onf :  o,  and  by  the  safe  arrival  of  the  cannon  and  military 
stores  enabled  us  tv  maintain  our  position. 

"  It  was  supposed  that  Gen,  Hull  was  in  possession  of  Maiden,  when  the 
lamentable  news  arrived  of  Gen.  Hull's  treachery  and  the  capture  of  his 
army.  This  indeed  was  a  groat  damper  to  the  United  States  troops,  and 
what  added  to  the  mortification,  on  the  25th  of  the  same  month  General 
IJrock  at  the  head  of  his  British  troops  had  been  seen,  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  river,  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  us,  conducting  along  the  heights  of 
Queenston  Gen.  Hull  and  his  American  army  ;  marching  these  prisoners 
of  war  triumphantly  along  in  full  view  of  the  United  States  troops  laying 
at  Lewiston  !! 

"  Never  did  I  see  such  vehement  excitement  and  distrust  on  the  part  of 
our  troops,  the  idea  spread  through  the  camp  that  Hull  had  sold  thearmj. 
No  doubt  but  this  had  some  efi'ect  upon  the  militia  of  the  United  States 
declining  to  reinforce  their  brothers  in  the  battle  on  the  13th  of  October. 
"  After  the  disgraceful  fall  of  Detroit  and  surrender  of  Gen.  Hull,  there  were 
strong  symptoms  of  distrust  among  the  troops,  and  it  was  used  by  political 
leaders  as  a  fire-brand  to  inflame  passions  and  undermine  the  influence  of 
General  Van  Rensselaer.  The  chaplain  fr  ^uently  noticed  such  reports 
in  his  sermons,  and  would  advise  them  nc  i  ♦car,  and  pledged  his  life  to 
the  troops  that  they  would  never  be  hu.ml,  but  the  unlortuniite  im- 
pression was  not  removed,  and  great  alarm  was  felt  by  the  inbaL'  -snts. 


Legacy  of  ilrsToiiiOAL  GLEANiNoa  217 

A  letter  receivo.1  from  Albany  Htnto-l  :  "  I  ,„uMt  toll  you  a  ridiculous  r^- 
port  IM  cn-euh.t.un,  ;„„!  very  u.uel.  cuHlitcl,  which  Mu.luine  Uui.mr  says 

, 'f'«..rrsri':r>l,L'-?l'i!r'*''--Ji  t'o  havi,.- «eou   Mr.  Lovott  run   to  av.^d 

:l,Xl^T!:^^l,'^?n^^^^^tr    Ht'"  ''^"^'"'^'"'J/I'tM.  from  (JrcKory'H,  which 


IngatC'apo .  „j  ^„,„ 

wiOi  tho  new  Htoainer  T.  srKaxtoti'f.'Ir 
I  Ali-xaudrln  Bay.  "*'""  '""^ 

ij  and  lurormation  apply  to  WErtLEY  ED 

J.  W.  MOAl^,  Oen/supt 
■,  Otm'I  Ticket  Xgrnt.  ^ 


St        .         , ,       ■  '"""  'J»i'-^'"iy  N,  wnici 

.v"  piitroon  lias  (loHurted  hi»  post  and  is  con- 
•'you  here  with  uh  !  Mr.  Van  Vechteu  .says: 
DUHkod  about  it!'  " 
«lonH8eIaer  acted  on  the  certain  knowledge 

and  Albany  Railroad.  ■"""''" "  ^'eseent  unon  (innmiii  ..f  fv...  „..„i:„.4 

Pa«s«ngor 


Nov.  1st,  1875. 


[  Moni.uv,  -  . 

I  IfavB  tm  follows. 

,,  Ixvn-m  Train,  WaKuor'o  Col,>brat..d 

mhfs  Bttoehed,  ttopping  at  Chatliam, 

Iw  ,Sprlnfrfl«!d.    KprlnKfleUr  i.^im,.rrw 

IW.irci'dter,  Hoiith  Frnnilu(?haui,  arriVo  In 

|i«A.  u.   TljiH  train  wtU  nui  daJlV 

WayTmIn,  stopping  at  all  Stations,  ar- 

|on  at  .).30  p.  t(.  ^  ""^ 

:iprcM  Train,  Wagner  Parlor  Drawlua 

i;„fn^u!    f?^^hS  i**    KInderhook, 
Rttiint-lcl,  HIiKidalH,  Chester,  Huntlnirtmi 
SpringllHd,     Palmer,   West   Br<wkSeld' 
Isouth  FramlnKham.  irrivein  Ston  ai  ' 

,  Way  Train  to  SprinsflelU,  Warner's 
niDfHwm  Cars  attached,  and  E:^re8R 
pnnglltil  to  Boston,  arriye  in  Boston  at 

■ly  Train  to  Plttsfleld,  arrive  at  7.10  p  u 
fopress  T,  IB.  Wagner's  O  ebratnrt 
KrhcH  attached,  stoppSi  at  Scho<Wk 
rchatham  Centre,  Biaaam,  Pittsfldd' 
Ml«r,  Springfield,  Palmer,  W.Brookaeld 
rR....iiFramlngbam,  arrive  In  B^ton  at 

l"]t^^}tJt^^'^^^  '■?"  Boston  at  19 80 
>t,  1 06,  2.  A  ^.SM  and  10.45  p.  m.      J>om 
,Ja.ii.   Albany,  Nov  1,  1875 
W^^J'h  Suporliitendent,  SprlnirfleW 


stmako  a  descent  upon  Canada  at  tho  earliest 
t  neither  the  ^'overniuent  nor  tho  country 
Dh  defensive  nioaauros  .nly.  Notwithstand- 
D^iid  of  hi,s  nosition,  after  he  reached  the 
B,hat  notliinj,'  could  bo  attempted,  at  leas, 
sooed  hi,s  own  condition  was  critical  in  the 
n,to  defend  himself  in  case  of  attack    was 

,  "lor  of  this  entire  district,  hal  been  ordered 
I  S'lnHtructions  of  the  1st  of  A  ist,  to  make 
taill,  at  Niagara.  There  was  .reparation 
sjtt Ins  order.  Hefore  Gen.  \  ■,  Rensselaer 
rtpk  was  on  his  way,  with  a  competent  force 
abe  Niagara,  to  moot  Gen.  Hull,  leavin-  be- 
B^ndantly  sufficient,  with  the  reinforcements 
8ve  protection  of  tho  posts  he  had  left,  against 
B,i>een  made  on  them  on  our  part;  sufficient 
^';o8siblo  to  carry  the  war  to  the  American 

yospect  of  advantage  and  success, 
j^cceoded  the  disgraceful  fall  of  Detroit  and 
Mudition  and  prospects  of  the  army  were,  on 
wi^  Ihcro  was,  in  nearly  all  this  time,  every 
^.very  thing  indicated  great  activity  on  the 
L,      ,   r — •"••         eoorsome  signal  blow.     In  the  condition  of 

"  ■  ■?AteL'^vir,Vl?'*'^""  '""^   a*  ^''P'''''  '•'"'  ^""•'^  ^'^  the  first  object.     It 
IS  bol.everfffl!lVd>l  attach  J.  .'nly  prevented  by  tho  shoiv  of  defense  which 
wa  set  up.     The  mess  house  w...  unroofed  and   mounted  with  cannon 
and  a  ba  tery  was  planted  on  the  bank  of  the  river  above  the  fort,  while' 
in  case  of  a  hostile  attempt,  the  safety  of  the  troops  wa8  attempted  to  be 

rCr>  d^'rei"  """'  '""^  '"'  '''"'""^  ^'"^  ''''^'''  '  distance' from  the 

mJ^'  "'T'^'  """f  "Pf"  '.'^f.  ^'•'^P'  ""^'^''  ^''  co»i"iand  to  make  every 
cfto  t  in  per  ecting  that  du.cipline  on  which  they  must  rely  for  their  own 

wl^ilig!''  ''"'^  """''^'  '^"^"^''"^  '''''  ^"--^-^  -ybeTt 

Major  General  Brock's  Proclamation. 

llZ'^t'Tf"''  ^-'^  t'^D  ^'"'''^  *^''l'  '^^^J'^'-  C^e^eral  commanding  his 
Ma  esty  s  forces  in  the  Province  of  Upper  Canada,  &c.,  &c  ^ 

jyhrrea,  the  Territory  of  Michigan  was  this  day  by  capitulation  c<.rlp.J 

r   e^i-ir  t  '"  f '■'""''^  '^"J^n^  without  any  o'the'r  conditio    t^^^ 
pro  eetion  of  private  property;  and  wishing  to  give  an  earlv  nron  ',.?*? 
ijoderation  and  justice  of  the  govornment,^  do  he  oby  aimo'unc     to  al! 
the  inhabitants  of  the  said  Territory,  that  the  law.  heret^oforeL  eSstlce 

28 


UB    lae  cum-        ^h  ,  ..  — _ 

and  military   ■fa[8  ano  Kudsofl  Canal  Co. 


216 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


"  When  Hull's  army  was  inarched  past  us,  there  were  insinuations  that 
Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  would  do  the  like,  but  notwithstanding  all  the 
reports.  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  kept  the  troops  every  day  at  close  drill  and 
field  duty,  he  was  constantly  among  them.  ono  Hundredth  Birthday, 

discovered  that  his  eagle  eye  was  upon  thei  Mrs.  Gen.  Hendrick  Van  Rensselaer,  for 
loved  ;  and  it  was  owing  to  his  unflinchin;  of  this  city,  celebrated  her  one  hundredth  bii 
mutiny  in  camp,  and  that  the  militia  did  at  Randolph,  Cattaraugus  county,  a  few 
home,  as  was  the  case  after  he  was  wound  since.  The  interesting  celebration  of  Mn 
Hull,  together  with  several  other  reverses  Rensselaer's  Centennial  birthday  tookplj 
had  a  ve'ry  dispiriting  effect  upon  the  army  the  residence  of  her  son,  Dr.  D.  8.  Vp  , 
this,  it  was  ascertained  that  there  were  p  laer,  with  whom  she  has  resided  fortho— 
gaged,  either  from  political  or  selfish  motiv,  y^^-  ^-  Van  ^^^^  is  now  in  W 
in  promulgating  doctrines  which  had  the  t  year.  Many  hundred  friends  andacq, 
.   '  ^  .1  ■     i  „„„„,  from  far  and  near  paid  thoir  respects  t 

ttous  scruple^  ^mon?:  the  men,  against  cros.         ^^^^  recipient  of  anuXo 

"  When  Gen     Brock  with  all   the  force    „,^,„toes.  including  an  elegantly  bol. 
country  arrived,  he   intended  to  take  l^ort  «xhree  Score  and  Beyond,"  andanili, 
military  stores  had  arrived  and  been  judicK  j^^^^  ^^  one  end  of  which  was  a  larg«, 
bold  front,  and  no  attack  was  made.     Yet  t  surrounded  with  lilies  of  the  valley 
the  great  deficiency  of  all  the  necessary  mi  from  those  flowers  and  creeping  over 
movements.     There  were   about  fifty  or  a  were  the  various  cereals  in  all  stages o( 
with  heavy  cannon  and  stores  at  Oswego  n  and  the  words,  "As  are  thy  days,  so 
the  lake  for  fear  of  the  British  ships  but  al  strength  bo."    Among  those  present  at 
all  passed  safely  on,  as  also  the  vessels  with  bration  from  this  city  were  Mrs.  C.  v. r, 
the  lamented  Pike  made  the  attack  upon  Y  Miss  Lansing  and  Mr.  K.  V.  R,  Lansii 
or  any  man  of  the  same   political  clique,    reception  began  at  ten  in  thomomiiig 
had   commanded  at  Queenston,  he  would    not  close  untU  ten  at  night.    In  the  era 
parly  supplied  with  all  necessary  articles  f  Edwards,  of  Chamberlahi  Institute, 
the  present  officer,  every  thing  had  been  (P^^oP^^tefddress,  in  which  he  recomtd 

garding  the  armistice  and  use  of  the  wat^"'^  ^^^'^""^  ^^^'^^^  f^^f^^  *    . 
^  °  .        ,        *u     oi  *  „f    A  „ „.,„(..  Bensselaor  had  possed.    At  the  conelusioo 

course   was  signed  on  the  21st  of  August  ,^^  "Old Hundred"  wassungand 

was  only  gained  by  the  farmnes-s  of  the  s«^%^y  dinpersod  with  a  benediction,    i< 

maud  of  Lake  Ontaiio,  and  by  the  sate  arri'^    •' . 

stores  enabled  us  to  maintain  our  position.  rpj^g  city  p^^j,, 

"  It  was  supposed  that  Gen,  Hull  was  in  pv,>.BcoBiun  ui  luaiuen,  wnen  tne 
lamentable  news  arrived  of  Gen.  Hull's  treachery  and  the  capture  of  his 
a-my.  This  indeed  was  a  great  damper  to  the  United  States  troops,  and 
what  added  to  the  mortification,  on  the  25th  of  the  same  month  (ieneral 
Brock  at  the  head  of  his  British  troops  had  been  seen,  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  river,  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile  of  us,  conducting  along  the  heights  of 
Queenston  Gen.  Hull  and  his  American  army  ;  marching  these  prisoners 
of  war  triumphantly  along  in  full  view  of  the  United  States  troops  laying 
at  Lewiston  !! 

"Never  did  I  see  such  vehement  excitement  and  di;4rust  on  the  part  ot 
our  troops,  the  idea  spread  through  the  camp  that  Hull  had  sold  the  army. 
No  doubt  but  this  had  some  effect  upon  the  militia  of  the  United  ^States 
declining  to  reinforce  their  brothers  in  the  battle  on  the  VMh  of  October. 
''  After  the  disgraceful  fall  of  Detroit  and  surrender  of  Gen,  Hull,  there  were 
strong  symptoms  of  distrust  among  the  troops,  and  it  was  used  by  political 
leaders  as  a  fire-brand  to  inflame  passions  and  undermine  the  influence  of 
General  Van  Ren.sseiaer.  The  chaplain  freciuontly  noticed  such  reports 
in  his  sermons,  and  would  advise  them  not  to  fear,  and  pledged  his  life  to 
the  troops  that  they  would  never  be  Jful,'r<f,  but  the  uniorf-.uii-.fo  im- 
pression was  not  removed,  and  great  alarm  was  felt  by  the  inhabitants. 


['>' 


"'« 


benediction.    /  <. 


Legacy  of  Historical  GiEANiNGa  217 

A  letter  received  from  Albany  stated  :  "  I  must  tell  you  a  ridiculous  re 
pon  in  circulation,  and  very  much  credited,  which  Madame  Rumor  savs 
the  governor  has  propa-ated ;  he  having  seen  xAIr.  Lovctt  run  to  avoid 
meeting  his  excellency,  first  from  Lewis's  and  then  from  Gre-ory's  which 
induces  ma.iy  to  believe  that  the  patroon  has  deserted  his  pos"t  aud'is  con- 
cealed  safely  at  bis  home,  and  you  here  with  us  !  Mr.  Van  Vechten  savs- 
'it  is  no  joke,  I  am  frequently  asked  about  it!'"  ' 

From  the  first.  Gen  Van  Rensselaer  acted  on  the  certain  knowled-e 
that  It  was  expected  of  him  to  make  a  descent  upon  Canada  at  the  earliest 
possible  period,  he  knew  that  neither  the  government  nor  the  country 
was  prepared  to  be  satisfied  with  defensive  measures  only.  Notwithstand 
iDg  this,  the  first_  glance  he  had  of  his  position,  after  he  reached  the 
frontier,  showed  him  at  once,  that  nothing  could  be  attempted,  at  least 
for  a  considerable  period  Indeed  his  own  condition  was  critical  in  the 
extreme,  and  even  his  ability  to  defend  himself  in  case  of  attack,  was 
more  than  doubtful.  ' 

Gen.  Dearborn,  the  commander  of  this  entire  district,  had  been  ordered 
by  the  secretary  of  war,  in  his  instructions  of  the  1st  of  Au-ust  to  make 
a  diversion  in  favor  of  Gen  Hull,  at  Niagara.  There  was  no  preparation 
to  do  anything  efi-ectual  under  this  order.  Before  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer 
reached  the  frontier.  Gen.  Brock  was  on  his  way,  with  a  competent  force 
withdrawn  from  his  posts  on  the  Niagara,  to  meet  Gen.  Hull,  leavin-  be- 
hind  him,  however,  a  force  abundantly  sufficient,  with  the  reinforcements 
they  were  then  receiving,  for  the  protection  of  the  posts  he  had  left  a-ainst 
any  attempt  which  could  have  been  made  on  them  on  our  part  •  sufficient 
even  to  have  made  it  quite  possible  to  carry  the  war  to  the' American 
side  of  the  river,  with  every  prospect  of  advantage  and  success. 

During  the  month  which  succeeded  the  disgraceful  fall  of  Detroit  and 
surrender  of  Gen.  Hull,  the  condition  and  prospects  of  the  army  were,  on 
the  whole,  but  little  improved.  There  was,  in  nearly  all  this  time  everv 
reason  to  expect  an  attack.  Every  thing  indicated  great  activity  on  the 
Bri  i..h  side,  and  preparation  for  some  signal  blow.  In  the  condition  of 
J^ort  jNiagara,  it  was  natural  to  suppose  that  would  be  the  first  object  It 
IS  believed  that  an  attack  was  only  prevented  by  the  shoio  of  defense  which 
was  set  up.  The  mess  house  was  unroofed  and  mounted  with  cannon 
and  a  battery  was  planted  on  'Jie  bank  of  the  river  above  the  fort  while' 
m  case  of  a  hostile  att..mpt,  the  safety  of  the  troops  was  attempted  to  be 
provided  for,  by  a  new  road  cut  through  the  woods  at  a  distance  from  the 
river,  in  the  rear. 

"  The  general  calls  upon  the  troops  under  his  command  to  make  everv 
effort  in  perfecting  that  discipline  on  which  they  must  rely  for  their  own 
safety  and  for  their  country  s  honour,  in  that  crisis  which  may  be  last 
approaching."  ■' 

Major  General  Brock's  Proclamation. 
^l°f 'rf^on  h>/ Isaac  Brock,  Esq.,  Major  General  commanding  his 
Majesty  s  forces  in  the  Province  of  Upper  Canada,  &c.,  &c  "^ 

f/imm  the  Tevntory  of  Michigan  was  this  day  by  capitulation  cedp.l 

0    0  anus  of  his  Britannic  Majesty  without  any  othi  co^EThanlhe 

p  oection  of  private  property ;  and  wishing  to  give  an  early  proof  of  the 

moderation  and  justice  of  the  government.  I  do   herobv  unnun„.«  I  A^ 

tlio  innabitauts  of  the  said  Territory,  that  the  laws  heretofore  iu  existence 

28 


218 


Legacy  op  IIistorical  Gleanings, 


shall  continue  in  force  until  his  Majesty's  pleasure  be  known  ;  or  so  long 
as  the  peace  and  safety  of  the  said  Territory  will  admit  thereof;  and  I  do 
hereby  also  declare  and  make  known  to  the  said  inhabitants,  that  they 
shall  be  protected  in  the  full  exercise  and  enjoyment  of  their  religion  :  of 
which  all  persons,  both  civil  and  military  will  take  notice,  and  govern 
themselves  accordingly.  All  persons  having  in  their  possession,  or  hav- 
ing knowledge  of  any  public  p  nerty,  shall  forthwith  deliver  in  the 
same,  or  give  notice  thereof  to  t'u  iicer  commanding,  or  Lt.  Col.  Nichol 
who  are  hereby  authorized  to  receive  and  give  proper  receipts  for  the 
same.  OflScers  of  militia  will  be  held  responsible  that  all  arms  in  posses- 
sion of  militia  men,  be  immediately  delivered  up;  and  all  individuals 
whatever,  who  have  in  their  possession  arms  of  any  kind,  will  deliver  them 
up  without  delay. 

Given  under  my  hand  at  Detroit,  this  sixteenth  day  of  August,  1812 
and  in  the  fifty-second  year  of  his  Majesty's  reign.  '         ' 

(Signed)  Isaac  Brock, 

T  „      ^A  true  copy.  Major  General. 

J.  Mac  Donell,  Lt,  Col,  Militia,  P.  A.  D.  C, 

Major  Lovett  to  Joseph  Alexander. 
Dear  Sir,  Head  Quarters,  Lewiston,  August  26,  1812 

Yesterday  I  wrote  you,  Mr.  Van  Vechten  and  Col.  Westerlo,  but  what 
I  wrote  I  cannot  say :  it  was  a  day  of  turmoil,  mortification  and  humilia- 
tion through  our  Camp.  Such  a  flood  as  the  consequences  of  Gen.  Hull's 
surrender  poured  in  upon  us  that  it  required  considerable  nerve  to  meet 
every  thing:  and  unluckily.  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  had  gone  to  Buffalo  to 
make  some  arrangements  with  Swift's  Regiment  which  is  getting  down 
fast  with  sickness,  and  I  might  say  too  great  a  want  of  discipline.  Yes- 
terday,  the  first  we  saw  was  a  guard  of  about  50  men  passing  with  some 
waggons  on  the  opposite  shore :  it  was  the  victorious  Brock  "returning  to 
Fort  George.  He  sent  over  Col.  McDonald,  his  Aid-de-Camp,  and  Major 
Evans,  two  strapping  lads  in  scarlet,  gold  and  arms,  to  make  a  Communi- 
cation  to  General  Van  Rensselaer.  I  went  to  meet  them  at  an  Inn  near 
the  shore  to  learn  their  pleasure;  but  finding  it  was  general  and  verbal-, 
It  could  not  be  received.  They  were,  however,  very  modest,  very  respect- 
ful ;  and  altho'  I  constantly  barred  any  communication,  they  still  kept  bow- 
ing and  saying  that  "Gen.  Brock  only  wished  to  acquaint  Gen.  Van  Rens- 
selaer "  of  this,  and  that,  and  that  &c.  &c.  In  this  way  they  convinced 
nie  that  Brock  had  not  learnt  any  thing  of  the  Armistice  until  he  arrived 
in  this  Neighbourhood.  That  but  a  very  small  force  was  left  behind,  that 
Brock,  learning  the  Armistice  felt  very  friendly  disposition  «&c.  I  made 
my  best  bow,  and  scraped  as  fast  as  I  could  ;  but  a  poor j9ma<e  Secretary, 
alone  against  two  such  Scarfet-cln,/  Champions  had,  as  you  may  suppose, 
an  indifferent  chance.  We  parted  :  but  1  think  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  will 
shortly  receive  some  written  communication  from  Gen  Brock.  In  the 
evening  a  number  of  Hull's  Officers,  on  parole,  visited  Gen.  V.  R.  They 
were  very  cautious  of  their  words,  but  I  could  discern  a  degree  of  disaffec- 
tion towards  Hull.  Gen.  Hull  will  probably  be  sent  to  Quebec,  The 
Mihtia  captured  I  understand  are  sent  home,  that's  all.  Indeed  I  have 
not  either  time  or  patience  to  examine  into  this  most  nameless  affair.  I 
feel  what  you  may  suppose.     I  need  say  no  more. 

I  was  ever  proud  of  my  Country,  and  .ip.  an   American  could  look  any 
man,  of  Ani/  Nation,  at  least  horizontally  in  the  face.     But,  yesterday, 


■i'-lt; 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  219 

my  eyes  seemed  to  have  acquired  a  new  attachment  to  the  ground.  I  sent 
Va.  Vechten  a  paper  giving  the  detail  of  the  surrender ;  sent  by  an  ex 
press  to  overtake  the  Ma,  ,  hope  he  got  it.  And  now,  my  friend,  what 
tiunlc  you  of  o«r  situation  ?  It  is  true  we  are  all  tied  up  by  the  Arm^isdce 
but  either  party  may  throw  it  off  by  4  days  notice.  I  don't  itZ.  the' 
Enemy  wil  throw  it  off.  Neverthe'less  we  have  to  cast  about  a  it^b 
This  part  of  the  Country  now  think  their  whole  salvation  rests  upon  our 
htt  raw  army.  Ithxnk  I  know  the  fact,  that  after  Brock  had  taken 
Hull,  he  expressed  his  determination  to  return  and  take  Niagara.  I  think 
h.s  miud  .8  altered  by  the  Armistice  :  but  he  can  take  Niagara  any  hour 
he  pleases.  Yes  my  friend,  we  can't  defend  Niagara  one  hour.  And  as 
forourpresentCamp  I  now  write  with  one  eye  on  a  single  gun  on  yon 
h.  1  m  Queenston,  which  would  rout  us  all  in  3  minutes";  and  we  haJe 
only  i^o  Grass-hoppers  to  return  the  fire.  The  Ohio  Officers  prisoners  also 
were  last  evening  with  us,  say  that  the  Indians  with  Brock  are  the  fines? 
fellows  they  ever  saw,  a  size  larger  than  they  ever  saw,  they  are  commanded 
by  the  Prophet's  Brother  TecuuKsich,  he  is  hourly  expected  at  For  Seo.te 

IlS'  W^iiTl'^-?'  "'''  '"°"^^'  ^""^  ''  '''  «^'d  the  tawny  Host  is°to 
fo  low.  Well  !  be  It  so ;  one  thing  our  fri.  '  5  may  be  assured  of,  we  are 
no  scared  yet.  We  shall  never  be  Hulled.  Our  General  is  t Whtful 
but  firm.  We  have  beenxeconnoitering  this  morning ;  and  shall  problbry 
this  afternoon,  fix  upon  a  spot  to  which  we  shall  remove  in  case  the  Amistice 
IS  broken  off  We  have  a  piece  of  ground  in  view  where  our  liTte  force 
may  make  a  tolerable  stand,  and  then  secure  our  retreat  unless  they  flank 

Hulled,  they  may  pound  us,  or  yrind  us.  Be  all  of  you  of  good  cheer  as 
respects«s  and  use  the  fate  of  the  other  army  as  yon  ought  nTZX 
let  my  good  wife  get  fidgety  about  me  in  this  new  predicament  telT  her  I 
am  well,  and  can  run  like  a  Boy,  and  u,dl  not  be  tain.  I  confess  we  are 
very  solicitous  to  hear  from  Washington  and  know  what  we  are  to  do  and 
^IZ  '^""T'a  ^""'^'^'^Sb-  The  night  before  last  one  of  our  rash 
Subalterns  with  a  dozen  men,  went  upon  Bnckhorn  Island,  surprised  a  Ser 

V  R  Zi  ^  T:I  '"^  ^''"!^^  *'^^"  «ff-  ^^^  ^''^'  *h«  Arm'istic^e     but  Gen' 
V.R.  restored  the  men  and  wrote  Gen.  Sheaffe  commanding  Fort  Gcoree 
and  Depenaencies  &c.  &c.  &c.  [Kites  fly  best  with  lon<.  "tails  1  120 If 
Swifts  little  Reg.  sick  I  told  you  so,  but  I  am  well.     The  d-1  seems  ?o 
have  got  into  every  body.  i  ^^  ,^111      ,         ,     '''""' '' 

Mr.  Joseph  Alexander,  Albany.  Joim  Lovbtt. 

General  Orders. 
Ti.„  •,       ,       ^®*^  Quarters,  Lewiston,  August  28th    1812 

dere    a  Zro?t  "t"  '""""?'  °',  ?"»^'^'^^  Ge'neraf  Hull  ha's  surL- 
tn  f„rnl       T        ^^'^  "  ^  ""^"'"'■''  ^'•^'^^t^'-J  but  it  istheduty  of  .so/(Z.crs 

toons  ZT    ;•"''"'■'  ''  ^I'^'-     ^  '^''  ^"'^  the  General  calls  upon    he 
t  oops  under  his  command  to  make  every  effort  in  perfecting  th£  7i;=.; 
P  me  on  which  they  must  rely  for  their  own  srfetyaud  Sr  th°eir   ountrv"^' 
honour  m  that  crisis  which  may  be  fast  approaching  The  GeneraMn 
persuaded  that  Americans  know  the  inestimable  rights  whicl  they  eijly 
d  he  confidently  trusts,  that  their  bravery  to  defend  is  in  Proportion  to 

eSlfdt^r""  Y'!;°"  'l^'''  ''""^  '^-P'^  will'bePexei    se3 
at  re  cille,  and  from  four  0  clock  in  the  afternoon,  two  lmnr«  instead  of 

one,  a.,  .ncntioued  in  general  orders  of  the  lUth  instant  " 

tapt.  Dogherty  and  Lieut.  Hcwit,  of  Col.  Swift's  regiment,  arc  released 


441* 


iPm 


220 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


m 


from  their  arrests,  and  will  return  to  their  duty.  This  renewed  instance 
of  clemency  of  the  iMajor  General,  it  is  hope<l,  will  be  properly  appre- 
ciated by  them:  it  is  not  his  wish  to  punish,  but  orders  must  and  shall 
be  obeyed.  The  unhealthy  state  of  the  troops  under  the  cdnmiand  of 
Lieut.  Col.  Swift,  at  Black  Rock,  renders  particular  attention  to  theiu 
and  to  the  causes  of  their  maladies,  necessary.  For  this  purpose  Doctor 
Brown  will  associate  with  him  Doctor  Daniel  Chipman ;  and  they  will 
proceed,  without  delay,  to  that  place,  and  make  full  inquiry  into  the  situ- 
ation  of  the  sick,  the  causes  which  have  produced  the  diseases,  and  the 
manner  in  which  they  have  been  treated  ;  of  all  which  they  will  make 
report,  in  writing,  to  the  Major  (Jeneral ;  sugp;estin<i;  the  best  mode,  in 
their  opinion,  to  restore  those  who  are  sick,  and  preserve  the  health  of 
the  well.  These,  and  all  other  orders,  are  to  be  read  by  the  Adjutants 
to  the  troops  under  the  command  ol'  the  Major  (General.  The  Command- 
ing Officers  of  regiments  and  corps  will  give  orders  accordingly 

By  order  of  31ajor  General  Van  Kensselaer, 

Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Aid-de-Camp. 

MoQOT  Loielt  to  Abraham  Van  Vcchten. 

Dear  Sir,  Head  Quarters,  Lewiston,  28th  August,  1812. 

It  is  an  observation  of  Cicero's  that  "  those  things  which  we  see  with 
our  eyes,  make  a  deeper  impression  on  our  minds,  and  we  longer  retain 
them  in  our  memory,  than  those  things  which  we  hear  with  our  ears." 
Now  Sir,  in  this  letter,  I  shall  have  occasion  to  touch  upon  some  things 
which  I  have  .seen,  and  I  confess  to  you  they  have  made  a  pretty  deep  im- 
pression on  my  mind.  Things  are  bad  enough  now.  1  do  not  speak  of 
our  little  Camp  :  we  are  snug,  getting  in  fine  order,  and  with  infinite,  un- 
ceasing industry  preparing  for  the  worst,  while  we  hope  for  the  best.  I 
speak  on  the  (jmeral  scale  of  all  things  around  us.  Hull's  surrender  is  to 
me  incomprehensible.  I  had  expected  his  destruction  would  be  certnin, 
but  it  has  come  in  such  a  way  as  I  did  not  expect.  Three  of  his  officers 
gay,  he  bad  a  force  of  2,200;  the  British  all  around  assert  that  he  has  sur- 
rendered between  2,500  and  3,000  ;  his  provisions  were  ample  for  3  more 
weeks;  of  ordnance  and  every  munition  of  war  he  had  abundance,  yet  he 
surrendered  to  a  force  vastly  inferior,  probably  to  600  or  700  British 
Troops,  and  about  the  same  number  of  Indians.  He  fired  not  a  gun,  and 
but  one  was  fired  at  him.  Then  ivh//  did  Hull  surrender,  is  the  question? 
No  one  here  can  answer.  From  his  OflScers,  and  all  I  have  seen  it  appears 
that  there  was  through  the  whole  army  a  very  great  disafi"ection  towards 
Hull.  Cowarilice  is  pretty  generally  imputed  to  him.  Many  allege  cor- 
ruption, his  officers  seem  greatly  distres.sed  at  the  character  of  the  surren- 
der. Now  the  Consequences  of  this  affair  cast  such  a  blot  on  the  Amer- 
ican character  as  the  tears  of  your  children  and  mine  and  an  hundred 
more  generations  can  never  sponge  away. 

This  event  has  cemented  Canada  beyond  any  thing  you  can  conceive. 
It  has  a  serious  effect  also  on  our  Indians  on  the  whole  Frontier.  The 
affair  with  Gen  Harrison  gave  them  the  scent  of  blood  and  you  may  de- 
pend on  it,  it  has  been  well  improved.  Tecumsich  the  Prophet's  Brother, 
a  warrior  of  almost  unbounded  influence,  now  openly  holds  the  language: 
that  the  Great  Spirit  intended  the  Ohio  River  for  the  Boundary  between 
his  white  and  red  children.  That  n)any  of  the  first  warriors  have  always 
thought  so:  but  a  cloud  hung  over  the  eyes  oi' the  tribes  and  they  could 
not  see  what  the  Great  Spirit  meant.     That  Gen.  Brock  has  now  torn  away 


can  conceive, 
•ontier.    The 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  221 

that  cloud  and  the  Indians  see  clearly  that  all  the  white  people  must  ^o 
b,.ck  eas  of  the  Ohio  and  .f  one  attempts  to  cross  that  rive^r  "X/l;" 
null  cut  their  Joes  .#"  Yesterday,  I  beheld  such  a  sight  as  God  k  Z 
I  never  expected  t,o  see,  and  He  only  knows  the  sensa^^.ons  it  created  in  mv 
heart.  I  saw  my  Countrymen,  Free-born  American  .bbed  ofX  in  1  it 
ance  wh.eh  the.r  d^.n,.  Fathers  bequeathed  then,,  stripped  of  the  arms 
which  achieved  our  Independence  and  marching  into  a  strange  land  bv 
hundreds  as  black  cattle  for  the  market"  °  ^ 

Helore  and  be,,i  j  on  the  rightand  on  the  left  their  proud  victorsgleamed 
in  arms,  and  the.r  heads  erect  with  the  pride  of  victory.     How  marw  of 
our  unfortunate  Brethren  were  in  this  situation  I  know  not-  the  roaf  for 
more  than  a  mile  is  perfectly  in  our  view      I  think  the  Hne    licluding  wl" 
ons.  pleasure  carnages  etc.  was  half  a  mile  long,  scattered.     The  In  f 
tions   his  scene  produced  in  our  camp  were  inexpressible:  n:ortificatioT  n 
d.gnation,  fearful  apprehension,  suspicion,  jealousy,  dismay,  rage,  mad n'e's 

It  was  a  sad  day  with  us,  but  the  poor  fellows  last  evening  wen  on  board 
the  shipping  and  I  presume  passed  over  to  York  [Toronto^  i  saw  «  "/a 
^eiimn  who  was  present  when  Gen.  Hull  alighted  from  his  carriate  J  fZl 
George  hale,  corpulent  and  apparently  in  lUgh  spiri^  and  1  nS  w  1  he 
ever  return  He  goes  to  Quebec.  ["  General  Hull  ^nd  the  re^ula  offi 
cers,  and  soldiers  were  reserved  for  the  triumphant  entry  of  the  Britifh 
officers  into  Montreal  and  Quebec.  Thither  they  were  faken  and  Hull 
himself,  seated  ,n  an  old,  ragged,  open  carriage,  was  drawn   Jhrou^h  the 

fsrbi:V'rtui''';hV'"  '"T^'^'  ^^^  r  ^^«^'  *«  ^^^  -"-«'''- 

dsuemnea.  j     Such  the  scenes  before  us:  a    eves  sppm  nnur  f»,r.„j 
General  Van  Rensselaer  for  direction  and  on  oTlit  1?  rny  for  defene? 
I  tell  you  tha    nothing  but  the  man  who  is  now  on  the  ground  could  nre 
vent  incalculable  misch  ef  in  this  ouarter      Tf  U  !,;<.    „S'""""  ^P""^  P'^^" 
character  which  effects  all  tha   i    eE  ed   and  I  am  nr    f^^^  ''''':'^- '"*^ 
sidu„..,y,  vigilantly  and  ably  supS  '  ^f hSvrpl^y^  Tfvt '^ 
4  0  lock  morning  Gun  until  9  at  night.     I  acknowledge  with  many  thanks 
the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  4th.     The  General  arrd  myselE  i  vac 
(luieseein  the  sentiments  it  contains  :  But  you  kill  Solomi      il      i7 

itcoumnot.     He  would  be  a  Game-cock  still      He  is   i    v.^tlv  „ni„  Ti 
Sdin"  f"  ^7^-    .^"^^  ""'«  ^^"'^  '-P--'  very  fituidulie.  ltd  "^ 

f)Z\  \      ,        ^  ^'^'^  '^"P*^'^  ^"'"  J^'sure  to  complete  mv  letter  hut 

the  afternoon  has  been  every  moment  taken  up  ^  '  ^ 

I  saw  a  gentleman  who  had  this  day  seen  one  of  Hull's  Oantiin,  .1o. 
openly  and  roundly  asserted  that  Hull  was  a  cmvard'HrJ-'^l^^    !f 

^^IZr'^'l''''''^^''  ^''•'   '''  ^^^^^^^  at  id  irrctio" 
hk^ L/"r      iJ^'f-  t^-^P^rary  widow  and  litlle  ones:  tell  her  I    he 

Abraham  Va„  V.a.en,  E«,uire,:Aiba„y.  "'"'"' Ztl  Lov.rT. 


222 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


,( 


then  doing.  In  the  morning  it  was  discovered  that  the  enemy  hnd  landed 
at  Springwells.  At  the  very  moment,  when  every  American  in  the  army, 
except  its  commander,  was  ready  and  anxious  to  begin  the  mortal  combat' 
what  were  their  emotions  when  they  were  ordered  into  the  fort  and  to  lay 
down  their  arms?  They  reluctantly  obeyed,  and  a  white  flag  was  raised 
on  the  fort. 

"  Without  shedding  a  drop  of  blood,  without  firing  a  single  gun,  the  fort, 
with  all  its  cannon,  taken  with  Burgoyne,  at  Saratoga,  from  the  Britishi 
with  a  vast  amount  of  powder,  lead,  cannon  balls,  and  all  the  munitions  of 
war,  all,  all  were  surrendered,  unconditionally  surrendered  to  the  enemy. 

"  Colonels  McArthur  and  Cass,  with  about  four  hundred  of  the  very  best 
troops,  in  the  army,  had  been  despatched  (just  at  the  very  moment,  they 
would  be  most  needed)  under  the  pretense  of  guarding  the  wagons,  with 
the  provisions,  which  Governor  Meigs  of  Ohio,  was  forwarding  to  the 
army.  These  troops  under  McArthur  and  Cass  had  marched  about  forty 
miles  into  the  country,  among  the  whortleberry  hills  of  Michigan  and  then 
marched  back  again,  without  seeing  any  provisions,  until  they  had  arrived 
within  about  nine  miles  of  Detroit  on  their  return.  Here  they  were  re- 
freshing themselves,  on  the  products  of  some  bee-hives  and  a  fat  steer, 
which  they  had  just  killed.  Here  they  were  met  by  a  flag  oft'  "-e  borne 
by  a  British  oflScer,  and  a  file  of  men,  from  whom  they  learne'..  it  they 
were  prisoners  of  war  !  They  marched  forward  to  Detroit,  laid  down  their 
arms  on  the  pavement,  and  were  marched  into  the  fort,  which  was  then  so 
crowded  that  there  was  scarcely  room  for  them  to  lie  down.  Captain 
Brush  who  was  guarding  the  provisions  was  included  in  the  capitulation, 
as  well  as  the  provisions  themselves  but  the  militia  who  were  nuir^hing  to 
join  Hull's  army  were  allowed  to  return  home.  A  salute  was  fired  ij  the 
presence  of  Gen.  Brock  with  one  of  the  brass  cannon  included  in  the  capi- 
tulation. It  bore  the  inscription  :  '  Taken  at  Saratotja  on  the  \1tli  of 
October  1777.'  When  the  British  officers  saw  this,  they  were  so  delighted 
that  some  of  them  greeted  the  old  British  captive,  now  released,  with 
kisses  and  remarked,  'we  must  have  an  addition  put  to  that  inscription, 
namely.  Retaken  at  Detroit,  August  16,  1812.'  It  was  on  this  occasion 
General  Brock  paid  marked  respect  to  Tecumseh.  He  took  off  his  own 
rich  crimson  silk  sash  and  publicly  placed  it  round  the  waist  of  the  chief. 
Tecumseh  received  it  with  dignity  and  great  satisfaction.  General  Hull 
was  afterwards  tried  for  his  conduct  by  a  court  mavtial  viz. :  First,  for 
treason,  second  cowardice,  and  third,  unofficer  like  conduct.  He  was  con- 
demned to  death,  but  pardoned  by  the  president." 

Q.  M.  Gen.  P&rter  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Sir,  Manchester,  Aug.  28th,  1812. 

Mr.  Beard,  the  person  whom  I  employed  to  jio  Express  to  Gen.  Hull, 
has  returned  with  your  dispatches  which  I  herewith  enclose.  On  his 
arrival  at  Cayahoga  he  met  several  boats  with  the  militia  prisoners  of 
Genl.  Hull's  army,  &  finding  it  useless,  as  well  as  impracticable  to  pro- 
ceed, he  immediately  returned.  Mr.  Beard  informs  that  when  these 
boats  were  first  discovered  at  and  beyond  Cayahoga,  they  were  supposed 
to  contain  an  Army  of  British  &  Indians,  whose  object  it  was  to  over-run 
the  country,  &  Expresses  with  information  to  that  effect. were  sent  in  every 
direction,  &  that  the  inhabitants  were  in  a  state  of  the  greatest  alarm  & 
confusion  &  quitting  their  homes. 

Before  Mr.  Beard  left  Cayahoga,  however,  about  1,000  Militia  had 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  228 

collected,  and  in  the  course  of  tha  rinv  q„„„    j-       i  •     , 

protty  well  ascertained  thaUhl't^S'b,Xu;"/om^  '^'P'^'T'  '^^"^ 
tolerably  aru.ed  &  provided  with  ammnniH  "^7^  ,^'^^^  '"en  at  that  place, 
n>ediately  to  Detroft  That^bou?"  000  K-^  &  des.rous  of  marching  im- 
to  re-entorce  Genl.  Hul  &  it  wa  honed^hT  iT  ^n'""  '^''''  "'"^^ 
of  Indians  under  Tecumseh  Jho  if  L.«  ^  ^°"'^.  ^""  '°  ^'^^  »  P^^ty 
had  left  J)etroit  to  take  F^rt  Wav;e      Mr  BetT'^V'""'  ''''  P"^ '"^^«' 

...     M^orCuylerhas  taC  th  J  S^.S  ^^  ^^^Iji-r  St 
Maj.  Genl.  Van  Rensselaer.  ^'"'^  '"P\^;!)i"^  «   , 

i'h'Vm  B.  POKTER. 

(?e«.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Governor  Tompkins. 

^Presuming  that  the  surrendfr'ofV^er/rH^?'''""'  ^"^^  ^^'  ^812. 
announced  to  your  Exce  ency  thr«^^^^^^^^^  has  been  otBcially 

enter  into  my  Ltaiirupon  the  ev^^^^^^^  pr«per  channel,  I  shall  not 

consequence  must  be  XveryVhere  but  'h-''"'  '"  «»••  country  :  its 
upon  these  frontier.,  both  toYe^Tizent  nl^^e^t^  S  tr'"^ 
coraniand.     A  arm  nervadp*)  tlio  /.^n„»  j    i-  '^'^'^  "nder  my 

They  are  ineessanVpressin^fbr  furChs'n*^/ ''"■'''  """"^"S  the  troops! 
Ma/y  are  without  iL  TZ.^^ZtrZ  T^  possible  pretenk 
regin,ent  at  Black  Bock  are  about  one  fourtK.r^J^^  "''tT''-  ^^"^'^ 
Doctor  Brown  to  associate  Doctor  Ch  pin  w^th^h^maTd  to   ^'"''.'''^^'^ 

sefving  the  health  ^Z^^^:"::^:!''^^^^^^  P- 
performmg.  -^"'^  uuty  they  are  now 

While  we  are  thus  growing  daily  weaker  m,r  «»-.»„  • 
They  hold  a  very  commanding  poIitTon  on  tU  if-  t^  "  ^?^'°"  «*''°°Ker. 
town,  and  they  are  daily  s  renSeninrti  i^^  ^' •'""'^  '^^^^^  Q"e«°«- 
ord.anu..  Indeed,  they  are  fort i?v,f  ^^''"'«'^cs  ,n  it,  with  men  and 
tron.rortErie,toFortGeorle  A?n?p/'r''  ''''^  P''^"''''^"*  point, 
but  should  hostilities t  rec;;Letlrri:t  [rl"^^^^^  the  armirtice 
po«.t,o„.     I  receive  no  reinforcement   of  tneT  no  orTn^n!^  '^'"^'-"'-^ 

the,.rLn,atNiaglrandteTrsr/kn^^^^^^^^^  ■-  ^^^  to 

camp.  Being  satisfied  that  they  were  AmerTcnn  oT  ^^  "''!  •'"  "^ 
gence,  and  some  standing  in  sociPtv  T  r,^  •!!  /  *."'^"''  '"^'^  "^  'itelli- 
orders  to  report  themseh-fs^VyrCCr'       ^"  '^  ^"^  ^"' "^'^ 

^eJ:::::^:n:5^;;^Si^tf  ^        t---^  with  my 

ot  General  Hull's  army  who  marohpThv  ^  '  ^''^  »»^«'-t"nate  soldiers 
Canada,  are  very  destil^te  of  TotS  'e  y^"?,  ^-V*""  ^"^  ^«  ^«-- 
tbatsoo^e  attention  should  be  paid  Jo' theirco'ditJ^f ''''''"  ^''"^'^  ""-g^ 

His  Excellency  Governor  Tomp^'i'r  ''"""  ^''•'    " 


"?  1 


224 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


The  Captain  Jenninj^s  mentioned  in  the  above  letter  "  made  himself 
famous,  at  one  time,  for  his  poetical  order  on  Gov.  Daniel  D.  Tompkins, 
■which  has  been  related  as  follows  :  The  officers  had  met  to  prepare  a  re- 
quisition letter  to  the  governor,  for  two  field  pieces.  "  While  discussing 
the  form  in  which  to  address  so  distinguished  a  man,  one  of  the  judges, 
at  that  time  doing  duty  on  the  bench,  made  a  bantering  wager  with  Capt 
Jennings  that  the  ordnance  could  be  procured  on  an  order,  the  form  of 
which  should  be  dictated  by  him.  The  judge  walked  up  to  the  desk, 
seized  the  pen  and  forthwith  produced  the  following. 

'  Great  Daniel  D.,  we  send  to  thee 
For  two  great  guns  and  tiimmings  : 
Send  them  to  hand,  or  you'll  be  d — d. 
By  order  of         Capt.  Jennings.' 

"  This  of  course  created  a  good  deal  of  amusement;  and  though  it  was 
not  officially  sent  to  the  governor,  as  the  ordnance  was  obtained  through  a 
regular  order,  the  story  was  too  good  to  be  kept ;  the  governor,  who  was 
fond  of  a  good  joke,  in  some  way  learned  of  the  incident,  and  was  also 
av;are  that  his  friend  the  judge,  had  a  hand  in  it.  Some  of  the  oflBcers 
in  this  company  were  rewarded  for  gallant  services  in  the  war,  by  promo- 
tion, and  they,  with  others,  sent  to  Albany  for  their  commissions.  On 
calling  for  them  at  the  proper  office,  the  judge  learned  that  they  we  reull 
made  out  and  lacked  only  the  signature  of  the  governor.  To  facilitate 
the  business  he  offered  to  take  them  himself  to  his  excellency,  who,  on 
receiving  them,  placed  his  autograph  to  the  documents,  one  after  the 
other,  till  coming  to  one  belonging  to  Capt.  Jennings's  company,  he  stopped 
and  very  gravely  inquired  :  '  Is  this  by  order  of  Capt.  Jennings.'  " 

"  The  company  lately  under  the  command  of  Captain  Jennings,  in 
Lieut.  Col.  Swift's  regiment,  had  become  so  clamorous  for  pay,  and  con- 
tended  so  strenuously  that  their  time  had  expired,  that  I  have  ordered 
them  to  be  dismissed,  in  the  opinion  that  this  would  meet  your  excellency'' 
spprobation.  I  was  strengthened  by  learning  from  Brigadier  General 
Brown,  that  Lieut.  Col.  Bellinger's  regiment,  who  were  on  the  same 
standing  in  service,  at  Sackett's  Harbour,  have  been  discharged  by  your 
order." 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  icife. 

Dear  Harriet,  Lewiston  1st  September,  1812. 

I  wrote  you  yesterday  from  this  place  by  the  mail,  in  which  letter  I 
gave  you  an  account  of  all  that  was  passing  here,  this  day  we  received  an 
Express  from  Genl.  Dearborn  that  the  Armistice  was  at  an  end.  But  at 
the  time  he  was  despatched  from  Green  Bush  they  knew  nothing  of  the 
Surrender  of  General  Hull  and  his  Army,  and  what  effect  that  informa- 
tion will  have  on  the  measures  of  a  weak  and  despicable  General  and 
Government,  time  only  will  determine.  We  shall  at  all  evento  go  on  and 
make  all  the  arrangements  in  our  power  to  meet  the  Crisis  which  in  all 
probability  is  approaching.  If  nothing  is  done  it  will  not  be  our  fault, 
but  that  of  Government;  by  Express  and  by  almost  every  IMail  the 
Governor  and  Genl  Dearborn  have  been  informed  of  our  situation  *  *  * 
The  express  Lt.  Smith  returns  immediately  to  Albany  by  whom  I  send 
this,  I  could  not  let  him  leave  this  without  again  expressing  my  anxiety 
for  your  health  and  h!i])piness.  I  am  all  solicitude  on  your  account  and 
wish  Kincerely  T  was  with  you  until  thiit  oertuiu  e  cut  wasovor.  but  keep 
up  your  spirits  and  think  of  your  children  and  me.     I  hope  happier  and 


r,  the  form  of 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  225 

more  comfortable  times  will  attend  us.  Our  General  is  more  than  fond 
of  me,  he  leaves  everytlung  to  me  and  has  not  on  any  occasion  found 
fault;  he  is  very  amiable  and  I  can  truly  say  of  him,  what  he  has  on  many 
occasions  said  ot  me  that  "  I  did  not  know  the  man."  Lovett  and  myself 
\m  like  Brothers,  and  ,f  I  could  be  but  informed  of  your  true  situation 
I  should  be  happy  as  far  as  tho  late  unhappy  event  at  home  would  suffer 
me  to  be,  but  the  Clover-lot  is  ever  before  mo.  Kiss  the  children  for  me 
and  attend  to  your  health,  llemember  me  to  ali  friends  and  believe  me 
in  whatever  situation  I  am  placed,  I  am  ever  the  same  to  you,  your  affec- 
tionate &  sincere  ''  '  •' 
Mrs.  Van  llensselaer.  Mount  Hope.             ^^^'  ^^^  Renssklaeb. 

On  September  1st  four  or  five  vessels  arrived  at  Fort  George  with 
troops  from  Montreal  and  the  enemy,  flushed  with  victorv,  were  every 
moment  on  the  alert.  '•  They  hold  a  very  commanding  position  over  abovi 
us  in  Queenstown,  and  are  strengthening  it  with  men  and  cannon  In- 
deed every  prominent  point  from  Fort  Erie  to  Fort  George  looks  saucy." 
Colonel  Fenwick  had  not  arrived,  when  orders  were  received  from  Gen 
Dearborn,  to  put  an  end  to  the  armistice.  He  was,  however,  as  it  turned 
out,  then  approaching  h<s  place  of  destination,  and  the  first  relief  Gen 
Van  Kensse  aer  experienced,  was  in  the  arrival  of  Col.  Fenwiok  with 
ordnance  and  stores,  on  the  4th  day  of  September.  He  was  directed,  out 
of  abundant  caution  to  land  at  the  Four  Mile  creek,  instead  of  attemptin.^ 
to  reach  Fort  Niagara.  Early  in  September,  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  wal 
advised  by  General  Dearborn,  that  the  enemy  was  preparing  to  make  an 
effor  to  reduce  this  army  to  the  mortifying  s.-tuation  of  Gen.  Hull's  and 
that  he  must  be  ready  "  to  make  good  a  sure  retreat."  The  abandonment 
of  the  fort  was  also  expressly  recommended,  and  the  fear  expressed,  that 

iwn?.  ;•'.  """  '^  P'r'  ^  ''"?  ^'''  *^'  garrison,  for  examinations  had 
hown  that  It  was  utterly  untenable  and  indefensible  against  a  serious  at- 
tack.  Ihe  importance,  however,  of  maintaining  all  his  positions,  led  the 
general  to  the  determination  to  put  forth  every  effort  and  energ^,  to  this 
effect  and  to  adopt  the  unalterable  resolution  to  dispute  ever/inch  of 
ground  with  his  adversary,  in  case  of  an  attempt  to  dislodge  him.  The 
letters  written  a  few  days  later  to  Gen.  Dearborn  and  Gov.  Tompkins  show 
the  condition  of  things  as  well  as  the  opinions  and  resolution  of  the  com- 
manding  general. 

Oeneral  Orders. 

TU  M  •     n  ,  ^^^'^  Quarters,  Lewiston,  4th  Sept.,  1812. 

Ihe  Major  General  announces  to  the  troops,  that,  agreeable  to  an  order 
eived  rom  Major  General  Dearborn,  the  armistic'e  centered  into  between 
ZT.L^^  (governor  General  of  Upper  and  Lower  Canada  will  be  ter- 
min  ted  at  twelve  o  clock,  at  noon,  on  the  eighth  day  of  September  instant. 
fUf  I  P' "'"^'''  ^"  '^o^^^nd  will,  however,  understand,  explicitly 
tnat  they  are  not  to  act  offensively  without  previous  orders  from  him  ;  but 
obe  vigilant  in  their  duty,  and  ready  to  execute  any  command  they 
th'  irTT!  "■  P'*«P'^'".»«casion  presents  itself.     The  troops  rill  strike 

Ite  wMM,p°'"TT  '"^'•"^"n^fc  reveille:  the  tents,  tent-poles,  and  bag- 
0  u!;  M  .  P"''^f.'^  "P'  ''^'•"^y  ^''  '"''^^'  ^"  «"«  boar  from  that  time.  The 
£ '1[  ^^^'^ster  will  measure  the  space  necessary  for  a  double  row  of  tents 
for  each  company,  and  furnish  the  necessary  trausportatioa. 

29 


A 


226 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


A  fatijjue  party,  of  n  sorgoant,  corporal,  and  twelve  men,  will  attend 
at  tlio  same  time  ut  hoad  ({uurterH. 

By  order  of  the  Major  Genera!  Van  Rensselaer, 

Sol.  Van  IIknsbelaer,  Aid-de-Canjp. 

An  express  had  been  sent  to  Col.  Fenwick,  to  land  at  Four  Mile  creek. 
This  precaution  was  taken  lest  the  armistice  might  have  been  terminated 
below,  or  some  accident  might  throw  the  cargo  into  the  hands  of  the 
enemy.  As  soon  as  this  was  effected,  and  in  the  same  morning,  having 
been  charged  with  the  delivery  of  the  notice  terminating  the  armistice, 
to  the  IJritish  commandant,  I  cro8.sed  over  from  the  fort  to  dischar|,'e  the 
duties  of  this  mission,  which  I  did  in  a  personal  interview  with  General 
Sheaffe.  Ool.  Van  11.  had  been  vigilant  and  observing  regarding  the 
condition  of  the  enemy. 

M<yor  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Major  Gen.  Brock. 
Sir.  Head-Quarters,  Lewiston,  Sept.  4th,  1812. 

By  the  articles  which  I  had  the  honour  to  conclude  with  Major  Gen. 
Sheaffe  on  the  21st  uit.,  for  the  government  of  the  troops  of  the  United 
States  under  my  command,  and  his  Brittanic  Majesty's  forces  on  this 
frontier,  during  the  temporary  armistice,  it  was,  among  other  things, 
stipulated  that  "  the  parti/  tvho  shall  first  receive  orders  for  the  renewa  of 
hostilities  shall  give  four  days'  notice,  computing  twenty-four  hours  to  each 
day,  before  any  offensive  operation  shall  take  place." 

Having  now  received  orders  to  terminate  the  armistice,  in  conformity 
to  the  above  recited  stipulation,  I  have  the  honour  to  transmit  you  this 
notice,  that  the  armistice  will  be  terminated  at  twelve  o'clock,  at  noon,  on 
Tuesday,  the  eighth  day  of  September,  inst. 

I  have  the  honour,  &o. 
S.  Van  Rensselaer, 

Major  Gen.  Isaac  Brock  or  officer  commanding  Fort  George. 

Major  Oen.  Sheaffe  to  Major  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Sir,  Fort  George,  5th  Sept.,  1812. 

1  have  the  honour  of  receiving  your  communication,  signifying  the  in- 
tention on  the  part  of  the  United  States  of  renewing  hostilities,  after  four 
days  shall  have  elapsed  from  the  period  at  which  the  notice  was  given. 
Thus  declaring  that  the  armistice  shall  terminate  at  twelve  o'clock  at 
noon  on  the  eighth  day  of  this  September. 
I  have  the  honour,  &c. 

R.  H.  Sheaffe,  Maj.  Gen.  H.  B.  M.  forces. 
Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer,  commanding  Frontiers. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer  to  AhraJiam  Van  Vechten. 
My  dear  Sir,  Lewiston,  5th  September,  1812. 

This  Evening  Mr.  Swan  arrived  in  three  days  from  Albany  on  Express 
from  Gen.  Dearborn,  with  Information  that  a  large  body  of  British  Troops 
had  left  Montreal  for  the  opposite  bank  of  this  River  and  Cautioning 
Gen.  V.  R.  to  guard  against  a  Surprise  from  them,  and  if  hard  pressed  to 
make  a  Safe  retreat,  his  caution  against  a  surprise  is  unnecessary,  and  as 
for  a  retreat  we  shall  not  think  of,  until  we  have  tried  some  blustering 
Democrats  who  pretend  to  be  full  of  fighting  and  crossing  the  River,  but 
their  opinioiia  as  to  crossing  no  attention  will  be  paid  to,  until  it  is  proper 


ft 


ve  o'clock  at 


Legacy  op  IIistohioal  Gleanings.  227 

we  Hhonid  come  to  Action,  and  then  they  will  bo  brought  to  a  Close  one 
\Vuli  the  force  winch  arrived  yesterdiy  under  the  Oommuud  of  Lt  Col 
Fonwick  we  have  in  the  aggregate  of  Ilegular  Troops  and  Militia  two 
thousand  two  hunthed  men  Detached  on  a  frontier  of  forty  milefi  from 
Fort  ^flagara  to  Buffalo.  While  the  British  have  opposed  to  us  (besides 
the  force  Dearborn  speaks  of)  from  every  information  we  can  got  and 
from  their  appearance  every  day  in  our  view,  at  least  that  number  of 
Rejjular  Iroops,  with  strong  Batteries  at  every  Crossing  point  to  meet  and 
ot  tl.080  there  are  but  very  few  owing  to  the  extreme  height  of  the  Banks 

In  short  we  are  deficient  in  almost  everything  :  fourlSpounders  two 
twelve-pounders ;  eight  Six's ;  and  two  four's,  are  all  the  Ordnance  we 
have  for  the  defence  of  this  Line ;  two  six's  honey-combed,  some  of  them 
without  bhot  and  six  without  Harness.  Fort  Niagara  not  tenable  (you 
all  suppose  it  impregnable.  Not  so,  it  cannot  be  maintained  15  minutes) 
atidthe  htores  are  now  Removing  with  a  view  to  abandon  it,  and  in  this 
place  Gapt.  Leonard  buried  two  13  Inch  Mortar  and  Six  8i  Inch  Uow- 
itzers  for  the  want  of  Shells.  ^ 

No  Surgical  Instiumetits,  lint,  bandage  or  Hospital  Stores:  no  fora-e 
and  no  Quarter  Master.  Peter  B.  Porter  has  been  only  twice  in  Camp 
since  we  have  been  here,  and  instead  of  gettiiig  the  feast  ready,  is  atter.d- 
ing  to  his  private  affairs ;  ho  is  an  abominable  Scoundrel,  and  I  have  made 
no  Secret  in  telling  his  friends  so.  [This  difficulty  was  all  made  up,  they 
were  good  friends  many  years  before  death.] 

I  have  written  at  least  a  dozen  letters  to  Harriot  without  roceivin.'  a 
hne  from  her  since  I  left  home.  She  certainly  must  bo  ill  or  perhrns 
something  worse  pray  let  me  beg  of  you  to  Remove  the  weight  that  han«3 
on  my  mind  on  her  account,  by  informing  mo  Candidly  and  Explicitly  of 
her  Situation.  The  recollection  of  the  late  overwhelming  event  at  home 
'ear  has  been  too  much  for  her,  remove  my  anxiety  and  put  me  at  rest. 

Flul  8  letter  has  alarmed  me,  and  his  is  the  only  one  I  have  received. 
I  look  with  much  Solicitude  for  the  Mail  on  Monday.  You  must  excuse 
me  for  not  writing  to  you  before;  the  Detail  of  the  Camp,  and  Every 
thing  ,n  Relation  to  the  Troops,  takes  up  all  my  time,  I  have  no  one  to 
assist  me.  Adieu,  present  my  best  respects  to  Mrs.  Van  Vechten  and 
those  who  ask  or  think  about  me.  But  above  all  comfort  my  poor  Harriot 
my  heart  Bleeds  for  her,  and  be  assured  that  in  whatever  situati  >n  I  am 
placed,  1  am  your  affectionate  and  Sincere  friend. 

lion.  Abraham  Van  Vechten,  Esq.,  Albany,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  Van  Hensselaer  to  Iter  Husband. 
My  Dear  Solomon,  Mount  Hope,  Sept.  6th,  1812. 

ihe  enclosed  first  effort  of  a  letter  by  our  dear  boy  Rensselaer,  is  so 
expressive  of  the  child's  feelings,  I  must  copy  it  and  say  as  he  does  "  I 
know  not  what  to  write."  I  am  much  pleased  with  this  first  production 
of  his  pen,  and  had  better  send  it  for  your  gratification. 

bamuel  says,  he  was  well  satisfied  to  stay  at  school  and  that  Rev.  Mr 
wuntington  had  a  great  opinion  of  his  abilities,  which  he  thought  had  not 
b  en  sufficiently  improved,  but  was  sure  that  after  awhile  he  would  be 
wfj.?-  u7''u-  Ho^  cheering  for  a  moment  to  my  poor  afflicted 
neart,  which  has  been  so  excessively  oppressed,  has  had  no  comfort  since 
mat  tiding  hour  when  the  most  awful  of  nil  nyxv  rn«p"  /.oln^jf;.,.  v^e^u 
US,  ana  then  your  departure  with  great  anxiety  on  your  account  gives  an 


228 


Legacy  of  Historical  Qleaninos. 


til 


additional  weight.  The  innumerable  porplexities  in  which  your  absence 
at  this  season  involves  me,  with  t!ie  fiirnj  work,  ciuinot  in  Hpite  of  every 
effort  banish  from  my  mind's  eye,  the  iiwful,  the  (liHtressing  Hi<jht  of  our 
Bweet  little  "  Van,"  when  you  carried  him  from  the  Held  bleeding  nnd 
dying  in  your  Arms  !  Trifles,  as  well  as  objects  around,  continually  ruinind 
me  of  what  he  was,  and  1  am  indeed  mont  wretched  ;  this  is  a  griovouH 
eubject,  but  no  other  can  I  dwell  upon,  or  reflect  on.  It  seenjs  to  harrow 
my  very  Soul,  and  not  till  called  upon  by  the  Great  Original  of  All,  can 
happiness  be  again  my  portion,  it  is  dashed  to  the  earth  here,  but  to  that 
final  hour  I  look  with  confidence  Oh  that  I  could  be  near  ytm  at  the 
present  time.  he  active  scenes  in  which  you  are  engaged,  must  of 
course,  be  some  relief  to  your  depressed  spirits  ;  besides,  the  fortitude  you 
possess,  I  trust,  will  support  you  in  every  situation  ;  and  should  lloaven 
in  Mercy  (at  my  confinement)  remove  me,  enable  you  to  do  your  duty  to 
your  dear  children,  and  soon  reconcile  you  to  a  separation  from  your  most 
miserable  Wife.  Arriet  Van  Kenbbelaer. 

Colonel  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Lewiston. 

Previous  to  the  departure  for  the  frontier,  on  May  29,  a  promising 
youth  of  about  six  years  of  age,  named  Van  Vechten,  son  of  Colonel 
Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  being  in  company  with  an  elder  brother  in  a 
field  near  the  dwelling  house  of  their  father  at  Mount  Hope,  in  the  town 
of  Rethlohem,  was  shot  through  the  head  and  almost  instantly  expired. 
A  shot  was  heard  as  from  a  musket,  and  the  unfortunate  youth  immedi- 
ately fell,  having  received  the  contents  of  the  musket  through  the  ear 
into  the  brain. 

Immediately  after  a  man  was  observed  with  a  musket,  who  in  great 
haste  traversed  the  cleai  field,  and  ran  into  an  adjoining  wood.  It  was 
the  work  of  an  insane  man,  and  that  reckless  act  left  a  sad  void  in  the 
hearts  of  those  loving  parents,  and  in  that  once  happy  home.  This 
seemed  the  climax  to  repeated  trials  very  hard  to  puss  through  without  a 
murmur;  strong  faith  in  Jesus  triumphed  over  all  these  seeming  ills,  and 
neither  of  those  afflicted  parents  ever  flagged  in  the  path  of  duty. 

Major  Lovett  to  Joseph  Alexander. 

Dear  Sir,  Head  Quarters,  Lewiston,  6  Sept.,  1812. 

Having  been  up  nearly  all  night  in  preparing  Dispatches  for  Swan's 
return,  I  have  no  opportunity  to  write  you  anything  more  than  that  we 
are  living  in  dews,  rains  and  cold.  I  have  got  hardened  almost  to  the 
hide,  muscles  and  houghs  of  an  ox,  and  am  in  perfect  health,  the'  our 
tent  lad  kicked  the  Bucket  last  night.  Our  situation  is  becoming,  daily, 
more  and  more  interesting  to  say  the  least  of  it.  I  do  not  know  that  I 
ought,  yet,  to  call  it  critical :  though  I  know  that  some  think  it  so. 
What  may  be  the  views  of  the  Enemy  we  know  not,  they  are  flushed  with 
victory,  and  concentrating  their  forces  very  fast  against  us.  The  Armistice 
will  be  terminated  by  our  notice  at  Noon  on  the  8th  Inst.  To  sum  all 
up  in  one,  I  should  Buy  that  from  present  appearances,  we  must  cither 
fight  or  run,  or  both  in  a  few  days.  This  camp,  which  is  within  half 
point  blank  shot  of  the  enemy,  we  shall  quit  to-morrow  morning,  the 
order  is  given  to  strike  Tents  at  Reveille.  We  shall  not  quit  the  neigh- 
borhood ;  but  seek  a  safer  place.  Things  look  rather  squally  all  around 
just  at  present,  but  it  may  clear  off  again.  There  are  some  precty  strong 
reasons  to  believe  that  lirock  is  preparing  to  Hull  us.     I  don't  know  bUj; 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleaninos.  229 

he  may  but  Albany  blood  runs  pretty  stoudy  yet.  We  have  romovml 
uu.t  o  the  storcH  fun.  Fort  xViaKura,  „„d  arc  throwir!«  up  a  Hattry  o^ 
tlM«  mdo  in  which  wo  mean  to  nluoe  4  Kighteen  PounderH.  ^ 

The  Knemy  are  extondinK  t  icir  works  at  Fort  OeorKO ;  and  I  under- 
jtand  an  the  light  incroaHes,  that  our  soldiers  discover Vuie  new  works 
bu;,'un  last  night  opposite  to  us  here. 

My  General  is  well,  firm   brave,  and  prudent.     Solomon  would  fight  all 
the  w  .lie  ,t  he  could  get  chance.,  and   J  rather  expect  he  wil    so^n  Ve 
enough  ot.t.     Col     I<'enwu,k  with   the  Cannon  and  stores  have  a  Jiv^ed 

£  thY/eTptte/^'"  """  •"  '''  ""^«  ^-^«^'-  '-^^  -^  «otZe 
Glory  to  the  Constitution  and  her  Crow  for  tho  Battle,     f"  The  Friirate 

CaT'HulI  "J  '"^'"'"'^  ""'^  '""^  ^^  '•'"  ^-  ^-  ^'"^^'^^  ConstitSn! 

Did  you  over  live  in  a  Tent?     How  nice,  and  cool  they  are  towards 

We  have  a  curious  old  Quiz  of  a  Chaplain  but  I  remember  this  part  of 
h.9  prayer;  "In  tho  arms  of  faith  and  love  -e  desire  to  boar  betre  thee 

0  God  our  wu^es  and  dear  little  ones  who.i  we  hav.  left  at  home  p  el 
jerve  them,  and  in  thine  own  due  time  restore  us  to  them.  C  if  thou 
bast  determined  in  thy  holy  providence  that  any  of  us  shall  meet  them 
no  more.  ,n  this  world  0  !  may  we  meet  them  above  in  thy  gea  family  " 
Now  this  was  well  said  and  we  all  felt  it.  Don't,  Don't  tbrget  my  W^fe 
and  Children,  nor  sufi-er  them  to  be  lonely.  Keep  their  spirits  un  \t 
was  nght  that  I  came,  it  is  right  that  I  stay.  Wh'en  I  wr  fe  you  a^/ain 
hope  to  give  a  better  account,  moving  a  Camp  is  always  perplex  S- 
robVeT         "^ '"""  ^'''  ^  "°^^^^^'  ^'''''  ^-  -'^«'  o/do'the'rascals 

Mr.  Joseph  Alexander,  Albany.  ^^"^«  JoL'lo'^kx.. 

JoJm  Lovett  to  AhraJiam  Van  VecMen. 
My  Dear  Sir  Head  Quarters,  Lowiston  Sept.  8,  1812 

dav  t  V  ^'ff't'"'  ^f  been  with  General  Wadsworth    ho  whole 

ay  a    Niagara  and  I  have  been  on  the  jump  from  dawn  of  day  to  this 
5  P.  M     Brock  has  returned  from  York  to  Fort  George  and  the  Enemy 

re  certainly  very  active,  but  whether  they  contemplate  defensive  or  oS 
ive  measures  it  is  impossible  to  say.     It  would  seem  that  in  our  situaS 

aS  thosl  U  ""  ''"'  ""'•  ''t  I''  "^'^  *■■•«•"  *''i«  «i^^«  «'"«ng  them, 

ad  those  who  come  over  are  such  Scamps,  no  trust.     We  have  moved 

n.  nut  fi,  fl  n  '^%^\r'  ''  *^  ^'^'^  ^''^-     1"  «»^«^^'  ^he  onemy  hav- 
ing put  Hull  out  of  the  way,  have  it  in  their  power  to  turn  their  whf>l« 

ZSZT--  P^"  Pr  ?"^"«  «'«  patient,Vtriotic  and  ex    edTngt 

1  real  truth   th^'^'^'i';  they  swear  //e  can't  be  bribed,  and  to  toll  /ou 
ZL     w      '    ^",  ^«">^^^«  >8  all  that  saves  us  from  every  sort  of  dis- 

w   can^BuVc  d'  «f  "^''^^^l'  "'^^  '^^'-"'"-d  ^o  act  a^s  no-ir  ^t^ 
s  we  can.     But  God  only  knows  how  wo  shall  come  out,     A  "reat  fever 
^^  com.ng  on,  I  understand,  but  no  pay,  no  shoes,  no  any  thbg': 

afternoon'"  Thlr  ^'w'  ''.  ^^'-^  "  T'*"^  ^'*'^  '^«  Tuscarora  Tribe  this 
n  1?  w  ^  Armistice  terminated  at  12  o'clock,  and  no  movement  is 
•"ade.     We  are  all  well,  Don't  be  alarmed.     Wo  shall  never  d^^'race  oul- 


280 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


selves,  Albany  or  our  Country.     Don't  let  my  Wife  get  alarmed,  I  shall 
eat  my  New  Year's  Dinner  with  her  if  she  is  not  starved  out. 

Yours  truly, 
Abraham  Van  Vechten,  Esq.,  Albany.  John  Lovett. 

Hon.  AbraJiam  Va7i  Vechten  to  Solomon  Van  Eensscl  T,er. 
Dear  Sir,  Albany  Septembtr  10, 1812. 

I  saw  Harriet  on  Sunday.  She  &  Adaline  dined  with  us.  Sanders 
Bays  the  Family  are  all  in  good  health.  Harriet  will  write  you.  The 
depression  of  her  Spirits  is  not  removed,  tho'  I  trust  considerably  allevi- 
ated. Her  fortitude  does  not  fail  her,  and  her  avocations  occupy  every 
moment  of  her  time.  She  wishes  you  to  send  me  a  line  for  Rensselaer. 
Your  Situation  is  I  fear  critical.  At  least  so  we  apprehend  here.  But 
it  is  attributed  to  the  true  cause,  and  the  result,  if  disastrous,  will  be  charged 
to  the  acct.  of  those  who  ought  to  answer  for  it.  Remember  my  Friend 
that  the  honor  of  a  Soldier  is  not  to  be  maintained  in  battle  only.  Sound 
discretion  is  an  essential  part  of  true  valor;  when  more  real  good  is  to  be 
attained  by  a  timely  &  safe  retreat  than  by  fighting  every  consideration  of 
military  duty  requires  that  the  former  course  should  be  adopted.  Beware 
of  being  HuU'd  is  the  admonition  of  all  your  Friends,  but  I  add,  do  net 
forget  that  an  unequal  &  disadvantageous  conflict  may  involve  equal  dis- 
grace, because  it  may  draw  upon  you  the  imputation  of  rashness.  Should 
it  eventuate  in  a  severe  defeat  the  consequences  'ill  be  more  extensively 
calamitous.  Your  troops  want  every  thing,  except  I  hope  personal  Cour- 
age, to  cope  with  the  force  amassing  against  you  want  of  discipline  will 
make  a  defeat  dreadful,  because  it  cuts  oiF  every  hope  of  rallying.  We 
hope  no  news  beyond  what  the  papers  which  the  bearer  takes  and  my  letters 
to  Lovett  contain.     Yours  Sincerely. 


Col.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Head  Quarters  Lewiston. 

Capt.  1.  Whistler  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  General,  Presque  Isle  11th  Sept.,  1812. 

On  the  8th  inst.  I  arrived  at  this  place  with  my  family,  myself  in  a 
bad  state  of  health,  at  present  I  feel  much  better  and  tomorrow  shall  pro- 
ceed on  my  journey  for  Pittsburgh.  Please  accept  of  my  warmest  thanks 
for  the  civilities  I  have  received  from  you.  On  my  arrival  at  Black  Reck 
I  made  application  to  Genl.  Porter  for  a  waggon  j  he  made  every  effort 
to  procure  me  one  but  failed.  He  then  sent  the  same  one  you  sent  with 
me;  and  I  must  confess  the  driver  is  the  best  man  I  had  ever  known  in 
the  public  service,  a  human  man,  he  treated  my  family  with  every  attention, 
he  left  here  on  his  return  on  the  ninth.  This  moment  I  have  seen  a  letter 
from  Genl.  Wadsworth  jf  the  State  of  Ohio  to  Genl.  Keler  of  this  Post, 
in  which  he  mentioned  the  capture  of  Fort  Dearborn  at  Chigkaga,  and 
nearly  all  the  Garrison  put  to  the  sword,  and  the  enemy  are  now  erecting 
a  Garrison  at  the  rapids  of  the  Miamy,  and  a  large  Force  of  Indians  are 
on  their  way  against  Fort  Wayne  and  Vincennes  in  great  expectation  ot 
success. 

The  enemy  have  left  four  of  the  24  Pounders  at  Maiden  ;  the  other  5 
24  pounders  they  have  shipped  to  Fort  George  this  is  all  the  News  I  have 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  231 

at  present  to  communicate,  the  latter  I  expect  you  ou^ht  to  be  made  ac 
qua.nted  w.th.     I  tluuk  from  the  large  body  of"  Indiana  wWc    have  Ue 

to  ttit  oojonel  an.  all  the  Gentlemen  of  your  Army  &  believe  me  &c  &c. 

n    .  -iTT-i  •   ,  ^-  Whistler. 

Capt.  Whistler  was  an  old  revolutionary  officer,   was  taken  with  fipn 
Hull,  paroled   landed  with  wife  and  six  children  at'Porfc  Niagara      Gen  v' 
R^entapubhc  wagon  w.th  him  to  Black  Rock  he  was  bound  for  Pitrs: 

M  ^'IJ^^l^'''''''''''' '"  (^^^^ralLevns- Gloomy  State  of  Affairs  at  L<nmtm. 
'V    '    't""'      d  II  ,  Head  Quarters  Sent  11    1812 

»f  ff^-  'ir  ^""7 r™f<:3  I  »»  -"-ite  with  Oonfidon.^  0,  ha  stte 
«fa«airamth„  quarter,  and  if  jou  thi„li  the  Interest  of  the  Service  „S 
be  promoted  bj,  a  d.aolosure  of  my  oame,  jou  ore  at  liberty  to  mX  anv 

SfsLTacte  tt?o:,V°"°°''°'-"=  "  '""^  ^"'  -  '^  '^'  I 

and  thu  Country,  that  in  the  former  it  is  only  wui-pered  but  n  th/r  «ff/ 
It  .s  openly  said  that  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  I  a  tra^  r  to  hi  Country  nd 
h  Surrer^er  of  the  Army  when  it  crosses  the  River  is  the  price  of  his 
In  aaiy.  Honcstand  Honorable  mea  must  regret  thisdepravitv  in  hlar! 
nature;  those  scoundrels  know  better  and  vou  -in.!  I  Cr ?i,  . 
Honest  man  does  not  exist;  and  oueXLf  the  Interes   of  hb  Oou^;: 

t  on,  Which  Gen.  V   R.  as  well  as  myself  would  regret  to  forego  if  Necesifv 

Ihe  whole  efiective  force  of  Militia  including  Officers  vou  w  M  fin.1  I 
tl'e  wthm  return  amounts  to  1633  fit  for  duty  ^  We  are  f.^w^n   nf    .       \ 

Pi-iua,..  ,J  contrary  to  the  opinion  of  Col.   Fen  wick   wl.on    li«   fi    f 

"^  oa  the  tlird  ,„or  J^i.Xi  ptnta  '^d  "a'Ci'l^ jl.r  "S 


|i 


I 


f» 


282 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


battery  Commands  Fort  George  and  four  Batteries  in  its  vicinity;  and  if 
a  parapet  of  earth  well  rammed,  ou  the  inside  of  the  two  and  half  feet  stone 
wall  was  thrown  up,  it  might  bid  defiance  to  the  enemy,  but  unfortunately 
Col.  Fenwick  and  Capt.  Leonard  are  too  much  addicted  to  liquor  to  attend 
to  this  duty  as  they  should,  and  if  they  were  removed  from  this  Command, 
it  would  give  rise  to  much  greater  dissensions.  Besides  we  have  no  one 
as  fit  for  this  all  important  service  as  Col.  Fenwick,  if  he  was  at  all  times 
himself.  Last  Tuesday  at  12  o'clock  the  Armistice  ceased,  on  which,  we 
supposed  that  the  enemy  would  open  their  Batteries  of  at  least  fifty  pieces 
on  our  lines.  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  continued  here  in  order  to  move  the 
Troops  to  any  point  that  might  be  attacked,  while  I  went  to  the  Garrison 
below.  I  found  on  my  arrival  all  in  confusion.  1  immediately  ordered  a 
strong  detachment  to  clear  a  Battery  in  the  Stone  house,  while  others  were 
dismounting  the  two  twelves  and  a  Howitzer,  and  getting  them  on  the 
platform,  to  the  Command  of  which  Capt.  Leonard's  Company  was  assigned. 
The  two  ^lock  houses,  in  each  of  which  are  Six  pounders,  Capt.  McKeon's 
Company  was  to  Defend.  All  this  was  accomplished  by  twelve,  at  that 
hour  our  works,  as  well  as  the  British,  were  manned,  the  Matches  burn- 
ing and  I  expected  every  moment  to  see  the  Rafters  of  the  old  mess-house 
knocked  about  my  head,  but  I  was  disappointed  and  we  have  been  ever 
since  in  peace  and  preparing,  with  little  trouble  to  make  it  as  strong  as  anj 
work  can  be,  and  ready  for  action      I  inclose  the  last  Buffalo  paper. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  Respectfully  Yours, 
Major  Gen.  Morgan  Lewis.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Major  CuyUr  to  Col.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

My  Dear  Sir,  Buffalo  16th  Sept,  1812. 

I  enclose  you  a  return  of  the  Ordnance,  &c.  at  Buffalo  agreeabb  to 
Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer's  request  by  Lt.  Gansevoortj  immediately 
on  the  receipt  of  which,  I  waited  on  Genl.  Porter  and  requested  a  return 
from  him  of  the  Ordnance  at  the  Rock,  Equipage,  fixed  &  unfixed  am- 
munition which  he  promised  to  make  me  last  night ;  failing  so  to  do,  I 
this  morning  addressed  a  Note  to  him  &  sent  my  Servant,  who  finding  he 
had  left  the  Rock  for  Lewiston,  rode  on  &  overtook  him  k  delv'd  my  note. 
I  have  not  been  furnished  with  a  Return  from  him.  I  beg  you  to  assure 
Genl.  Van  Rensselaer,  that  as  speedily  as  possible  after  I  am  furnished 
with  an  account  of  what  was  required,  I  shall  lose  no  time  in  making  a 
Return  to  him.  Lt.  Gausevoort  will  inform  you  of  some  alarms  we  have 
had ;  my  General  will  communicate  to  yours.  We  send  you  three  Pri- 
soners from  the  Queen  Charlotte  who  we  have  reason  to  expect  have  come 
over  with  improper  views.  Lt.  Gansevoort  has  charge  of  them,  &  will  of 
course  take  them  to  Head  Quarters.  In  allthimjs  depend  upon  my  most 
prompt  and  cordial  Co-operation,  I  am  not  yet  enabled  to  make  a  return 
of  the  force  at  the  Rock  &  this  place  owing  to  the  irregularity  of  Returns 
made  to  me  which  I  am  endeavouring  to  correct  as  speedily  as  possible, 
It  shall  be  made  as  soon  as  possible.  Yourobedt.  Servt. 

Col.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 


Legacy  of  His/jrical  Gleanings. 


233 


Oen.  Brock  to  Oen.  Van  Renmlaer. 
S'""-  Head  Quarters,  Port  George  16th  Sept.  1812 

I  have  the  honor  to  tmnsm.t  an  Extract  ■  of  a  leUer  which  I  have  this 
mornmg  rece.ved  from  Captain  Dyson  of  the  United  States  Regimen   of 
Art.  lery.     1  he  Prisoners  of  War  under  his  charge  are  in  such  T  deplora 
lie  state  for  want  of  clothing,  that  I  am  led  to  hope  no  difficulVwUl  be 

aT£"p?o;':rr'""' '""  '"^  ""'''-'^ '''  '^^~'^^  ^'^^^  --^^- 

The  number  of  Women  and  Children  who  have  accompanied  the  Detach- 
inentfrom  Detroit  is  so  great  that  it  will  be  necessar/to  land  them  oa 
the  opposite  shore,  where  they  cannot  fail  meeting  with  that  protection 
and  support  their  distressed  si^tuation  requires,  but  which  exiStcr. 
cumstauces  prevent  being  afforded  to  them  on  this  side. 

At  ■     n         n-     I  have  the  honor  &c.,  With  the  highest  resnect 
31ajor  General  I' an  Rensselaer.  ^         respect, 

Extract  of  a  Letter  from  Gen.  Van  Renmlaer  to  Qen.  Dearborn. 

m,      •,     ,•        p        ,.    ,^®"^  Quarters,  Lewlston,  17th  Sept.,  1812 
The  situation  of  my  httle  army  is  becoming  every  day  more  and  more 
interesting,  and  I  believe  existing  circumstances  would  fully  warran^^me 
in  saying  criucaL     As  soon  as  our  operations  at  and  near  Fort  Nblam 
ind  euted  a  disposition  to  maintain  the  garrison,  the  enemy  becamX- 
eeed.ngly  active.     Now  works  were  thrown  up,  ;nd  old  one^s  morfied  to 
meet  us  a  every  point.     Their  works  appear  now  to  be  all  completed  and 
they  are  daily  receiving  very  considerable  reinforcements  ofT  n      '£ 
evening    he  Royal  George  arrived  at  Fort  George,  with  about  two  hun 
dredart.lleriss.     About  one  hundred  boats,  loaded  with  stores  for  Z 
Iritish  army  in  Upper  Canada,  have  lately  passed  up  the  St  Law?  nee 
Two  regiments  of  troops  are  also  on  their  way  up    and  T  am  ,-n,ll!rf 
believe  that  those  latel^;  arrived  at  Fort  GlYg^'kre  detacLents  tm 
ose  regiments.     The  information  which  you  h^d  received   nuSll'^ 
of  the  enemy  s  reinforcements  and  destination,  was  undoubtedly  correct 
Iroopsareaho  coming  down  from   Fort  Maiden  to  Fort  Erie      Indeed 
there  can  be  no  poss  ble  doubt,  that  the  enemy  are  very  actTv  1  enS  d 
in  concen  rating  their  forces  to  act  in  this  vicinity.     When  the  'c^ne  of 
action  will  open   I  know  not;  it  probably  cannot  be  far  distant      Such 
movenieats  of  t^ic  enemy  have  been  observed  for  three  or  four  davs  nast 

Un^he  Uth  instant,  boats  were  engaged  in  putting  a  considerable  de- 

A  wave  the  uouor  to  bc3  &c.  &c. 

Saml.  T.  Dyson, 

Capt.  U.  fcS.  Keg.  Arti). 

30 


ill  I 


234 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


way 


tachment  of  troops  on  board  a  ship,  which,  at  evening,  got  under 
from  Fort  George  and  stood  out  into  lake  Ontario. 

It  was  apprehended  that  these  troops  were,  that  night,  to  be  landed  on 
the  south  side  of  the  lake,  in  the  rear  of  our  guards.  The  night  before 
last,  the  enemy  moved  some  boats  from  the  landing  at  Queenstown,  down 
the  river.  This  excited  alarm,  and  late  last  niyht  a  rumour  ran  throu"h 
the  camp,  that  tlie  garrison  was  actually  summoned  to  surrender.  I  only  men- 
tion these  things  to  show  you  what  apprehensions  prevail.  Should  the  enemy 
attack,  I  have  every  reason  to  believe  we  shall  be  very  severely  pressed- 
but  so  serious  will  be  the  consequences  of  any  retrograde  movement  or  a 
total  abandonment  of  Fort  Niagara,  that,  upon  mature  consideration  of  all 
circumstances,  1  have  determined  to  hold,  if  possible,  my  present  position 
and  dispute  every  inch  of  ground.  My  force  bears  no  proportion  to  the 
duties  required ;  besides,  the  discipline  of  the  troops  is  not  such  as  to 
warrant  perfect  reliance,  and  many  of  our  arms  are  not  fit  for  action. 
These  are  considerations  which  you,  sir,  and  my  fellow  citizens  will  do  me 
the  justice  to  bear  in  mind,  whatever  result  may  happen. 

For  the  application  of  the  means  entrusted  to  me,  1  hope  I  shall  be  able 
to  justify  myself  to  my  country.  My  greatest  fear  is,  that  the  troops 
destined  to  reinforce  me,  will  not  join  me  in  season.  In  every  calculation 
heretofore  made  upon  my  reinforcements,  both  as  to  time  and  stren"th  I 
have  been  disappointed.  Col.  Bloom's  regiment,  which  was  reported  to 
me  before  its  arrival,  for  seven  hundred,  is  but  little  more  than  four  bun- 
dred.  I  am  erecting  a  store-house  and  magazine  upon  the  high  grounds 
in  the  rear  of  my  camp ;  but  for  want  of  teams,  tools,  and  nails,  the 
work  proceeds  but  slowly  ;  we  build  with  logs,  and  rive  our  shingles  from 
bolts  of  oak.  It  is  with  extreme  difficulty  we  can  procure  teams  upon  any 
emergency.  The  horses  of  the  cavalry  and  flying  artillery  are  badly  sup. 
plied  with  hay,  and  as  for  grain  they  are  almost  entirely  destitute.  I  have 
completed  the  road  through  the  woods,  from  my  camp  to  the  garrison. 
Amidst  all  our  difficulties,  this  is  the  most  cheering  day  for  the  troops 
which  I  have  witnessed,  their  clamor  for  pay  has  been  high  and  incessant. 
I  felt  many  of  its  bad  consequences,  and  apprehend  still  greater,  but  as- 
surances now  received  that  their  pay  is  near  seems  to  elate  them. 

By  the  Beturn  of  Ordnance  which  I  yesterday  received  from  Fort 
Niagara  I  discover  that  our  two  Mortars  are  10  J  inches,  instead  of  ISjas 
Capt.  Leonard's  Memorandum  to  me  states  them,  the  Sbells  will  be  cal- 
culated accordingly.  I  have  enclosed  a  copy  of  a  letter  which  I  last  night 
received  from  General  Hull.  On  the  same  subject  I  yesterday  received  a 
communication  from  General  Brock,  covering  an  Extract  of  a  letter  from 
Capt.  Dyson  of  the  United  States  Begiment  of  Artillery  to  him,  and  I 
this  morning  sent  Col.  Van  llensselaer  to  Fort  George  when  hehadaa 
interview  with  Capt.  Dysor's  and  such  arrangements  have  been  made  that 
Capt.  Dyson's  Company  will  this  day  receive  their  clothing  from  Fort 
Niagara:  the  other  Companies,  in  Quebec,  I  learn  from  General  Brock's 
letter,  are  in  great  distress  for  want  of  clothing. 

1  have  the  Honor,  &c, 

Major  General  Dearborn. 

"  And,  to  cheer  up  our  hearts,  we  have  picked  up  a  Birch  Bark,  on 
wliich  is  written  a  Notice  from  the  Soldiers  to  the  (Officers  of  this  little 
army  that  unless  they  were  paid,  they  would  absolutely  quit  the  field  in  8 
days  from  that  time." 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


235 


Col.  Fenwick  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

^'v    ,    A       e,  ^  Fort  Niagara,  Sept.  18,  1812 

Yesterday  af^rnoon  was  Sent  over  in  a  Flag  eleven' Women  and  nine - 

Sris?     s"Tnf  n';  ^T'r  ''  -/i«tr««Bi"^'  one,  there  is  also  a  Fife   of 
he  1st  US.  Infantry  he  brings  from  Gen  Brock  no  Pass  or  Certificate 
I  know  not  in  what  light  to  view  them.    I  beg  your  Instructions  resneot' 
ing  these  People  I  don't  think   it  prudent  t^^o'leave  them  here.     C 
order  revoking  the  Sentence  upon  the  two  unfortunate   Criminals  has 
been  earned  ^o  Effect  the  Scene  was  affecting,  and  I  flatter  myse  f  ml 
be  attended  with  Benebc.al  Consequences.    Nonoccurrence  of  Moment  ha 
happened  Since  I  last  wrote  you.     I  beg  you  to  order  a  General  Court 
Martial,  we  have  four  or  five  deserters.  v^^ueim  ^^ourc 

Accept  Sir,  the  assurance  of  my  Esteem  and  Consideration. 
Major  Genl.  Van  Rensselaer.  John  11.  Fenwick,  L.  Col. 

The  two  criminals  mentioned  above  were  deserters,  and  havin-  been 
found  guilty  by  the  coui-t  martial,  were  sentenced  to  be  "shot  to'death 
on  the  grand  parade  at  Fort  Niagara  on  Friday  the  eighteenth  instant 
a  ten  o  clock  in  the  forenoon  of  that  day.  On'  this  solemn  occasion  aH 
he  Troops  not  on  duty  will  be  drawn  up  to  witness  the  execution.  And 
the  major  general  hopes  that  this  awful  example  will  be  a  warnin^t  to 
ot  ers  and  in  future  prevent  desertions  from  that  service  to  wTch  tie  ? 
oaths  if  not  their  love  of  country  should  bind  them  " 

A  petition  for  the  pardon  of  Reuben  Schuyler  and  Thomas  Moore 
sentenced  by  the  general  order  of  the  9th  instant  was  sent  tothe  mS 
genera  by  the  ''officers  of  the  United  States  army  at  Fort  Nia^ara^'  ''to 
aStrrcy'^^""^"^'^^^  «^"-^^  -^  *«  -— ^  thfras  fi^ 

General  Orders. 

Al.inrPn       ^^T     T,        ^Je^*^  Quarters,  Lewiston  17th  Sept.,  1812. 

.  Jnit  SriT'";^'"T^f  •■  ''''^''  '^'  ^^"^^■^''^  «f  death  pronounced 
Canta  n  [ !  f"'^'^'^^^.  Thomas  Moore,  by  the  Court  Martial  whereof 
Captain  Leonard  was  President,  and  by  General   Orders  of  the  Ninth 

This  act  of  clemency  of  the  Major  General,  la  declaring  the  full  ind 

bsolute  pardon  of  those  unfortunate  men,  it  i    hoped  will  make  a  lastiS^ 

2~  on  the  r  future  conduct  in  life  and  that  they  wilLstill  si  ewEv 

iK°fh^'''p  "''  '^''''}''  '''  ^'''^'y  «f  ^  lif«  -hich  th  y      d  foT. 

Kr^    ct'of^^f  ^-'".f  ''r-  ^'i-     ^-^^  ^''  ''  -^  be  presu'med  that 
Tk   !/     of  lenity  in  the  Major  General  will  be  extended  to  others- 

The  Prisoners  will  be  released  and  return  to  their  duty. 

By  Order  of  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer, 

Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Aid  de  Camp. 

poned  with  fus';;."5  ^T:''^  ^'"  ^?f  ^^'^^^  "^  '^'''  occarrences  com- 
0x111',,-'"''^  ^""^  humanity.  He  was  well  aware  that  such  terrible 
3      r.,!^f";\f,^'^^^^X  '\'^^  -^'!  regulated  armies  and  from 


to  the  "ood  of  tho:  n 


''f»t  answer,  often,  to  impede  pun'ishmont 


crvice,^  in  which  they  were  ougao-ed 


it  would 


236 


Legacy  of  Historical  n^^.EANiNGS. 


■ 


Major  General  Van  Rensselaer  to  Ids  Excellency  Gov.  Tompkins. 
Sir,  Head  Quarters,  Leniston,  17th  Sept.,  1812. 

I  have  the  honour  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  packet  by  Major 
Noon,  who  arrived  in  camp  last  evening.  The  duties  of  the  day  are  too 
pressing  to  allow  me  the  leisure  I  could  wish,  to  answer  your  letter  pnr- 
ticularly.  I  must,  therefore,  beg  leave  to  refer  your  Excellency  to  my 
despatch  of  this  date  to  Major  General  Dearborn.  I  cannot,  however 
but  express  the  satisfaction  I  feel  at  the  approbation,  which  my  conduct 
thus  far  in  the  campaign  has  received.  To  perform  my  duty,  arduous  as 
it  is,  is  comparatively  easy,  but  to  determine  what  my  duty  is,  in  a  wide 
field  for  action,  where  everything  is  unshaped  and  uncertain,  is  often  a 
task  of  no  small  difficulty  ;  I  am  conscious  to  myself  that  I  have  studied 
it  faithfully,  and  performed  to  the  best  of  my  ability.  My  situation  is 
growing  every  hour  more  interesting,  perhaps  critical.  The  particulars 
you  will  find  in  my  letter  to  Gen.  Dearborn  ;  but  with  my  little  force  I 
shall  certainly  attempt  to  hold  my  position,  with  full  reliance  upon  your 
Excellency's  assurances,  that  every  efl'ort  will  be  made  to  support  me, 
A  retrograde  movemeut  of  this  arm>/  npon  the  hack  of  that  disaster  which 
has  befallen  the  one  at  Detroit,  icould  stamp  a  stigma  ujion  the  national 
character  which  time  coidd  never  wipe  aioay.  I  shall  therefore  try  to  hold 
out  against  superior  force  and  every  disadvantage,  until  I  shall  be  rein- 
forced. I  am  happy  to  learn  that  the  money  to  pay  off  the  troops  is  at 
hand.  The  information  cheers  our  ^^amp.  I  announced  it  in  orders  this 
morning  ;  I  hope  they  will  soon  realize  their  expectations,  for  in  truth 
their  wants  are  many.  I  have  the  honour,  &c. 

His  Excellency  Governor  Tompkins. 

Major  Lovctt  to  Joseph  Alexander. 

Dear  Alexander,  Head  Quarters,  Lewiston,  22d  Sept.,  1812. 

I  have  lately  received  two  letters  from  you,  and  thank  you  kindly  for 
them  :  in  our  situation,  letters  from  friends,  come  like  the  cooling  stream 
to  a  famishing  Pilgrim  in  a  desert  of  sand.  General  Van  Rensselaer  is 
well  aware  of  the  critical  situation  he  is  in  :  it  has  been  announced  to  him 
from  all  quarters;  from  the  highest  to  the  lowest  authority:  he  sees  it, 
feels  it  every  hour.  But,  after  all,  having  taken  into  consideration  the 
incalculable  consequences  which  must  result  from  falling  back  from  his 
present  position,  he  has  determined  to  risk  events.  In  the  last  general 
deliberation  which  was  had  upon  the  subject,  he  sat  and  heard  all  that  was 
said,  then  rising  up  he  said  "  No,  what  loiU  the  world  think  ice  are  made 
of?  No  :  I'll  DIE  before  I'll  quit  this  (jround,  and  there's  no  more  to  k 
said  about  it."  And  there  has  been  no  more  said  about  it.  The  enemy 
appear  to  be  in  a  state  of  preparedness  to  give,  or  receive  an  attack. 
Every  day  or  two  they  make  some  movement  which  indicates  dispositions 
to  attack  us  immediately.  Night  before  last  every  ship  they  have  on  Lake 
Ontario  came  into  the  mouth  of  Niagara  River,  then,  to  be  sure,  we 
thought  it  time  to  look  out  for  breakers.  But  yesterday  when  Col.  Van 
Rensselaer  went  over  with  a  Flag  to  Fort  George,  there  was  not  a  Ship 
in  sight,  nor  a  General  Officer  there,  where  gone,  we  know  not.  Not- 
withtitanding  the  most  positive  orders  un  both  sides,  our  Sentinels  have 
kept  up  almost  a  constant  warfare  for  a  month  past.  Ou  the  Bank  of  the 
River  Musket  Balls  are  about  as  thick  as  Whippowills  in  a  summer's 
evening.     A  wretch  tired  the  othei'  evening,  at  Judge  Barten  and  niyselt 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  237 

as  we  wore  settinj;  upon  our  horses  on  the  bank  the  shot  came  in  a  cor- 
rect hno  but  fell  30  rods  short,  in  the  Ri  v,;r.  Last  Saturday  mornin-'  one 
ol'  our  lads  returned  the  Compliment :  and  put  his  ball  so  quick  th'^-o'  a 
lad's  head  un  the  other  side  that  he  fell  dead  without  even  winkine  Over 
came  Lieut.  Col.  Myers  with  whom  I  had  the  honor  of  an  hour's  confe- 
rence on  the  bank,  both  talked  it  largely  uuJ  returned  good  i,  'lows  In 
short  we  are  all  fire  and  powder  on  both  sides  the  lliver,  and  every  day 
that  passes  without  blood  seems  to  iie  m  .o  and  more  strange.  We  have 
made  the  best  possible  dispositions  of  the  force  we  have  to  meet  an  attack 
if  )t  comes,  I  am  very  certain  there  will  he  some  old  fashioned  fi.rhtin-' 
we  can  t  help  it ;  for  in  truth,  we  can't  run  mva>/  vfhhontjiffhtmquud  "l 
beheve  this  is  the  best  way  to  post  an  army  of  raw  Troops.  It  is  now 
about  eleven  days  we  have  lain  in  this  situation.  It  has  become  as  much 
a  matter  of  course  to  fix  my  papers  and  prime  my  Pistols  when  I  go  to 
bed,  as  it  is  to  pull  off  my  Roots. 

Aud  after  all,  T  annot  tell  whether  they  tciU  attack  us  or  not-  but  if 
they  do  not  they  iue  certa.iily  governod  by  some  considerations  of  policy 
which  they  may  consider  of  more  importance  than  cutting  up  a  little  2  000 
Army.  Time  must  det  mine.  We  are  promised  reinforcements  by  com- 
panies, Battalions,  Regiments,  Brigades,  and  I  might  almost  say  Armies  • 
but  not  a  single  v  m  has  joined  us  in  some  weeks.  Besides,  our  men 
here  are  getting  down  very  fast  within  liirce  or  four  days.  This  mornin" 
Report  of  Sick  was  149.  Wo  have  lately  had  the  most  tremendous  storm 
of  cold  rains  and  wind  that  i  ever  saw  at  this  season  of  the  year  it  was 
eno'  to  make  an  Ox  quake.  The  wind  was  terrible,  hail,  li.'h'tenin.' 
thunder  and  the  whole  array  of  terrors  seemed  pressed  into  requisition' 
Many  tents  blew  up  and  over;  the  Generals  Marquee  was  deluded  bed 
and  all  drenched.  My  Tent  hooks  gave  away ;  I  jumped  out  of  my 
Blanket,  in  quick  time,  t(  iive  my  Papers,  stood  in  my  shirt-tail  for  half 
an  hour,  holding  the  sides  together,  until  I  had  not  a  dry  thread  to  bra" 
of;  and  when  I  went  to  my  Blankets,  they  were  as  wet  us  myself  how^ 
ever,  I  made  the  best  of  them  thro'  the  night.  0,  the  glorious  life  and 
the  innumerable  comforts  of  Soldiers  !  ' 

Give  Mrs.  Lovett  the  enclosed,  it  contains  an  impression  of  General 
Brock's  Seal,  with  his  most  appropriate  Motto,  " //e  tvho  c/uards,  never 
iileeps."  The  Campaign  will  wind  up  with  some  very  interesting  occur- 
rences I  think,  I  begin  to  see  how  the  crisis  is  forming.  We  shall  invade 
C««(u/«.  Come  what  may  you  may  be  assured  we  shall  not  disgrace 
Albany.  Do  write  often.  1  entirely  agree  in  opinion  with  Gen  V  R 
who  on  reading  your  last  letter  made  this  observation  "  He  writes  more 
like  a  Gentleman  than  any  of  them  "  and  added  "  I  had  no  idea  he  was 
such  a  man  !"  there's  for  ye  :  and  no  man  knows  better,  or  more  hi'^hiy 
appreciates  the  character  of  u  true  bred  Gentleman  than  that  same  General 
I  had  no  idea  of  his  perfect  finish  in  Etiquette. 

I  am  your  friend, 

John  Lovett. 


I 


288 


Lbqaoy  of  Historical  Gleaninqs. 


i\fi 


CHAPTER  XI. 

Battle  on  Quebnston  Heights. 

Cd.  Marinus  Willett  to  Maj.  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

I>ear  Sir,  New  York,  25th  Sept.,  181?. 

I  should  before  this  have  offered  my  services  to  you,  had  I  not  been 
apprehensive  that  the  infirujities  of  age,  which  cause  me  to  fear  I  mi"ht 
be  burdensome,  prevented  me;  but  tho'  I  cannot  enjoy  that  satisfaction  I 
trust  you  will  not  be  displeased  with  my  addressing  you  with  a  few  ob- 
servations on  the  subject  of  Indian  warfare.     In  the  summer  of  the  year 
1763,  soon  after  the  disbanding  of  the  army,  General  Washington  visited 
the  frontiers  of  our  State  :  on  this  occasion  I  accompanied  him  ;  and  as 
we  were  traveling  along  the  Mohawk  River,  the  devastations  that  had 
taken  place  there  introduced  the  subject  of  Indian  Warfare.     I  signified 
to  the  General  my  disapproval  of  the  Virginia  mode  of  fighting  Indians 
by  the  men  taking  to  trees,  and  fighting  the  Indians  in  their  own  way, 
which  would  continue  for  a  number  of  hours,  with  no  great  advantage 
on  either  side.     It  was  remarked  that  the  Indians,  who  were  generally 
furious  in  their  onset,  depended  much  on  the  noise  of  th<iir  Yells  to  strike 
a  terror  which  not  unfrequent,  had  the  intended  effect  and  caused  their 
enemy  to  run,  when  they  usually  made  great  havock.     In  their  mode  of 
fighting  they  extend  their  line  to  great  lengths,  and  endeavour  to  surround 
their  foes :  the  noise,  which  by  this  means  appears  from  ditferant  quarters, 
generally  occasions  surprise,  and  sometimes  terror  j  either  of  which  is  easily 
prevented  :  a  vigilant  and  smart  officer  can  effect  it  in  an  instant.     He  is 
with  rapidity  to  place  himself  conspicuously  in  front:  off  with  his  hat, 
wave  it  round  his  head,  and  order  his  men  to  rush  among  the  Indians  with 
loud  and  repeated  huzzas.     The  Indians,  who  have  no  compactness  to  op- 
pose to  such  force,  and  losing  the  noise  of  their  yells,  by  the  superior 
noise  of  the  huzzas,  are  sure  to  set  running;  wh-^n,  by  having  some  good 
marksmen,  you  may  hit  some  of  them  ;  But  tho'  ;  never  found  it  diificuit 
to  drive  them,  I  could  not  kill  many  ;  for  it  is  not  often  that  a  fair  shot 
can  be  hud  at  them.     They  will,  however,  after  having  been  driven  from 
one  position,  generally,  take  another;  and  tho'  they  may  not  pursue  the 
same  course  they  did  in  their  first  onset,  by  commencing  a  fresh  fire  at 
considerable  distance,  thev  will  be  constantly  taking  off  men,  unless  the 
same  mode  of  driving  thtiii  is  pursued. 

I  have  been  fighting  Indians  when  they  were  vastly  superior  to  me  in 
numbers ;  and  have  been  obliged  to  pursue  this  mode  of  driving  them 
from  one  position  to  another  for  four  or  five  miles.  I  always  found  them 
dexterous  in  taking  positions,  but  experienced  little  difficulty  in  driving 
them.  The  officer  who  commands  the  troops  engaged  with  Indians,  must 
t,  active  and  brave;  and  it  is  proper  always  to  have  covering 
parties,  under  the  direction  of  a  steady,  firm  man  :  but  the  officer  who 

of  fire  ;  every 

There  is  nothing 

can  discover  greater  weakness,  or  folly  than  to  run  from  ludians :  it  is 


be  smart,  active  and  brave;  and  it  is  proper  always 

indcr  the  direction  of  a  steac' 
leads  the  troops  to  attack  ought  to  po.ssess  a  great  deal 
thing  depends  on  his  activity,  vigilance  and  courage.     ''^ 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  289 

almost  certain  death  :  but  to  face,  and  run  in  upon  them  is  the  sure  means 
0  l.eat,n.^und  overcoming  them  :  for,  the'  they  have  agility  and  dexreritv 
they  are  by  no  mean«  equa  n  strength  to  our  soldiers.^  But  it  L  no^' 
my  dear  S.r,  .n  fighting  Indians,  only,  that  I  have  experienced  the  ad- 
vantage of  a  bold  charge  upon  the  enemy.  I  have  tried  it,  severa  times 
will  British  troops,  as  well  as  with  Indians;  and  it  uniformly  succeeded 
Soldiers  must  be  taught  to  look  their  enemies  in  the  face,  They  shou  d  be 
brought  into  action  as  often  as  possible.  Soldiers  must  be  taught  to 
fight  a  few  good  officers  can  do  a  great  deal,  the  road  to  danger  is  the 
road  0  honor  for  a  soldier.  It  is  important  that  such  ideas  as^Jhe'e  be 
instiled  into  young  officers,  as  well  as  the  necessity  of  their  beine  re- 
conciled  to  fatigue,  and  deprivations.  ^ 

That  you  may  go  on   in  a  course  of  glory  to  yourself,  and  advantajre  to 
vour  country  is  the  ardent  wish  of  "uvaniage  to 

Af  •     n  1  Tr      T,      ^^,^^  ^"'  ^<^"''  ^^'■y  obedient  Servant 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer.  M.  Willett  Lt.  Col. 

'■Colonel  Willett  joined  the  army  under  Abercromhie  as  a  lieutenant  in 
1758^  He  was  in  the  disastrous  battle  at  Ticonderoga,  and  acconZnied 
Broadstreet  ,n  his  expedition  agai„st  Fort  FrontenLc.  Willett^  earlv 
espoused  .the  republican  cause  when  British  ag-ression  arnn«o^  r!.lf  ^ 
here.  When  the  British  troops  in  the  New  Yorriarr  son  wer  d  re" 
to  Boston,  after  the  skirmish  at  Lexington  thev  attP,,  nfp/fn  „T?-!- 
to  their  own,  to  carry  off  a  large  quantitj  oT'sJarJaJm  .'"^Wi  ieU  clt^S 
the  wagons  and  took  them  back.     He  died  Aug.,  1830,  aged  91  Jears? 

Brigadier  Qen.  Alexander  Smyth  to  Majcn-  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

T  I.O.    V  ,      J  ,     ,.  .  liuffalo,  29th  September,  1812 

I  have  been  ordered  by  Major  General  Dearborn  to  Niac^ara  to  take 
command  of  a  brigade  of  the  U.  S.  troops;  and  directed,  on  ml  arrtva? 
ID  the  vicinity  of  your  quarters,  to  report  Myself  to  you  which  /now  do 
I  inteaded  to   have  reported  myself  personally ;  but  the  conclusions  I 
have  drawn  as  to  the  interests  of  the  service,  have  determLd  ml T^f 
at  this  place  for  the  present.     From   the  d^scrYption  jT^^^^ 
river  below  the  falls,  the  view  of  the  shore  below  Fort  Ee  and  the  in 
ormanon  received  as  to  the  preparations  of  the  enemy,  I  aVof  opin  on" 
a  our  crossing  should  be  effected  between   Fort  E?i'e  au^  Chippewa 
t  hu   therefore,  seemed  to  me  proper  to  encamp  the  U    S   troois  nl; 
uffulo,  there  to  prepare  for  offensive  operations^    Your  il;truetions  or 
better^information,  may  decide  you  to  gTve  me  different  orders  Sh  I 

iMajor  General  Van  Rensselaer.  ^  ^'''  '^'  ^'"'"'■• 

onlvSll''''''"\f'"''u.'-^'"'*'  ^''""'"  '^'^  subordinate  officer  not 
0  y  failed  to  report  himself  in  person,  as  he  was  boud  in  duty  to  do 
u  assumed  perfect  independence  by  choosing  his  own  theaU-e  7a  Ln  ' 
nd  secondly,  because  the  writer,  an  entire  stranger  to  the  country  W 
arrived  went  out  of  his  way  to  obtrude  advice  upon  his  commandi^..! 
general  touching  movements  and  localities  of  which  he  knewTotl.t?° 
when  he  knew  that  the  general  had  been  there  for  weeks  Tudwanf 

r:ir  xj^^a^r^'^rlsmv:!;?^^""^  -'  ^^S^s.::^ 

"ij.     iiie  cause  ot  L»en.  bniyth  s  presunintumia  o.^nA.^ot  ,»■  •->-;= 
-cation,  as  well  as  his  subsequeat  evasive  behav^iorVrs  merely  a  maUer 


% 


240 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


of  conjecture.  It  might  have  proceeded  from  disappointment  in  not  ob- 
tnining  full  command  on  this  frontier,  or  it  mij^ht  have  been  because  lijg 
fastidiousness  could  not  be  reconciled  to  the  idea  of  being  under  the  com. 
mand  of  a  militia  geiieriil.  lie  it  as  it  may,  he  was  highly  censured  by 
all  who  were  aware  of  his  conduct.  The  8ea,son  vma  now  rapidly  drawiu^' 
to  a  close,  and  as  Gen.  V.  11.  was  urged  by  his  instructions  to  effect 
flomething  dcMFivo  before  he  went  into  winter  quarters,  his  situation 
was  ontj  of  t^xtrenie  delicacy.  He  did  not  wish  to  be  drawn  from  the 
object  Iio  h:>«i  ;•'  view  by  a  controversy  with  Gen.  Smyth,  particularly  so, 
as  ho  knew  that  the  forces  which  by  this  time  had  collected  in  his  own 
immediate  vicinity,  were  amply  sufficient  for  his  purpose.  Gen  Van 
Rensselaer,  however,  true  gentleman  as  he  was,  quietly  rebuked  the  im- 
pertinence "  of  Gen.  Smyth  in  the  following  letter  : 

Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Bngadier  Oen.  Alexander  Smyth. 
Sir,  Head  Quarters,  Lcwiston,  30th  Sept.,  1812. 

On  my  return,  this  moment,  from  Niagara,  I  received  your  letter  of 
yesterday,  advising  me  of  your  arrival  at  Buffalo,  and  the  encampment, 
there,  of  the  United  States  troops,  in  consequence  of  the  conclusions  you 
have  drawn  that  offensive  operations  against  Upper  Canada  ought  to  be 
attempted  between  Fort   Krie  and  Chippewa.     Nothing  could   be  more 
unpleasant  to  me  than  a  difference  of  opinion  as  to  the  p/ace  of  commenc- 
ing those  operations  in  which  our  own  characters,  the  fate  of  the  :irmy, 
and  the  deepest  interests  of  our  country  are  concerned.     But,  however 
willing  I  may  be,  as  a  citizen  soldier,  to  surrender  my  opinion   to  a  pro- 
fessional  one,  I  can  only  make  such  surrender  to  an  opinion  deliberately 
formed  upon  a  view  of  the  whole  ground.  ♦-  *  *  For  many  years,  I  have 
had  a  general  knowledge  of  the  banks  of  Niagara  river,  and  of  the  adjacent 
country  on  the  Canada  shore.     I   have  now,  attentively  explored  the 
American  side  with  the  view  of  military  operations;  combining  at  the 
same  time,  a  great  variety  of  circumstances  and  considerations  intimately 
connected,  in  my  opinion,  with  our  object.     So  various  are  the  opinions, 
and  such  the  influence  of  personal  and  local  interests  in  this  vicinity,  that 
many  circumstances  are  to  be  carefully  balanced  before  any  correct  con- 
clusions can  be  drawn.     My  decision  has  been  made  with  due  regard  to 
all  these  things,  and  to  the  important  consequences  connected  with  it. 
All  my  past  measures  have  been  calculated  for  one  point ;  and  I  now  only 
wait  for  a  competent  force ;  as  the  season  of  the  year  and  every  considera- 
tion urges  me  to  act  with  promptness,  I  cannot  hastily  listen  to  a  change 
of  position,  necessa.ily  connected  with  a  new  system  of  measures,  and  the 
very  great  inconvenience  of  the  troops.    I  will  not  say  that  no  considerations 
shall  induce  me  to  change  my  plans  of  operation,  but  to  this  I  cannot 
yield,  without  very  weighty  reasons  ;  conclusions  drawn,  at  least,  from  an 
attentive  examination  of  the  banks  of  the  Niagara  river,  and  all  other  cir- 
cumstances connected  with  a  successful  result  of  the  campaign. 

I  hope  soon  to  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  here ;  and  perhaps  after 
conference  and  thorough  examination  of  the  river  and  country,  your 
opinion  and  mine,  as  to  the  plans  of  operations  may  coincide.  I  trust  we 
are  both  open  to  conviction,  and  we  have  but  one  object,  the  best  interest 
of  the  service.  I  am,  sir,  with  consideration  and  respect  &e. 

Brigadier  Gen.  Alexander  Smyth  of  the  United  States  forces,  Buffalo. 

Gen.  Alexander  Smyth  the  second  in  command  was  not  willing  to 
obey  a  leading  feder.ali.st,  hi,s  manner  was  offensive  to  the  utmost  limit,  so 


Leoaoy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  241 

that  Oon.  Van  Rensselaer  beca  ,  dissustod  with  the  jealousies  of  some 
of  the  regular  .^cers,  uud  the  ir  Sordination  of  the  inlitia.  This  dTs- 
cjuie  ing  party  foelmg  was  carriea  to  the  extreme  length  by  his  opposcts 
,roatly  to  the  detnment  of  his  usefulness  as  an  offieer.  Ge.  Smyth' 
hough  very  dogmatical  and  pompous,  yet  hh  designs  wore  supposed  to 
he  patnot.e;  but  hjs  ardor  obseured  his  judgment^aking  hrmore  i^. 
discreet  than  culpable."  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer  had  expected  to  melt  his 
pnnc.pal  officers  m  a  council  of  war,  but  Gen.  Smyth  was  so  dilatory  that 
many  were  of  opinion  that  coercive  measures  should  be  resorted  to  to 
brmg  h.m  to  a  sense  of  his  duty ;  and  perhaps  if  General  V  uVlZ 
Zft^r"^  ""  "^  """""'  ^'"'^  '"  the  frontier,  it  is  fornot  pursuTg 

Gen   y   R  had  written  to  General  Dearborn  and  explained  to  him  the 
pan  which   he  intended  to  have  submitted  to  the  council  in  que    ion 

Major  Gen.  Van  liensselaer  to  Colonel  WUlett. 

^^"  ^i""'  ^   ,  .,     Head  Quarters,  Lewiston  Oct.  3.  1812 

n  due  course  of  the  mail  I  have  been  favored  with  your  ^ery  kind 
and  seasonable  letter  of  the  25th  ulto.     For  your  personal  friendsL  ex 
pressed  to  me  as  well  as  for  the  valuable  instructions  furn   bed  fo?  the 
service  I  beg  lo.ve  to  tonderyou  my  cordial  thanks.     In  a  cSike  the 
present,  when  we  are  called,  again,  to  meet  our  enemies  in  the  field  no 
ae  more  sincerely  than  myself  can  regret  that  the  infirmities  usually' a^ 
tending  the  age  to  which  you  have  arrived  (73  years),  shouM  deprive 
our  Country  of  that  invaluable  store  of  practical  military  knowledge  whLh 
you  have  acquired  in  a  long  and  honorable  course  of  service        ^ 
Nothing  IS  more  certain  than  that  the  strength  of  a  State  greatly  consists 
the  personal  bravery,  and  Military  knowledge  of  its  citizens.  A  natrnal 
character  founded  on  such  basis  becomes  terrible  to  surroundin<^  foes  and 
iruc  i%f  ^P^'"'  '^rt  in  preventing  wars.     Such  was'^the  pCd 
character  of  Americans  at  the  close  of  the  Revolutionary  War  and  the 

tr  dMu  '"f^  "°;  ^'\''^'^-  ^^'^"^'  '^'  Nations  of  Europe  war  is  a 
trade  its  system  reduced  to  a  science;  and  the  library  of  the  Soldier  is 
St  ed  with  volumes  o  instructions  drawn  from  long  experience  Bu 
rote  h'l  r  '"'''  ^"d,'"--"-  «f  Military  operations  sanctioned  in  Ku! 
a?d  i  1  "  ^PP  f  \to  warfare  with  Savages  in  America,  slau^h  er 
add  have  usually  been  the  unfortunate  r°esult.  As  war  with  Indi 
au    s  of  a  specific  kind,  reduced  to  system  amon-  the  Tribes  who  know 

:io"trui'r'a\S''f  'f'-!"'  ''^''''  among^henlfJ,v:s7and  th^ 
WHO  acquire  a  knowledge  of  it,  must  gain    t,  as  you  have    bv  lon<r  onr^ 

owi^flfr*""''^  T-'ft'^  *•'"*  y*'"''  ^'^^J^  «y«tem  is  correct :  indeed  mv 

an  n.  ,!    r^'  "'^'''^  \'''  ^^^"  '"^  "P^"  P^'^^'ble  contingences  in  th^J 

You^a  :.n    /"f''''*^  ''^'  '^''  «^°^^''>  P^^^ipl'^  which°you  approve 

Vi.iuicetodko  ^'^h  bavat-es   imperiously  demands  three  things: 

wl  e  XV      T    T-  '"•'"'■"  *'^'^  '"■"'  ^^"^'^'^  •"  approaching  them  :  and 
whe,  they  are  found  instant  dispatch  to  kill  or  rout  them. 

^liuil  remember  your  counsel  with  gratitude  and  p!ea.s«rc ;  ns  a  preeious 

31 


m 


842 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


m 


legacy  from  a  Soldier  of  prent  oxporienco  ;  and  Hhould  occnsion  coll  me  to 
UHu  it  in  tluH  caniiiuign,  1  hIiuII  adopt  and  practicu  your  Hysteiu  uh  i'ur  um 
niy  ability,  and  tho  means  I  may  command  will  onable  me. 

I  urn,  Dear  Sir,  with  great  rcHpeot  and  ConBideration  &c., 
Col.  Marinus  VVillott.  S.  V.  Kenshklakr. 

During  the  inveHtment  of  Fort  Stanwix  in  August  1777,  by  St.  Leger 
with  a  body  of  regulars,  Indians,  and  tories,  he  was  second  in  command. 
•'  Such  was  the  impetuosity  of  Willett's  movements,  that  Sir  John  Johnson 
and  his  regiment,  who  lay  near  the  fort  with  his  Indian  allies,  sought  .safety 
in  flight.  The  amount  of  spoil  found  in  the  enemy's  camp  filled  twenty 
wagon  loads.  For  this  brilliant  exploit,  congress  voted  him  an  ele>'aut 
Bword. "  ° 

General  Van  llenstelaer  to  lirigndier  General  Smyth. 
Sir,  IJead  Quarters,  J.ewistou,  5th  Oct.,  1812. 

Helioving  that  an  early  consultation  of  general  officers,  commandants  of 
regiments,  and  corps  on  this  frontier  will  promote  the  interest  of  the  eer- 
vice,  I  have  to  reijuest  that  you  will  be  pleased  to  confer  with  Maj.  Gen. 
Hall  on  the  subject,  and  agree  with  him  upon  the  earliest  day  posHible, 
consistent  with  the  business  of  the  court  martial,  and  other  indispensable 
duties,  when  I  can  have  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  at  Fort  Niagara  for 
the  purpose  above  proposed.  Of  the  day  agreed  upon,  you  will  please  to 
give  me  early  notice.  J  am,  &c. 

P.  S.  I  have  written  to  Maj.  Gen.  Hall  to  the  same  purport. 

Brig.  Gen.  Smyth,  of  the  U.  S.  forces. 

Oen.  Van  Eenaselaer  to  Gen.  Smyth. 

Sir,  Head-Quarters,  Lewiston,  6th  Oct.,  1812. 

Apprehending  that  my  1 -.ter  of  yesterday,  on  the  subject  of  the  pro- 
posed conference  at  Niagara,  may  not  have  been  sufficiently  explicit,  I 
deem  it  necessary  to  add,  that  my  intention  was,  that  Major  General 
Hall,  yourself,  and  the  Commandants  of  *hc  several  rpyiments  of  the  United 
States  troops,  should  attend  the  conference.  You  will  please  to  make  the 
necessary  communications  to  -'le  gentlemen  intended. 

Brigadier  General  Smyth,  of  the  U.  S.  forces.     ^  '^^>  *"• 

«'  Although  politely  requested,  by  Gen.  V.  R.  several  times,  to  name  a 
day  for  a  council  of  officers.  Gen.  Smyth  neglected  to  do  so.  Day  after 
day  passed,  and  Smyth  made  no  definite  reply,  could  not  tell  the  day." 

Major  Lovett  to  Joseph  Alexander. 

D«nr  Sir,  Head  Quarters,  Lewiston  Oct.  6,  1812. 

*  *  *  *  General  Van  Rcn8.selaer  is  in  good  health,  firm  as  Atlas,  ac- 
tively engaged  from  dawn  till  dark,  and  often  in  the  night.  My  health  is 
perfect :  but  you  may  judge  of  my  condition  when  I  tell  you  that  which 
no  one  but  yourself  and  my  wife  must  know  :  poor  Solomon  is  sick.  About 
two  weeks  ago  he  was  seized  pretty  violently.  He  quit  his  Tent  and  went 
to  a  hut  about  half  a  mile  from  Camp,  after  close  attention  of  the  Surgeon 
six  or  seven  days,  he  came  down  to  camp  again,  in  the  day  time,  overdid 
himself,  and  relap,sed  wcr.se  than  at  first  with  the  fever.  We  bled  bim, 
and  for  three  day.s  filled  him  half  full  of  salts,  jalap,  Castor-oil,Caloniel  &c., 
&c.,  his  whole  .nstem  resisted  medicine  so  obstinatelv  that  for  a  little  while 


Leoaot  of  nrsTORicAL  Gleanings.  248 

m  ha-IfltroriK  foars  that  his  siokneHs  would  bo  severe      H„f  l,;-     k    • 
has  atluMt  operated  well,  hn  unw  walks  hi.  r,.  , .      T  •     *      i^  ^^^''° 
.%«/..  in  getting  better'  fast.  a^dTh^ve'  V^ bt":  ll'lo'ro^rek'r 

:'i ;:  :ro:?;'?or  tiirretr-^::"  '"T''  ?  -^i '-^  ^-^  ^^^^ 

all  co„.ors;„d  ^oe^s  know""     -o. "  7u    i^    iTk '• '"j'th:''^'"  ""'""l  ""^ 
«.A.VA  ./  the  two  it  i..  . , .    you  I  now    h.t  i      ^^^^  J^-^y  ""^  know 

a,nm,l  Van  llonssol'  ■         <,  .  I"?.)  1  Solomon  is  often  called 

cither  the  OeneXor    ,  V     vi«n  T^k"^"''  ^'"'^'I  ^'^"^7  ^  "''"■°» 

explain  the  matte;  :  a,  .     .    .     ,    n^otl'^Z  7'  ''''  ^''"'".f  "^^  ""'^ 
ju.t  UH  I  state.     I  hM-o  no.'      ^    Sohmmn  il'     ►'        ;)'•""  "'^,  ^^"«^''''  '^  '« 

ill«e„i  but  no^  choer"  urt-iJ    k„    been  much  worried  . I  Solomon's 
cold  o„o„,.h  ;„  makZ  „'  So     Vr°;     ""' J"  '"'l  """I"""'  >"■'  "  » 

Jour  days  ago  the  lloyal  George  cut  out  a  Vessel   thll  .^M  T"^' 

the  mouth  of  GenesPP  T^vor^^p  "/^.  "'' **  /^^sei,  the  Lady  Murray,  from 

.o.s.arUfwT.hr;EeiridL^cIL^^^^^^^  °n  1'  i"'°"""«»"      I>o 
work.  ^^aaada.       1  tell  you  we  are  going  to 

Mr.  J<„eph  Alexander,  Albany.  "'""Z'^  ^^^^ 

r,      „.  ^'^'^  ^ovett  to  Joseph  Alexander 

On  the  ni-ht  of  the  5th  fh«  a.r,      i  Quarters,  Oct,  8,  1812. 

He  returned  wthinforuation^fhiT)  T'"™*^  "  ™/"  ''  ''''''  '^'  '''^'^■ 
were  uotuallyT   ued  to  nut  L  T  •  "^  warranted  an  attack.     Orders 

cussions  up7n  Tques  io  J  wl^bh  [T  nTfT^'  .  ^"'  '^""""  ««'"«  ^^^'■ 
inforcetnentsof  K'!     '^'"''^.M"'  ^"^^  ^^  '»^erty  to  mention,  the  re- 

better,  the  Genera"   fn  VerT.*;  T  Zl  '^"'  f "     ^'^'"•"'^"  '«  ""^^  getting 
William  Lush"h:rus\\S\t'V?„'i:L!;Tarb"  ^  ^^"""^^ 

-  .  an  K.D==.}aur  was  i\iaeipal,  and  John  Lovett  2nd,  and  Peter 


IIM^  ii^ 


244 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


11' 


III 


B.  Porter,  Principal  and  Doctor  Wilson  2ncl,  you  are  to  give  me  tlic 
earliest  notice.  The  publication  of  P.  U.  P.,  as  a  "  limcal,  I'oltrvon  and 
Coward"  is  only  suspended  at  present  for  prudential  reasons. 

Our  General  is  brave,  but  still  prudent :  his  conduct  yet  is  unclouded, 
and  I  trust  in  heaven  it  will  continue  and  end  so.  One  month  will  chiiiii;« 
things  much  for  the  better  or  worse.     My  love  to  all,  and  God  bless  you. 

Mr.  Joseph  Alexander,  Albany.  J.  Lovett. 

Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Oen.  JDearharn. 

Sir,  Head  Quarters,  Lewiston,  Oct.  8th.  1812. 

It  is  now  nearly  three  months  since,  in  obedience  to  the  call  of  my 
country.  T.  took  the  field  to  form  and  discipline  an  army,  and  to  shape  and 
direct  a  campaign  on  the  very  extensive  frontiers  of  this  state.  This  serv- 
ice, even  iu  prospect,  presented  innumerable  difficulties  and  embarrasis- 
ments.  Thus  far  I  have  met  them  in  that  manner  which  my  own  mind 
justifies  and  I  trust  my  country  will  approve.  After  a  general  review  of 
our  frontiers,  my  own  judgment  did  not  sutler  me  to  doubt  that  the  Niagara 
river  must  be  the  scene  of  our  decisive  operations,  and  I  selected  this 
neighbourhood  as  the  place  best  adapted  to  our  measures,  and  here  en- 
camped. Well  knowing  that  tie  duties  of  the  station  you  hold  were 
complicated  and  embarrassing,  I  have  patiently  endured  much,  that  the 
affairs  of  n)y  department  might  embarrass  you  less.  The  crisis  throufrh 
•which  I  have  passed  for  the  last  month  has  been  trying  indeed  ;  piirticu- 
lars  upon  this  occasion  are  annecessi;ry ;  but  the  result  has  justified  my 
measures  and  I  am  satisfied.  Yet  I  am  well  aware  that  any  merit  which 
may  be  attached  to  this  negative  service,  will  not  satisfy  the  expectaticns 
of  my  country  :  to  have  barely  escaped  disaster,  will  not  be  thought 
enough ;  the  object  of  the  war  remains  unaccomplished,  a  new  crisis  is 
opening,  and  as  in  it,  you,  sir,  as  well  as  I,  have  a  deep  stake  of  responsi- 
bility, I  shall  with  great  freedom,  state  to  you  a  number  of  facts,  submit- 
ting my  opinions  connected  with  them,  and  with  deference  leave  the 
general  conclusion  to  your  own  judgment  j  and  as  the  honor  and  interests 
of  the  United  States,  your  own  charaoter  and  mine,  are  most  intimately 
connected  in  the  subject  of  deliberation,  I  hope  and  trust  it  may  receive 
all  the  attentirn  which  its  importance  merits. 

The  United  States  declarea  the  war.  One  army  has  surrendered  in 
disgrace,  and  another  has  but  little  more  than  escaped  the  reiteration  of 
the  blow.  The  National  character  is  degraded  and  the  disgrace  will  re- 
main corroding  the  public  feeling  and  spirit,  until  another  campaign; 
unless  it  be  instantly  wiped  away  by  a  brilliant  close  of  this.  A  detail  of 
particulars  is  needless:  you,  sir,  know  service.  Our  best  troops  are  raw; 
nuiny  of  them  dejected  by  the  distress  their  families  suffer  by  their 
absence,  and  many  have  not  necessary  clothing :  we  are  in  a  cold 
country,  the  season  is  far  advanced,  and  unusually  inclement ;  we  are 
half  the  time  deluged  with  rain.  The  blow  must  be  struck  soon,  or 
all  the  toil  and  expense  of  the  campaign  go  for  nothing  or  worse  than 
nothing,  for  the  whole  will  be  tinged  witii  dishonour.  With  my  present 
force,  it  would  be  rash  to  attempt  offensive  operations  I  have  only  seven- 
teen hundred  effective  men  [His  reinforcements  had  not  then  arrived]  of 
the  militia  on  this  whole  line.  The  regular  troops  have  nearly  all  arrived 
iu  the  vicinity  of  l)uffalo,  except  Schuyler's  regiment.  The  bateaux  have 
not  arrived  and  1  learn  they  very  narrowly  escaped  the  lloyal  (jicurgo,  at 
the  mouth  of  Genesee  river,  where  she  had  juat  cut  out  the  schooner  Lady 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


245 


Murray,  and  a  Revenue  Gutter 
I  arrived 


syl 


svlvaniii  ti 


■oops 


But  two  or  three  companies  of  the  Penn- 
at  Buffalo,  when  I  received  my  hist  advice 


from  thence 

I'lider  these  circumstances  and  the  impressions  necessarily  resultin" 
from  them,  I  am  adoptin-  decisive  measures  for  closing  the  fall  campaign" 
but  shall  wait  your  approbation  of  the  plan,  and  the  arrival  of  a  eompet"ent 
force  to  execute  it.  I  have  summoned  Maj.  Gen.  Hall,  Bri.r.  Gen  Smyth 
and  the  commandants  of  the  United  States  Regiments,  to"  meet  me  on  a 
consultation;  and  I  am  well  aware  that  some  opinions  entitled  to  great 
respect,  will  be  offered  for  crossing  the  Niagara  a  little  below  Fort  Erie 
and  pursuing  the  march  down  the  river.  I  think  this  plan  liable  to  many 
objections.  J  he  enemy  have  works  at  almost  every  point,  and  even  an 
interior  force  might  hoh;  us  in  check  and  render  our  march  slow  •  by 
takiiiirup  the  bridges  at  Chippewa,  they  might  greatly  embarrass  us  ;' the 
cleared  country  is  but  a  mile  or  two  wide  ;  one  flank  would  be  constantly 
habie  to  be  galled  by  indians  from  the  swamps;  for  a  considerable  dis- 
tance, the  rapidity  of  the  current,  and  the  height  of  the  banks  render 
transportation  across  the  river  impracticable;  of  course,  our  supplies  must 
follow  the  line  of  march,  with  the  trouble  and  hazard  of  them  every  d-.y 
increasing;  and  should  the  enemy  retreat  from  Gen.  Ilarri.son.  they  would 
have  a  double  object  in  intercepting  our  supplies;  and  by  falling  on  our 
rear  and  catting  off  our  communication,  we  might  experience  the  fate  of 
I  ulls  ariny.  Besides  these,  and  many  other  objections,  there  is  no 
object  on  that  side,  until  we  should  arrive  at  the  commandin<-  hei<-hts  of 
Queenstown,  which  are  opposite  my  camp.  ^       " 

The  proposal  which  I  shall  submit  to  the  Council  will  be,  that  we  im- 
mediately concentrate  the  regular  force  in  the  neighborhood  of  Nia-^ara 
and  themihtia  here,  make  the  best  possible  dispo.sitions,  and,  at  the  mme 
(im>;  the  rn/iilars  shaN  pa>i>!  from  the  Four-miJc  Creek  to  a  point  in  the 
rear  of  the  works  of  Fort  George,  and  take  it  b^  storm  :  J  ivill  pass  the 
river  here,  and  carry  the  heights  of  Oucenstoivn. 

Should  vve  succeed,  we  shall  effect  a  great  discomfiture  of  the  enemy  by 
bre;;king  their  line  of  communication,  driving  their  shippin-  from  the 
mouth  of  this  river,  leaving  them  no  rallying  point  in  this  part  of  the 
country,  appalling  the  minds  of  the  Canadians,  and  opening  a  wide  and 
safe  communication  for  our  supplies.  We  shall  save  our  own  land  wipe 
away  part  of  the  score  of  our  past  disgrace,  get  excellent  barracks  and 
winter  (,uarters,  and  at  the  least  be  prepared  for  an  early  campai-rn  an- 
other year.  As  soon  as  the  result  of  the  Cmncil  shall  be  known,  I  shall 
advise  you  of  it.  I  have  received  your  letter  of  the  29tli  ultimo,  and 
sia  1  uc(iuaiut  u'  llarrisor.  with  your  direction.  I  re-ret  the  slowness 
01  tlio  mail.  1  have  furnished  an  escort  for  it  from  this  to  Buffalo. 
,j  ^^''tli  f,'i'cat  respect  and  consideration,  &c. 

Hon.  Major  Gen.  Dearborn.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer. 

"  From  this  letter,  it  will  appear  to  any  professional  man  acquainted  with 

he  country,  and    the   circumstances  of  the   enemy  at  that   time,   that, 

altliough  Gen.  \  an   Rensselaer  was  not  a  military  man,  he  reasons  very 

niucli  like  a  soldier;  the  counter  currents  under  the  opposite  shores   and 

Worn"''' ''I-  '^V'""'"  ^*^"''^'  '^•^"'^'■^'^  ••*"^^  fifty  yards  wide),' rcn- 

,1./        ''^  P''«f';;"H''  ^'•"^^'■««;  '"'J  ^'«  to  the  plan  of  the  enterprise 

In'ltr    /'T  ^  'Av..m,V,../  on,  it  was  so  simple  and  so  perfect,  that 

iu  ot  L,od  alone  could  have  prevented  the  success,  which  would  have 


246 


LEGAcr  OP  Historical  Gleanings. 


reflected  honor  on  a  master  of  the  trade.  The  ground  is  so  much  elevated 
at  Lewiston  and  Queenston,  that  it  maybe  called  a  mountain  ;  it  is  an 
immense  platform  which  overlooks  the  plain  below,  until  it  is  terminated 
by  Lake  Ontario.  Of  consequence,  every  movement  from  Port  Georce 
would  have  been  under  the  general's  eye,  as  well  as  that  of  the  officer  at 
Fort  Niagara.  It  was  General  Van  Rensselaer's  intention,  to  have 
marched  General  Smyth  and  one  thousand  five  hundred  regular  troops, 
to  the  mouth  of  the  Four-mile  creek,  by  the  new  road  cut  for  the  f  /poce, 
there  to  have  been  held  in  readine.is  to  embark  at  a  minute's  notice. 
Queenstown  was  then  to  be  attacked ;  and  as  it  was  guarded  by  two  com- 
panies of  the  49th  regiment,  with  a  party  of  militia  and  Indians  only,  it 
would  have  been  carried  with  the  battery  on  the  heights,  as  afterwards 
happened. 

"  "hese  operations,  within  hearing  of  Fort  George,  could  not  fail  to  draw 
forth  the  garrison  (o  sustain  the  post  of  Queenston,  and  repel  the  in- 
vaders ;  and  as  soon  as  the  British  column  was  discovered  in  motion, 
General  Smyth  would  have  embarked  by  a  signal,  and  when  it  approached 
Queenstown  he  would  have  been  ordered  by  a  courier,  to  proceed  to  the 
attack  of  Fort  George,  which  could  not  have  been  anticipated  more  than 
twenty  minutes,  and  being  deprived  of  its  garrison,  resistance  would  have 
been  vain.  That  so  feasible  a  plan,  and  one  of  such  importance  to  the 
national  honour  and  interests  should  have  failed  was  to  be  deplored,  and 
the  occasion  certainly  presented  a  fair  subject  for  inquiry ;  because  it 
could  not  have  happened  without  some  fault,  which,  for  the  good  of  the 
service,  should  have  been  ascertained,  especially  when  General  Van  Rens- 
selaer defied  investigation  j  but  the  crooked  policy  of  a  corrupt  cabinet 
will  not  bear  inquiry." 

Major  Oeneral  UaU  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Sir,  Buffalo  Oct  10.  1812. 

Yesterday  morning,  about  three  oclock,  Lieut.  Elliott,  with  two  Boats, 
cut  out  of  the  harbour  at  Brie,  two  Brigs,  Adams  and  Caladonia.  But 
unfortunately  they  both  grounded;  the  Adams  on  the  west  side  of  Squaw 
Island  and  the  other  directly  opposite  Swifts  Barracks.  Our  first,  and 
great  misfortune  was  from  a  cannon  ball  fired  from  the  enemy  which  struck 
Major  Cuyler,  and  tore  one  hand,  and  went  thro'  his  body,  he  fell  dea' 
from  his  horse  instantly.  It  was  the  first  shot  that  was  fired,  he  was  riding 
on  the  beach  a  number  of  gentlemen  near  him. 

A  number  of  American  Prisoners,  and  some  Citizens  were  on  board  and 
relieved,  all  of  which  got  safe  on  shore  unhurt.  Our  loss  was  very  trifling 
three  or  four  men  were  killed,  and  seven  wounded  two  or  three  badly. 
The  enemy  kept  up  a  brisk  cannonading  for  some  time,  and  continued 
firing  thro'  the  day,  occasionally.  The  Adams  changed  owners  three 
times  in  the  course  of  the  day,  our  troops  went  on  board  just  at  evening,', 
took  three  pri.soners,  and  burnt  the  vessel.  She  was  much  shot  to  pieces, 
and  it  is  said  she  had  G  Twenty  four,  and  Eighteen  Pounders  in  her  hold, 
and  some  smaller  ones.  The  Caledonia  was  loaded  principally  with  Pork, 
about  one  half  of  which  was  unloaded  yesterday.  The  24  and  18  Pound- 
ers from  the  British  Batteries,  however,  prevented  our  men  from  working, 
several  balls  were  fired  through  the  vessel  in  the  course  of  the  day  —  one 
man  was  killed.  No  officer,  except  Major  Cnylor,  has  even  been  wounded. 
I  have  not  yet  had  time,  having  no  ready  assistance,  to  get  an  exact  return 
and  list  of  the  Prisoners  named  —  the  whole  will  exceed  forty,  two  Captains 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  247 

were  taken.     Will  you  give  directions  respectin<^  the  Prison*.r«      W.  i 
but  few  troops  here  and  Buffalo  too  isL  Tnsa^  p^    e      If"  th^offi;^^^^^ 

s^h/^s::!)^^^  '^^  -'-  '^  wouM  :L^^i^^r(E 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer.  T^^,^  ^  ^^^^ 

Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Oen.  Hall. 

u:-^%zT.r ""' '"'" ""'  *°  f'™-"  '"'»'•>«  '""^rior. 

I  am  &c. 
William  Howe  Cuyler  was  aid-de-camn  to  fon^.oi  u  n  i-     , 

b,a,c  a  "line  noble  fJlW,  who  LtXl,!  dep/nd  d  ™ '^^  ""(^^fe  ^ 

?iXESi  rfisi->- •■•''— "-~s 

Co/.  Fa?t  Rensselaer  to  7ds  Wife. 
y^S^^  be  .he  ta  jo„  will  recere'r.'!*  Th  li  '?f  „, 

redound  ,„  luv  Ho-  or  an,    Mnl  ,  ,       "''.""'"'  *'"""""'•  >'  "i" 

l"se     Oh  •    r  I  ,     M  ,  °  ^°""  ""^  "'"'  ''<""•  ''«!«  one's  advan- 

n«l  So  wkhoul  i ,      >'  °°^  "■1"'  °'="°""'  »■"'  "-'"uber  they  ean- 

™rj;7:  -r-'""^™  underL;".ffl'ro„'  's;  "nSr'',,!: 

»»«  1  me  V„;"  ~;  l'"/"™''-,  i'-'-S.!.-!.  and  GanKevoo? 
>»uii.  If  .0  le  r ,  :^-  ^1  ;  ^?  "'^  '''""■  """■'°''  ""'  "e™'  SCO  me 
»»..»red  n,v  d!      ,vl.T/°V", ""•'"•  '">■  '""  "i"'  ''""""le;  a^d  bo 


f 


248 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


ii 


must  prepare  for  the  Assault.  This  letter  will  be  put  in  the  hanus  of 
Mr.  Lovett  until  the  event  is  over.  I  have  veritten  to  the  Patroon  about 
you  and  the  children.  Adieu,  kiss  all  the  children  for  me,  mention  me  to 
all  ;  and  may  God  bless  and  preserve  you  my  dear  lovely  Harriot  is  the 
fervent  prayer  of  your  affeciionate  and  sincere  Husband, 

Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Mrs.  Harriot  Van  Rensselaer,  Mount  Hope. 

This  is  much  blotted  by  the  tears  of  the  soldier's  wife. 

Philip  P.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Col.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Dear  Sir,  Albany  Oct.  13,  1812. 

Yesterday  afternoon,  yon  was  blessed  with  an  addition  to  your  family, 
of  a  fine  young  Son,  large,  fat  and  regular  in  all  his  limbs  and  features, 
Dr.  Stearns  says,  Rethlehem  cannot  boast  of  a  finer  Boy.  Yes,  he  is  the 
image  of  your  unfortunate  son  "  Van  Vechten,"  whose  soul,  I  trust,  is  gone 
to  yonder  realms  above,  where  all  is  joy,  peace,  harmony  and  love.  Harriet 
is  as  well  as  can  be  expected.  I  saw  her  this  morning,  her  joy  is  great, 
her  gratitude  inexpressible.  Her  Mother  is  with  her,  no  language  can 
adequately  describe  her  feelings.  *  *  *  'fhis  morning  I  had  hold  of 
Mayor  Philip  V.  R.'s  hand  in  the  street,  say  to  the  Patroon  all  are  well. 

Yours  with  respect. 

Col.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Lewiston.         Ph.  P.  Van  Rensselaer. 

The  enemy  had  moved  some  boats  fr^nn  the  landing  at  Queenston,  down 
the  river,  this  excited  alarm,  and  late  that  night  a  rumor  ran  through  the 
camp,  that  the  garrison  was  actually  summoned  to  surrender.  The  clamor 
for  active  operations  became  so  importunate  that  General  Van  Rensselaer, 
who  had  received  intimations  by  letter  from  the  commander-in-chief,  that 
the  invasion  of  Canada  was  expected,  decided  that  the  time  for  action  hud 
arrived,  and  to  make  an  immediate  attack  on  Queenston  and  wipe  out  the 
disgrace  of  Hull's  surrender.  Resolved  to  gratify  his  own  inclinations 
and  those  of  his  army,  by  commencing  oS'ensive  operations,  he  arranged 
with  this  view  a  plan  to  be  .'submitted,  and  then  summoned  his  principal 
oflficers  to  a  council  of  war.  It  was  very  plain  that  Gen.  Smyth,  his  second 
in  command,  had  no  cordial  disposition  to  act  in  concert  with  him,  and 
delayed  specifying  a  time  for  holding  the  council,  till  General  Van  Rens- 
selaer seeing  the  prospect  of  a  meeting  was  as  remote  as  ever,  cou'd  no 
longer  withhold  his  orders  for  offensive  measures.  The  attack  wiis  to 
have  been  made  on  the  10th  of  October,  accordingly,  thirteen  boats,  capa- 
ble of  transporting  three  hundred  and  forty  men  with  their  equipments, 
were  brought  down  under  cover  of  the  night,  upon  wagons,  from  Gill 
creek,  two  miles  above  the  falls,  and  launched  in  the  river  at  the  only 
practicable  spot  at  the  time,  at  the  present,  Jjowiston  ferry.  Lieut.  Col. 
Fenwick's  flying  artillery  were  ordered  to  be  up  in  season  from  Fort 
Niagara.  Gen.  Smyth  was  also  directed  to  send  down  so  muchofnis 
command  as  could  be  spared. 

Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Sir,  Lieut.  Col.  Christie  is  of  opinion,  after  the  ammunition  and  ordnance 
stores  are  removed,  that  a  subaltern's  guard  will  be  sufficient  for  tbo  pro- 
tection of  tiie  boats  and  the  remaining  stores;  and  that  his  offictits  and 
men,  full  of  ardour,  and  anxious  to  give  their  country  a  proof  oi' their  pa- 
triotism, by  being  engaged  in  the  first  expedition,  induces  me  to  wlicii,  as 
a/avur,  that  you  will  allow  him  and  his  detachment  to  accompany  me  this 


:nsselaer. 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  249 

nisbt.     I  think  it  essential,  that,  if  a  blow  is  sfmoL-    if  cl,«„u     i 
upon  such  .round  as  .ill  prevent 'the  eneiuTfh.r"  in^/^'a  ol Lef  "coT 
Chr.no.  .|^UM-  piac.n^,  astron.guard,  and  invalid^,  can  ,ul  ch  wUh  tinee 
luuijlred  effeefves.     As  silence  will  be  necessary  on  our  marci;  to  Lewis  on 
would  you  permit  two  cavalry  to  attend  me,  that  the  sen  rie    on  the  5 
luay  be  acquainted  with  our  movements.  I  am  To  &c 

Oen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick. 
Ti  .     -1  I^^ad-Quarters,  Lewiston  Oct    10  ISIq 

in  the  contemplated  moveLnt      uS^rrd   Ph      '    '   '^•^P'«««.  *«  «hare 
guard  ror  the  Idnance  storetl  rl^^^.^yt::^Sr:^^tl 
.tw,llbenecessaryforhimtomarchby  n  o'clJck  this  iUTtrL  ht 
Lieut.  Col.  Fenwick.  ^  ^^  ^^-  ^°- 

difenttuf  "^  ''^  ^"^"^'^"  ''  '""^  ^"^•«^'  '^^^  regiments  left  at 
'•  The  attack  was  to  be  made  at  three  o'clock  on  the  mornin-  ofthr,  1 1  ,h 
by  crossing  over  in  boats  from  the  old  ferry   onnositrfbp  h„;  t.        m^ 
avoid  any  embarrassment  in  crossing  the  riv^'r  f£      i    •    I       "^  '      ^"^ 

agonizing  dilemma  stood  officers  and  men  X  tlrtd  not  hi   ^"  '.^!f 

the  who  e  canin.     Colonol   Vin  Uonco^i  ''^     "  i    """''^'  ^^^  deluged 

detuchment.     The  soldier    endu.edM.fi""  ""Z  ''  '^"'^  f  •"•sanded  ?he 

i.«i"  J.  f: :  „'irk!,."'ti,r'rr  •"■"''  "•"•p^  "-'j  "'S 

This  con  retem  "  i   u  <  w  "  /    "'"'''""^  '"^  ''^"^^  ^'^^  «"^">Pt  " 


wT 


32 


250 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


Major  J.  R.  Mtillany  to  Oen.  Van  Renst'elaer. 

Sir,  Fort  Niagara. 

It  is  with  pain  I  am  induced  to  complain  at  the  neglect  of  exclutiiu" 
me  from  tlie  command  of  the  Infantry  marched  from  iiere  this  mornJDg, 
Doubtless  Sir,  you  arc  aware  I  was  the  first  Field  Olficer,  of  the  II.  S. 
Army  arrived  on  these  lines,  and  might  in  justice  expect  to  be  employed 
on  the  first  expedition.  1  cannot  /et  convince  myself  I  am  neglected; 
and  trust  you  will  honor  me  with  a  station  in  the  expedition  :,his  night. 

I  am,  with  esteem  iind  Respect 

Sir,  Your  most  Obt.  Svrt. 
J.  R.  MuLLANY,  Major  U.  S.  Infantry. 
Major  Genl.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Gen  Van  liensselaer  to  Major  MuUany. 

Sir,  Head  Quarters,  Lewiston,  10th  Oct.,  1812. 

I  should  have  ordered  you  to  this  place  with  the  Detachment  of  Infantry 
just  arrived  from  Fort  Niagara,  but  it  is  necessary  that  you  she  aid  cross 
in  the  course  of  the  night  at  another  point.  When  Col.  Fenwick  arrive?, 
with  the  United  States  Troops,  you  will  receive  your  orders. 
Major  J.  R.  Mullany. 


I  am,  &c. 


Major  Oen.  Brock  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Sir,  Head  Quarters,  Fort  George,  11th  October  1812. 

Recent  events  having  placed  a  few  British  officers  and  Soldiers  at  your 
disposal,  as  Prisoners  of  War,  1  have  the  honor  to  propose  for  your  con- 
sideration an  immediate  exchange.  Should  there  exist  any  difficulty  in 
acceding  to  this  arrangement,  I  entertain  a  well  grounded  hope  that  you 
will  make  no  objection  to  allow  the  officers  and  men  to  return  immediately 
on  their  parole. 

Major  Evans,  the  bearer  of  this  communication,  is  authorized  to  enter 
into  any  arrangement  that  you  may  feel  disposed  to  make  on  the  above 
subject.  I  have  the  honor  to  be  with  much  respect 

Sir,  Your  Obt.  humble  Servant 

Isaac  Rrock.  Major  General, 

Major  Genl.  V.  Rensselaer,  Commanding  Lewiston. 

The  above  waa  the  last  communication  which  Genl.  Brock  made  to  Gen. 
Van  Rensselaer.  He  fell  early  on  the  13th,  while  acting  on  foot  at  the 
head  of  two  companies  of  the  49th,  they  had  been  broken,  and  he  was 
attempting  to  rally  them.  "He  was  a  native  of  the  Isle  of  Wight,  aged 
fifty-three  years,  full  middling  size,  stout,  muscular,  brave,  active,  a  real 
soldier  and  a  great  man.  He  fell  at  the  head  of  his  men,  while  cheering 
them  on  to  action.  It  is  stated  that  when  leading  on  hi.s  men,  he  laid  his 
hand  on  his  breast  exclaiming,  '  i/e/-e  is  a  bn  ad  for  your  Yimkee  halls, 
shoot  me  if  yoa  can.' " 

Hon.  Abraham  Van  Vechten  to  Solomon  Van  Ilen»selaer. 
Dear  Sir,  Alb.iny,  October  12,  1812. 

I  have  for  five  weeks  past  been  constantly  attending  Court  or  travelling 
to  &  from  them.  This  will  account  for  my  nut  writing  you.  Harriet 
has  commissioned  me  to  be  her  Scribe.  She  &  the  Family  are  in  good 
heaUh.  The  care  of  the  Farm  &  her  household  occupy  her  whole  time. 
She  says  that  she  trusts  you  will  not  be  found  backward  when  duty  re- 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


251 


r  Yankee  balk, 


you  will  not  court 


qu.r^s  you  to  fight  but  hopes  at  the  same  time  that 

clanoxv-  wantonly      I„   this  I  concur  sincerly.     The  situation 

and  the  General  s  reputation   forbid  rashness.     To  shun  ti'e  Enemv  im' 

properly  would  be   censurable,  but    to  seek  him    unde^  mani 'est   /isad" 

vantajires   wou  d    be  mudupss      Vnn    ^..»    „„     -j      j         "'auiiesr   aisaa- 

Couasdlor  at  Head  Q.^'rr;,  of^rursryo^'^U^"  re"  hf  reZ'  Vr?' 
of  every  Disaster.     There  are' men  who  S  dtjo    d  to  w't  K"^ 
tun.ties  to  east  imputations  upon  the  General.     He  should  therefore  b^ 
OP  h.s  ,.uard  against  their  Machinations.     It  would  ill   behove      "m  to 
jeopardize  the  Lves  of  the  men  under  his  command  merely  to  renel  Tniu 
no,.s  and  unfounded  Surmises  on   the  one   hand,  while  oVjheTtheMt 
would  be  no  less  improper  to  screen  them   from  danger,  when   he  has  a 
reasonable  prospect  of  executing  successfully  a  useful  enTerpHse      The 
Liieiny  are  no  doubt  well  prepared  for  your  receotion   and  1.  J!;!        . 
vantage  greatly  in  every  esLnLl  particular.     If 'y  u\l  f  &    ^  beltt 
your  force  is  of  a  descr  ption  not  to  be  rail!p,1      TuT      • 
prosc„.  consideration,  whi^h  ie.>rr^iri:tlJy'ZrZ°''7Z:: 

™;ii  r„^u   1  •     •        1    ^  ^^py-     -leu  Lovett  his  Fami  v  are  wpII      T 

Co,.  S..on.„„  Van  Ren.o.LTH3  Queers,  I.>4L^"  ^'""™' 

^la.ura  river  being  but  about  three  hundred  and  fifty  yardTwide  -JVT. 
I  :ee,  a  British  sentinel  was  killed   at  his  post  by  a  s^hotfVum  our  side 

swioned  tl  ore     and  i^,o„  r,„    «°T'   "'"'"""■•  f'""'^!  force  to 
tk.      h  was  nothing  more  than  the  war  between  senfinei;''     T      i 

"».ler  ,„    diric  ^'o":  ZtoZ^:'J%!'^  '  ,'"  "  '"f'  ""  """'° 
-.-«  d,„,  a,th„„«,  ,e.  .uZn  "nlljji'^bt'lc.i'o"':!    res 


252 


Leoacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


i  ■■ 


I  had  been  confined  to  my  bed  until  near  the  moment  of  being  called  out 
to  lead  the  first  intended  expedition,  I  was  conHtantly  employed  in  per- 
sonally attendinfj  to  coniplote  the  arraniremeiits  tor  battle,  and  in  instruct- 
ing the  different  partieipatorn  in  the  particular  duties  to  be  assigned  them; 
every  preparation  deemed  essential  was  made  under  my  own  inspection. 

To  render  the  success  more  certain,  a  large  number  of  boats  weru  re- 
quired, to  make  another  trial,  directly  in  front  of  the  enemies'  works,  as 
it  was  the  only  assailable  place.  Calculations  were  made  for  them,  upon 
the  promise  of  Gen.  Smyth  at  Fort  Niagara,  lie  was  not  only  to  seud 
the  boats  to  licwistoii,  but  was  to  have  crossed  the  river  himself  with  part 
of  his  command  of  700  regnlars  and  make  an  attack  on  Fort  George  at 
the  concerted  moment,  but  neither  of  these  arrangements  did  he  enrry 
into  efi'ect.  Mr.  Cook,  a  highly  respectable  citizen  of  Lewiston,  (father 
of  the  Hon.  Bates  Cook,  lately  a  member  of  congress,  who,  with  one  or 
more  brothers,  volunteered  his  services  for  the  occasion),  was  this  time 
entrusted  with  the  duty  of  procuring  trustworthy  boatmen,  at  whatever 
expense  ;  and  they,  with  the  boats,  were  put  under  his  direction.  To  Mr. 
Lovett  was  committed  the  management  of  the  fire  from  the  eighteen-gun 
battery  on  the  heights  of  Lcwiston.  This  was  an  important  duty,  as  tlie 
balls  from  this  battery  were  to  pass  over  the  l)eads  of  the  assaulting  party, 
in  order  to  reach  the  enemy  in  the  village  of  Quccnston.  The  duty  in 
the  result  was  satisfactorily  performed,  though  at  the  expense  of  Major 
Lovett's  hearing.  "  It  being  dark,  he  stooped  close  to  the  gun  to  observe 
its  aim,  when  it  was  suddenly  discharged,  and  the  concussion  so  injured 
his  ears  "  that  he  never  recovered  from  the  astounding  eflPects  of  his  own 
fire.  Col.  Van  Konsselacr  was  obliged  several  times  to  visit  the  IJrilish 
head  quarters  on  business,  also  to  attend  to  the  wants  in  clothing  and 
other  articles  for  the  unfortunate  prisoners  of  war  in  Gen.  Hull's  army. 

"  On  my  last  visit  there,  the  very  day  before  the  action,  while  returning 
to  my  boat,  accompanied  by  Col.  McDonald,  Major  Evans  and  other 
officers,  attracted  by  the  appearance  of  a  body  of  Indians  a  short  dis- 
tance to  our  left,  I  expressed  a  desire  to  obtain  a  nearer  view,  as  I 
might  know  some  of  them.  This  gallant  and  accomplished  ofiicer  im- 
mediately led  the  way.  On  our  route  we  passed  two  beautiiui  brass 
grass-hoppers,  or  howitzers,  of  a  small  size  calculated  to  be  carried  on 
pack-horses,  the  wheels  about  as  large  as  those  of  a  wheelbarrow.  I 
remarked,  '  these  at  all  events  are  old  acquaintances  of  mine.'  They 
had  formv^rly  belonged  to  Wayne's  army,  and  were  used  against  the 
Indians  in  1794,  in  which  battle  he  was  engaged.  After  the  defeat  of 
the  Indians,  these  pieces  had  been  left  at  Detroit,  where  as  Col.  iMcDon- 
ald  stated,  they  were  taken  by  Gen.  Brock  and  brought  down,  with  a  view 
of  being  sent  to  England,  as  a  curiosity.  I  observed  in  a  jocular  manner 
that  I  felt  partial  to  those  pieces,  and  we  must  try  to  take  them  back. 
He  replied  in  the  same  pleasant  humor,  that  they  must  try  to  defend  them, 
Little  did  he  suspect  that  every  thing  was  arranged  to  make  that  trial,  or 
that  the  next  day,  he  and  his  chivalrous  chief  were  doomed  to  fall,  and  I 
to  be  grievously  wounded."  These  brass  howitzers  were  among  the  Bri- 
tish trophies  of  victory  at  Detroit  on  Hull's  surrender. 

"•  Colonel  Solomon  Van  Reniselaer  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the 
invading  force,  an  arrangement  which  seems  to  have  given  umbrage  to 
some  of  the  officers  of  the  regular  army  on  the  frontier.  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Clirystie  was  exceedingly  anxious  to  have  the  honor  of  chief  in 
the  enterprise,  and  pleaded   his  rank  and  experience,  as  compared  with 


Jl 


Leqacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  253 

that  of  the  aid-de-camp  of  the  general-in-chief,  in  favor  of  his  claim. 
5Mt(.c...  Van  Rensselaer  would  not  change  his  gcueral  arran-'oments 
It  was  usreed  however  that  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  should  lead  .rcolu.nn 
ot  three  hundred  m.ht.a,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Chrystie  should  lead 
another  composed  of  the  same  number  of  resalars,  so  that  each  miS 
Phare.u  the  hazards  and  «  ory  of  the  expedition.  Chrystie  refused  to 
waive  h.8  rank  ,„  favor  of  Van  Rensselaer,  but  consented  to  reeeivo 
orders  from  him.  tcv^civu 

J.t  Col.  Christie   who  had  lately  arrived  with  a  reinforcement  of  near 
four  hundred   re;,ulars.    havin^^  bef,-ed    the  honor  of  a  comn.and  in  the 
cxpcd.fon,  was  acc..rd.nf,ly  ordere.l  up  to  Lewiston  with  three  hundred 
ot  Ins  n.en.      1  ho  ren.a.nder  were  left  to  guard  the  boats  and  stores  wh  ch 
lie  had   nought  w.th  lum,  to  the  mouth  of  Four-mile  creek.     Three  hun- 
J,o<I  nul.tia  men  who  had  been  in  camp  several  months,  and  were  much 
surorior  to  the  newly  recruited  regulars  in   point  of  discipline   to-rcther 
w.th  forty  p.cked  men    from  Capt.   Leonard's  old  oomparfy   o''  an  I  ery 
innu   I  OH  Niagara    under  Lieuts.    Gansevoort  and  Rathbone,  witl   afl 
the  o.,u,p,ne„ts  belonging  to  their  proper  line  of  service,  composed  the 
detachment  under  my  own  immediate  command.     An  equal  nunLr  from 
each  0   these  two  detachments,  together  with  the  forty  artillerists,  were  to 
proceed  from   the  encampment,  and  effect  the  first   descent  upcm   the 
encnys  shore.     Lieut.  (Jol.  Fenwick,  and  Major  Mullany  were  to   blh  w 
with  about  five  hundred  and  fifty  regulars,  and  some  piec^eis  of  fly  m'ar   U 
lory,  and  then  tiie  mihtia  in  order,  as  fast  as  the  boals  could  carry"he 
The  arrangement,  however  was  partially  deranged  when  we  reached  the 

mv"t;;,  .o;,V'''S-  t"'!;.'  ^^^^'^^P^  ^'^'''^'  -^"^^^^'^^^  accompanSl  ty 
my  two  act  ng  aids  Lush  and  Gansevoort,  I  was  inspecting  the  condition 
ot  tl  e  boats,  which,   by  the  way,  appeared  to  be   in   perfect  order     he 

dfe  "if  h^"'"""  '^  ''^  °t"'^"  ^"»  ^^y  ^^'■^'^'"^  d«^"  '0  the  water's 
mnnpfM  t  ^'^^'««"«J^  '^  became  necessary  either  to  countermarch 
part  of  this  force,  a  movement  which  we  apprehended  might  arouse  the 
a  tentiou  of  the  enemy,  or  to  fill  the  boats  iith  regular  troops  iS  tl  e  fir  t 
p  ace  0  the  partial  exclusion  of  the  militia.  The"  latter  alternative  was 
op  ed,  and  Major  Morrison  was  ordered  to  follow  with  the  re    a  nder  of 

he  de  achment  in  the  return  boats.  "  The  Niagara  river  at  Suee»'ton 
ix  hundred  feet  ,„  width,  and  the  heights  rise  ^wo  hundred  a.u  thirty 

ot  above  the  river."     When  all  was  re'ady  and  the  troop.s  em  a  ked   J 

.0  number  of   twenty-five  in  each  boat,  I  first  walked  alSn.. The  line    o 

5    r'^rr;  'T^*^'  '"'^  '""^  t^^f  ^^^'•'^••'^^'^'  -'^  K-e  the  word 
t   push  otf^     1  lie  order  was  promptly  obeyed.     Couuterbalancin-  in  the 

vonng  eddies   on  either  side,  the   lee  way  made   in  crossing   th^,  ml 

current,   within   ten  minutes   all   the  boats,  excepting  three    s  ruck      « 

::;;:;r„::;:'i':..^^«-"^-' '"» "-"-'  »p°'  "'^^  -  VI;: 

The  movements  of  the  Americans  had  been  discovered  by  the  sentinels 
n    a  company  of  British  regulars,  were  stationed  to  resist  tt  1"^ 

Va  i  1,T  ^''y  rr^'^  ^f^'-  /^'^thoone,  by  the  side  of  Col. 
alomn,  1  ^  ^^."""^  \audins,  and  random  shots  from  the  field-pieces 
&  t:  o"  "^  *'"  'rr  f  ^''^  ^T'^''  ^^^^^^^  ^^e  boats  touched  the  sT>re 

llhZi  1       ^^'•,^""  Rensselaer  had  been  the  first  man  to  sprin- 

ashore,  on  a  large  rock  at  the  foot  of  the  rapids,  the  identical  stone  is  stifi 


11 


254 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleaninos. 


to  bo  seen  near  to  Suspension  brulgo.  Hnvin;j;  landed,  the  boats  were 
immediately  sent  baek,  to  cut  off  any  chance  of  a  retreat.  'J'liu  tri>()|i>t 
were  formed,  "  Now  \vc  are  hero,  we  mu.sttiglit"  were  the  cheering  wonls 
from  the  gallant  colonel  as  he  charged  up  the  bank,  whoro  they  met  the 
enemy.  A  short,  but  severe  engagement  took  place,  with  heavy  loss  on 
both  sides ;  but  we  were  victorious,  and  the  enemy  gave  way,  and  fled 
towards  tjueenston,  on  our  right.  The  position  we  occupied  cut  off  their 
retreat  to  their  main  battery  on  the  heights.  The  plan  tor  thi.'  brilliant 
but  unlbrtunate  battle  was  simple  and  soldier-like,  and  if  it  had  been 
carried  out  iii  full,  would  have  resulted  in  a  most  effective  and  decisive 
victory.  "  It  commenced  so  auspiciously  for  the  American  arms  by  the 
gallant  and  daring  Van  Rensselaer,  and  ended  so  di.sa.strously  by  reason 
of  the  cowardice  of  the  militia  on  the  American  side,  who  refused  to 
cross  the  river  and  secure  the  victory  which  had  been  so  bravely  won." 

Col.  Van  llenselaer  had  made  himself  thoroughly  ac(|iiainted  with  the 
condition  of  the  enemy,  while  on  official  visits  to  the  various  posts,  lie  had 
been  vigilant  and  observing.  "He  selected  his  points  of  attack  with  mas- 
terly judgment,  because  from  its  apparent  difficulty,  it  was  the  least  sus- 
pected. It  is  true,  complete  success  did  not  ultimately  crown  this  enter- 
prise; but  two  great  ends  were  obtained  for  the  country,  it  re-established  the 
character  of  the  American  arms,  and  deprived  the  enemy  by  the  death  of 
Gen.  Urock,  one  of  the  best  officers  that  has  headed  their  troops  in  Canada 
throughout  the  war,  and  with  his  loss  put  an  end  to  their  then  brilliant 
career.  The  force  under  Col.  Solomon  Van  Kons.'<ehier,  contending  with 
greatly  superior  numbers,  stormed  and  carried  the  fort.  The  gallant  Col- 
onel fell  riddled  with  wounds  and  bleeding  profusely,  but  cheered  with  the 
shouts  of  victory,  hut  the  reinforcement  neglecting  to  cross  the  river  ut  the 
proper  time,  the  enemy  come  up  in  superior  force,  and  the  i'ort  was  re- 
taken, and  Van  Rensselaer's  truops  were  obliged  to  retreat.  Finding  my- 
self very  much  crippled  now  by  a  number  of  wounds,  and  with  the  loss  uf 
blood,  unable  to  proceed  any  farther,  I  inquired  for  Jiieut.  Col.  Christie; 
[Christie  was  in  one  of  the  three  missing  boats,  it  was  driven  by  the  currents 
and  eddies  upon  the  New  York  shores,  and  he  ordered  Lawrence's  boat 
back,  while  the  third  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  it  having  struck 
the  shore  at  the  mouth  of  the  creek  just  north  of  Lewiston.  Christie  was 
not  on  the  battle-field  uutil  the  morning  victories  were  all  won  by  Cap- 
tain Wool.]  There  was  a  vain  search  for  the  missing  second  in  command, 
he  was  not  to  be  found,  had  he  been  on  the  spot,  the  affair  would  have 
proceeded  without  a  moment's  delay.  I  directed  the  troops  to  fall  back  a 
few  steps,  under  cover  of  a  bank,  where  they  were  secure  from  the  desul- 
tory shots  still  occasionally  pointed  at  them.  In  this  situation  a  pause  of 
some  time  occurred,  till  the  staff  returned  without  any  hopes  of  bieut. 
Col.  Christie's  arrival.  Although  the  business  yet  to  be  done  was  all  im- 
portant to  the  success  of  our  enterprise,  I  was  unwilling  to  entrust  its  exe- 
cution to  such  very  young  men,  the  highest  of  whom  in  rank  were  only 
captains,  not  six  months  in  service.  As  it  was  now  broad  daylight,  any 
farther  delayjwas  highly  hazardous,  and  I  therefore,  in  an  agony  of  feeling 
which  belonged  to  the  occasion,  directed  the  troops  to  incline  a  little  to 
the  left,  and  ascend  the  heights  by  the  point  of  the  rock,  and  storm  the 
battery,  which  by  this  time  had  opened  its  fire  upon  our  place  of  embarka- 
tion. Lieut.  Gansevoort,  being  well  accjuainted  with  the  ground,  was 
ordered  to  lead  the  way,  at  the  head  of  the  picked  artillerists,  assisted  hy 
Lieut.  Randolph.     Lieut.  Rathboue  having  fallen  mortally  wounded  at 


Legacy  of  IltsTORicAL  Gleaninoi. 

my  si.lo;  other  troops  followed,  Major  Lush,  my  other  actin.^  aid  h 


uj.  the  roar,  with  orders  to  shoot  down  the  first 
wny.     The  noble  younj;  men  obeyed  niv  d 


255 

rinn;inj^ 
man  who  offered  to  give 

,    ,.  1,    -,  ,     ^,r  ' r-'""  "■■'  "''■actions,  and,  in  due  time,  the 

rci-rtof  a  well-told  yo  ley,  and  the  eheennK' shouts  of  victory,   reached 
iny  car,  a,s.sur,n^'  me  ot  their  n.n.plete  success.     Having  thus  a.-,^mplished 

rir;  r  ^T^'fr^^  twenty-eve  men,  (or  which  six  hSndred 
ad  fo.ty  had  been  detailed,  nothinj^  farther  was  necessary  for  the  full 
attainment  o    the  objects  of  the  enterprise,  than  to  secure  the  advantages 
gamed,     ^othlng  was  easier;  but  an  unfortunate  occurrence  of  adverse 
crcums  anccs,  turned  the  fortunes  of  the  day  against  our  arms.     I  could 
net  participate,  personally   in  the  subsequent  events.     I   may  add    as   a 
cnndusion  of  my  own  observations,  however,  that  it  had  been  anticipated 
hat  the  eneiny  might  open  the  fi,o  of  a  piece  of  flying  artillery,  from  the 
village  of   Qucenston.  upon   our  place   of  embarkation,  as  soon   as   they 
^■re  arou..ed   to  action    by  our   attack.     Major   i.ovett's     Mention   had 
thoretore,  been  particularly  directed  to  this  contingency  the  day  before  • 
and,  in  compliance  with  the  instructions  then  receivedfas  soon^s  there 
;vas  hght  enough,  ho  turned  the  long  eighteens  of  the  battery  on  Lewis! 
ton  heigh  s   upon  this   spot,  in   such  a  masterly  manner  as  to   drive  the 
enemy  out  before  tbe.r  battery  was  carried.     The  ferry  was  unannoyed 
after  this,  except  by  the  fire  of  one  gun ;  but  the  distance  was"o    "reat 
ami  the  formation  of  the     inks  rendered  this  fire  almost  ineffectual.  None 
of  our  boats  were  injiued   by  cannon  shot.     The   artillerists,  who  were 
urp<.ely  attached  to  tb.  storming  party,  and  provided  with  ma'tches,  w 

lavetuned  theh..  of  the  battery  on  Queen.ston  heights  upon  the 
vill.ige,  and  particular  y  upon  the  lower  one-gun  battery  which  was  about 
a  nil  e  below  (above  allude.l  to),  and  could  not  be  reached  from  Iny  othe 

C  ';;■  f     "'r'"-'  T  ""^-^-^  ""T^"'' '"  ^  fi^  "'■«^^''  ^<^'''''^"«  patriotism, 
rust  ated  the  design,  by  spiking  the  cannon  as  soon  as  captured.     Priding 

T       w-n  •^'''  ''''  ^^^   ''"•'•*«  acquired   under  the   tuition  of  Generals 
Wayne  Wilkinson  and  Posey,  I  an!  not  conscious  of  ever  havini  neglected 
the  peilormance  of  tl.e  most  minute  detail  appertaining  to  my'duties  as  a 
nnlitary  man.     No.  Jo  I  reeolleet  of  a  neglecUn  this  occasion.     Selected 
to  lead  an  expedition  on  which  the  result  of  a  whole  campaign  depended 
my  reputation  was  at  stake,  and  my  anxiety  to  give  my  coLh^  a  |lorious 
offset  to  the  disaster  of  Hull,  rendered  me,  if  ^ible,  doubirviXnt 
Every  preparation  deemed  essential  was  made  under  my  own  inspection 
every  contingency  was  provided  for  a  successful  issue ;  and  ifC re-' 
ul  was  unfortunate,  ,t  certainly  was  not  on  account  of  any  defect,  either 
Sltecution  ^"P^'"'«"'  ''  i"  ''-"  arrangements  made   to  ;irry1J 

Had  Lieut  Colonel  Christie,  for  instance,  effected  his  landin-  in  con- 
0 tion  with  myself,  no  delay  need  have  been  occasioned  at  tSe  mport- 
or  't'L'"'"  ^  ^''""^ '^'''^^'^.-     '^'^''  ^^"«"^«  ^^'^'^  have  been  secured 

se"  TnTTl  '"  "''  '•'^'"^«r"'^"f«.  w«"ld  have  been  secired  in 

season,     lo  his   ailure  may  mainly  be  attributed  all  our  disasters      Yet 
t^  apology  which  he  makes  for  it,  in  his  report  to  Gen.  ArmCn  .  (the 

id  .?.'"•  Tuu  T  ""'r"  '^'''  ''^'''  ^''•'''  ^''^^'^^  l'i«  own,  were 

Chr    L't  nr'''''n   ^"''''  ^'''!  '•^P'^l^'^J'y  declared  that  he  fell  back  by 
thustie  s  orders.     Ilia  return  damped  the  hitherto  irrepressible  ardor  of 


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Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


266 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


the  militia  ;  Major  Morrison,  instead  of  leading  his  detachment  across  the 
river,  suddenly  found  himself  taken  too  uawell  for  the  dutv;  and  thou.'h 
the  dreaded  fire  on  the  ferry  was  now  silenced  by  Major  Lovett's  battenr 
and  the  heights  were  captured,  yet  the  panic  had  become  so  general,  that 
but  a  small  portion  of  our  army  could  be  prevailed  on  to  cross.     The  re- 
mainder, to  their  eternal  shame  be  it  said,  instead  of  lending  their  aid  to 
sustain  their  gallant  brethren  in  their  victorious  career,  stood  passivelv 
and  saw  them  cut  up,  and  captured  in  the  end,  by  a  force  amounting  to 
about  one-third  of  their  united  number.     At  the  period  of  Gen.  Brock'a 
fall,  and  the  flight  of  the  enemy,  the  troops  were  still  crossing,  we  had  a 
prospect  of  a  victorious  termination  of  the  enterprise,  and  no  one  then 
supposed  the  militia  would  change  their  minds ;  of  course,  the  idea  of  a 
retreat  could  not  be  entertained.     Gen.  V.  R.  crossed  over  about  this  time 
leaving  directions  for  the  militia  to  follow  :  but  learning  subsequently  that 
he  was  not  obeyed,  he  returned,  with  a  view  of  ascertaining  the  causri 
and  to  expedite  their  movements      It  was  then,  for  the  first  time,  he  founj 
them  recreant  to  the  promises  which  their  late  clamor  for  action  implied. 
After  trying  all  the  means  that  human  ingenuity  could  devise,  to  arouse 
them  to  a  sense  of  their  duty,  he  was  obliged  to  give  up  the  effort  in  de- 
spair, and  despatched  a  note  to  General  Wadsworth,  informing  him  of  the 
predicament.     "We  were  successful  in  every  important  measure  up  to  this 
time,  but  the  large  reinforcements  of  the  enemy,  under  Gen.  Sheaffe  were 
near  at  hand,  and  very  soon  our  little  band  of  heroes  were  attacked,  and 
after  another  obstinate  fight,  overpowered,  but  they  were  not  crushed. 

Extract  from  the  Official  Letter  of  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Head  Quarters,  Lewiston.  October  14th,  1812, 
*  On  the  morning  of  the  12th,  such  was  the  pressure  upon  me 
from  all  quarters,  that  I  became  satisfied  that  my  refusal  to  act  might 
involve  me  in  suspicion,  and  the  service  in  disgrace.  Lieut.  Col.  Christie 
who  had  just  arrived  at  the  Four  Mile  Creek,  had  late  in  the  night  of  the 
first  contemplated  attack,  gallantly  ofierod  me  his  own  and  his  men's 
services;  but  he  got  my  pcrnnssion  too  late.  He  now  again  came  for- 
ward, had  a  conference  with  Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  and  begged  that  he 
might  have  the  honour  of  a  command  in  the  expedition.  The  arrange- 
ment was  made.  Col.  Van  Kensselaer  was  to  command  one  co!umn°of 
three  hundred  militia,  and  Lieut.  Col  Christie  a  column  of  the  sams 
number  of  regular  troops. 

Every  precaution  was  now  adopted  as  to  boats  ["  Having  been  confined 
to  my  bed,"  says  Col.  V.  R.,  "  previous  to  the  first  attempt,  General 
Wadsworth,  a  brave  and  meritorious  officer,  was  requested  to  superintend 
the  movements  of  the  boats.  He  procured  as  many  as  were  required  and 
Mr.  Cook's  deportment  of  them  was  well  regulated  ;  and  as  long  as  the 
troops  showed  a  disposition  to  cross,  it  was  well  conducted.  If  there  was 
any  irregularity  afterward,  the  fault  was  not  so  much  in  his  boatmen  as 
in  his  passengers,"]  and  the  most  confidential  and  experienced  men  to 
manage  them.  At  an  early  hour  in  the  night  Lieut.  Col.  Christie  marched 
his  detachment  by  the  rear  road  from  Niagara  to  camp.  At  7  in  the 
evening,  Lieut.  Col,  Stranahan's  regiment  moved  from  Niagara  Falls;  at 
8  o'clock  Mead's,  and  at  9  Lieut,  Col.  Bloom's  retriment,  marched  from 
the  same  place.     All  were  in  camp  in  good  season. 

Agreeably  to  my  orders  issued  upon  this  occasion,  the  two  columns  were 
to  pass  over  togethci  as  soon  as  the  heights  should  be  carried.    Lieut 


Sir, 
* 


I  merit  across  the 
ty ;  and  though 
Lovett's  battery, 
so  general,  that 
cross.     The  re- 
Hng  their  aid  to 
stood  passively, 
6  amounting  to 
)f  Gen.  Brock'a 
issing,  we  had  a 
nd  no  one  then 
e,  the  idea  of  a 
about  this  time, 
ibsequently  that 
ning  the  cause, 
t  time,  he  found 
action  implied, 
evise,  to  arouse 
;he  effort  in  de- 
ling him  of  the 
asure  up  to  this 
n.  Sheaffe  were 
B  attacked,  and 
lot  crushed. 

'.laer. 

14th,  1812. 
ssure  upon  me 
1  to  act  might 
t.  Col.  Christie, 
lie  night  of  the 
and  bis  mea's 
igain  came  for- 
>egged  that  he 

The  arrange- 
one  column  of 
n  of  the  sams 

:  been  confined 
empt,  General 
to  superintend 
e  required  and 
as  long  as  the 

If  there  was 
bis  boatmen  as 
ienced  meu  to 
ristie  marched 

At  7  in  the 
gara  Falls;  at 
marched  from 


•  columns  were 
irried.    Lieut 


.(    ' 


'  if 


256 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


the  militia;  Major  Morrison,  instead  of  leading?  his  detachment  across  the 
river,  suddenly  found  himself  taken  too  unwell  for  the  duty;  and  ihouirb 
the  dreaded  6re  on  the  ferry  was  now  silenced  by  Major  Lovett's  batt-n- 
ani  ihr:  lieifrhts  were  captured,  yet  the  panic  had  become  so  geurral,   liv 
but,  a  Hmall  portion  of  o'lr  n'my  oould  be  prevailed  on  to  cross.     Thi;  f 
Piainder,  to  tliwir  eternal  shame  be  it  said,  instead  of  lending  their  aiii  t , 
8u.stain  their  gallant  brethren  in  their  victorious  career,  stood  pai«8iv..!v 
and  saw  them  cut  up,  and  captured  in  the  end,  by  a  force  amountiin;  u. 
about  one-third  of  their  united  number.     At  the  period  of  Gen.  Brook '« 
fall,  and  the  flight  of  the  enemy,  the  troops  were  still  crossing,  we  hn-i  n 
prospect  of  a  victorious  termination  of  the  enterprise,  and  no  one  th  m: 
supposed  the  militia  would  change  their  minds;  of  course,  the  ulv., 
retreat  coald  not  be  entertained.     Gen.  V.  R.  crossed  over  about  this  i  mii. 
leaving  directions  for  the  militia  to  follow  :  but  learning  subsequeutly  that 
ho  was  not  obeyed,  he  returned,  with  a  view  of  ascertaining  the  cum 
and  to  expedite  their  movements      It  was  then,  for  the  first  time,  he  t'nuiiii 
them  recreant  to  the  promisefl  which  their  late  clamor  for  action  m\Am\ 
After  trying  all  the  means  that  human  ingenuity  could  devise,  to  arouw 
them  to  a  sense  of  their  duty,  he  was  obliged  to  give  up  the  effort    ,1  .jt. 
apair,  and  despatched  a  note  to  General  Wadsworth,  informing  him    >.  -y 
pr<'diyaui«nt.     Wo  were*  Huiice-osful  in  every  important  measure  uj'       !  1 
time,  but  iIh?  iBrire  reinfoiwiunnts  of  the  enemy,  under  Gen.  t^heafi.  ix.r. 
near  at  hand,  and  very  muu  otir  littlo  band  of  heroes  were  attackcl  nod 
after  another  obstinate  fight,  overpowered,  but  they  were  not  cru.»lu;!i. 

Extract  fram  the  Official  Letter  of  Oen.  Van  Benssekter. 
Sir,  Head  Quarters,  Lewiston,  October  14th,  1>*12. 

*  *  *  On  the  morning  of  the  12th,  such  was  the  pressure  upon  me 
from  al'  quarters,  that  I  became  satisfied  that  my  refusal  to  act  uiighi 
involve  me  in  suspicion,  and  the  service  in  disgrace.  Lieut.  €0'..  Chrijttio, 
who  had  just  arrived  at  the  Four  Mile  Creek,  had  late  in  the  night  of  the 
first  contemplated  attack,  gallantly  offered  me  his  own  and  his  idbd'h 
services  ;  but  he  got  my  permission  too  late.  He  now  again  came  for 
ward,  had  a  conference  with  Col.  Van  ilensselaer,  and  begged  tiiut  he 
might  have  the  honour  of  a  command  in  the  expedition.  The  arrange 
ment  was  made.  Col.  Van  Kensselaer  was  to  command  one  col  urn  n  m 
three  h^ndred  militia,  and  Lieut.  Col.  Christie  a  column  of  the  same 
number  of  regular  troops. 

Every  precaution  was  now  adopted  as  to  boats  ["  Having  been  confined 
to  my  bed,"  says  Col.  V.  It.,  "  previous  to  the  first  attempt,  Generai 
Wadsworth,  a  brave  and  meritorious  oiBcer,  was  requested  to  superintend 
the  raovt.«i«ntb:  nt  the  boats.  He  procured  as  many  as  were  required  ami 
Mr.  C<N)k(i  deportment  of  them  was  well  regulated;  and  as  long  us  th.: 
troope  nhovved  a  disposition  to  cross,  it  was  well  conducted.  If  there  wa,^ 
any  irregularity  afterward,  the  fault  was  not  so  much  in  his  boatmen  .i 
in  his  passengers,"]  and  the  most  confidential  and  experienced  men  u 
manage  them.  At  an  early  hour  in  the  night  Lieut.  Col.  Christie  niuiclied 
his  detachment  by  the  rear  road  from  Niagara  to  eamp.  At  7  in  thf 
evening,  Lieut.  Col.  Strauahan's  regiment  moved  from  Niagara  Falls;  a? 
8  o'clock  Mead's,  and  at  9  Lieut.  Col.  Bloom's  regiment,  marclied  from 
the  same  place.     All  were  in  camp  in  good  season. 

Agreeably  to  my  orders  issued  upon  this  occasion,  the  two  columns  were 
to  pass  over  together  as  soon  as  the  heights  should  be  carried.    Lieut 


iment  across  the 
ty ;  and  though 
liOvett's  bnft-ry 
80  geuorai,   h,' 
cross.     Tho  r- 
ling  their  aid  i,, 
stood  passiviMy 
!e  amountiiii.'  i,. 
)f  Gen.  Broek* 
issing,  we  hid  h 
nd  no  one  th  n- 
ie,  the  'uU'„ 
about  this  uum 
ibseqiieutly  that 
ning  the  eau* 
t  time,  he  t'liunii 
action  iin|)lte(i 
evise,  to  ar-niyt 
the  effort    u  .jr 
aing  hi  Hi    ^  •:,, 
asure  Uf       ■ 
in.  fSlieat].'  lu  r. 
e  attaoki'it  mi 
act  cruclit;  1. 

elaer. 

'  14th,  m2. 

issure  upon  me 
1  to  act  uiight 
t.  Col  Christio, 
he  night  of  the 
and  hh  iuen'!< 
igain  came  for 
)egged  that  he 
The  arrange 
one  column  oi 
ID  of  the  sauii 

I  been  confined 
;eu)jU,  Genera' 
to  buperinteini 
re  required  uiiii 
as  long  iis  ih.: 
If  there  w:i,- 
his  boatmei)  ,)- 
ienced  uien  t. 
iristie  niureliod 
.  At  7  in  the 
igara  Falls;  a? 
marched  from 

[)  columns  were 
irried.    Lieut 


^ZS2 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  257 

Col.  Fenwick'8  fljing  artillery  was  to  pasa  over  ;  then  Major  Mullanv's 
detachment  of  regulars,  and  the  other  troopa  to  follow  in  order  Col  vYn 
Kens.elaer  with  great  presence  of  mind,  ordered  his  officers  to  proceed 
w.t h  n.p,d.ty  and  storm  the  fort.  The  service  was  gallantly  performed 
and  the  enemy  driven  down  the  hill  in  every  direction  sLn  ,  Tif-  ' 
bath  parties  were  considerably  reinforced  "n5  tile  nSjct  S^re  ^Vd^b' 
various  places.     Many  of  the  enemy  took  shelter  behind  a   stone   eua"-^ 

L^f  t  bl?te^rtrb?teTe7„irhe'^^  '  F  ^'^  ^« 

effoctually  done  th'at  with  e^f  :r^eT  hVt'tLTet  S^ce"'  %l'l  " 
niy  then  retreated  behind  a  large  store  house   but  Tn  a  short  Hn,„  .J       I" 
became  general,  and  the  enemy's  fire  was  sflpnopH  Jn    ?l     ^  ^^^  ™''' 
battery,  so  far  down  the  river  L  10^0"^;^^';  cW 
nance  and  our  light  pieces  could  not  silence  it.     A  number  of  boat^  not 
p^sed  over  unannoyed,  except  by  the  one  unsilenced  gun     For  sle  time 
after  I  had  passed  over,  the  victory  appeared  complete  :   but  inTxoee^a' 
tion  0  further  attacks,  I  was  taking  measures  for  Ltif^in  "U  ca^Pf  * 

fire  I  rnnU  /fi         f       l^  command,  and  cover  his  retreat,  by  every 
««IJ  but  little  more  Am  have  ,e^ch7iZoW.houtV^M'   ^T'^ 

00 


258 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


hausted  of  strcofrth  and  ammunition,  and  grieved  at  the  unpardonable 
neglect  of  their  I'ellow-soldiers,  gave  up  the  conflict.  J  run  oulj/  a<lil,  that 
the  victory  was  realli/  won,  but  lost  for  the  want  of  a  small  reinforcemt'iU" 
one-tkird port  of  the  idle  men  miijht  have  aavd  oil. 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  &c. 

Stephen  Van  Rensselaer. 
Hon.  William  Eustis,  Secretary  of  War. 

"  The  army  on  the  Straits  of  Niagara  could  have  been  assembled  for 
oflPense  only :  therefore  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  in  making  the  attack,  I'ul- 
filled  the  obligations  of  duty,  and  the  views  of  government.  Advocate  as 
I  am  for  the  yeomanry  of  my  country,  I  can  find  no  excuse  for  the  con- 
duct of  the  militia  on  that  occasion.  Ey  imperiously  demanding  the 
attack  on  Queeuston,  they  virtually  pledged  themselves  to  support  it. 
The  attack  was  made,  but  their  pledge  remained  unredeemed ;  if  the 
militia  had  been  faithful  to  their  engagements,  and  true  to  themselves, 
the  whole  might  have  passed  the  straits  before  the  arrival  of  the  Rritish 
column  under  General  Sheafi'e,  whom  they  might  have  cut  off  from  Fort 
George,  and  captured  or  destroyed,  after  which  the  surrender  of  the  fort 
would  have  become  a  matte.'  of  form." 

The  following  piquant  account  is  from  Gen.  Wilkinson,  to  the  secretary 
of  war,  just  after  the  battle.  "  The  enemy  ascertained  Van  Rensselaer's 
approach  by  the  sound  of  his  oars,  and  opened  their  fire  from  the  top  of 
the  b^nk,  as  soon  as  they  could  discern  his  movements,  by  which  Lieut. 
Rathbone  was  mortally  wounded  on  board  of  Col  Van  Rensselaer's  boat. 
The  landing  was  effected  with  two  hundred  and  twenty-five  men,  who 
formed  under  a  very  warm  fire,  climbed  the  bank  and  routed  the  enemy 
at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  without  firing  a  shot;  but  in  this  operation 
Ensign  31orris  was  killed,  and  Captains  Malcolm,  Armstrong  and  Wool 
were  wounded,  and  a  .number  of  men  killed  and  wounded.  Colonel  Van 
Rensselaer  himself  was  peculiarly  unfortunate,  and  to  the  accident  which 
befel  him,  the  day's  disaster  may  be  partly  attributed;  he  received  one 
ball  in  his  hip  which  passed  out  at  his  spine,  two  in  his  thigh,  one  of 
which  lodged,  two  in  his  leg,  and  a  sixth  contused  his  heel;  he  however 
kept  his  feet,  and  the  enemy  having  fled  towards  the  town,  with  great 
presence  of  mind  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  directed  his  ofiicers  to  proceed  with 
rapidity  and  storm  the  fort.  He  ordered  Capt.  Wool,  the  senior  officer 
capable  of  duty,  to  ascend  the  mountain  and  carry  the  battery ;  giving 
him  a  direction  for  his  movement,  by  which  he  would  avoid  the  fire  of  the 
enemy's  artillery;  placing  Lidutenants  Randolph  and  Gansevoort,  who 
volunteered,  at  the  head  of  the  little  column,  and  Major  Lush,  another 
volunteer,  in  the  rear,  with  orders  to  put  to  death  the  first  man  who 
should  fall  back.  During  this  time  he  had  concealed  his  wounds  under 
a  great  coat,  borrowed  from  Major  Lush,  and  when  the  party  had  filed 
off  before  him,  no  longer  able  to  support  himself,  he  fell  to  the  ground," 
with  excessive  weakness.  Even  then  his  voice  was  still  heard  animating 
his  men  and  ordering  them  to  "  push  on  and  storm  the  battery."  The 
service  was  gallantly  performed.  That  battery  was  taken  as  well  as  every 
other  work  of  the  enemy  at  Queenston.  Had  not  Col.  Van  Rensselaer 
been  so  badly  wounded,  there  is  no  doubt  but  that  he  would  have  retained 
possession."  It  was  just  then  clear  day-light,  and  he  found  himself  among 
the  wounded,  the  dying  and  the  dead.  A  crust  of  bread,  and  some  water, 
furnished  by  one  of  the  former,  prevented  him  from  fainting.    The  an- 


iiiii 


Hensselakr. 


Legacy  op  Historical  GLEANiNaa.  259 

guish  resultinp;  from  his  wounds,  and  every  selfish  feeling  was  silcnoorl 
by  the  coMtempation  of  his  wounded  compunions;  but Tef;  7o^t  much  of 
thc.r  .uteres  ,  when  put  |n  eorapetition  with  his  nnxiety  for  the  saSv  and 
success  of  the  gallant  detachment  he  had  ordered  to  the  height  Tt 
fitetrd  r     thThrd'reT^^^  thi.  an4l;?h';^ie,  b^e' 

ho  was  remunerated  b/the  shouts  of'vLtory''"''  "  '"  ''''''''''  -"-' 

.lil^rJXt^hS^ 

B,..ns  «T„e,t  of  future  promise,  aad  asserting  elaii     to  teu'     Um „'• 

L'=;  sirs:  ZftBS'^rf^^'^'^' 

amidst  thousands  of  officiThieh  have  been  inT        ""'  TT'^'  '  "°^ 

to  our  camp  about  10  o'clock  in  the  morning.  "' Arad  fov  F^  ^ 
was  paymaster  of  Colonel   Henrv  K1r.n,r,'.        •        /^^aa  Joy,  Mq.,  who 

wa,4s'that  conveyed  tLwo3LdedtrtheTsn';'l^'\f"-^;  ''^  *^« 
two  miles  from  the  village  The  E  of  hlnn/^  ^  n",  *^^  !:'.^='  '■"'*'^' 
selaer  to  be  chilly.     HeTat  upon  a  boa  d  "aero  rthe  tonT't^"  ""^"^ 

taken  fo  good  quarLs  in  a  pd  fe  h'ou'se  T.T'f  *'^'"-  «^  ^'^^ 
instruments,  was  alon-      We  wlr^  ^L"^^    r^  t-*"^"^  T^'"'"'  ^'"»  ^^is 

Xtra:rsfiut-~^ 

him  that  for  several  dav.  h^«'lif„         ■'    '"'^  ^''  ^''"°*^«  «°  prostrated 

i.f.rred  from  the  fact  ti,J  ,U  '  ^°"  °'™''  ''°  ""  '"I'™'*  "V  b= 
»ol««leered  to  4rv  him  nn^h  ""k  "mP""/  °'  '^'""P'«»i»"a'<>  "Idlers 
Albaa,.  '     "  ""  '■'"'"  'houlders  from  Buffalo  all  the  way  to 


260 


Legacy  op  Histcrical  Gleanings. 


dotachmcnt  under  Onpt,  Lawrence,  and  Col.  Christie's  return  produced  a 
must  pcrniciouB  effect  on  the  militia,  particularly  as  the  party  luadu  no 
imniediute  attempt  to  effect  a  passage.  The  natural  reflection  produced 
by  this  spectacle  in  the  minds  of  the  yeomanry  was,  '  if  the  regular  troopg 
oannot  cross  the  river,  surely  it  cannot  be  expected  of  us.'  Thousauds  of 
spectators  were  lookiuj;  on,  and  there  cati  bo  no  doubt  that  the  incident 
staggered  their  resolution  and  inclined  them  to  march  home  rather  than 
against  the  enemy." 


CHAPTER  Xn. 

Resignation  of  Major  Gen.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer. 

•'  General  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer  was  not  a  military  man.  He  was 
possessed  of  great  wealth,  extensive  social  influence  and  was  a  leading 
federalist.  His  appointment  was  a  stroke  of  policy  to  secure  friends  to 
the  war  among  that  party.  It  was  only  on  condition  that  Solomon  Van 
Rensselaer,  the  adjutant  general  who  had  been  in  military  service,  should 
accompany  him,  that  he  consented  to  take  the  post.  It  was  well  under- 
stood that  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  would  be  the  general,  in  a  practical 
military  point  of  view.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Winfield  Scott  had  arrived 
at  Schlosser,  two  miles  above  the  falls,  at  the  head  of  his  regiment  when 
he  was  informed  by  Col.  James  Collier  of  the  intended  expedition  against 
Queenston.  He  immediately  mounted  his  horse  and  dashed  toward 
head  quarters  as  speedily  as  the  horrid  condition  of  the  road  would  allow. 
He  presented  himself  to  the  commanding  general,  and  earnestly  solicited 
the  privilege  of  taking  a  part  in  the  invasion  with  his  command.  '  The 
arrangements  for  the  expedition  are  all  completed,  sir,'  said  General  Van 
Rensselaer.  '  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  is  in  chief  command,  Lieutenant 
Colonels  Christie  and  Fenwick  have  waived  their  rank  for  the  occasion, 
and  you  may  join  the  expedition  as  a  volunteer,  if  you  will  do  the  same.' 
Van  Rensselaer  wisely  determined  not  to  have  a  divided  command.  Scott 
was  unwilling  to  yield  his  rank ;  but  he  pressed  his  suit  so  warmly  that  it 
was  agreed  that  he  should  bring  on  his  regiment,  take  position  on  the 
heights  of  Lewiston  with  his  cannon,  and  co-operate  in  the  attack  as  cir- 
cumstances might  warrant.  Scott  hastened  back  to  Schlosser,  put  his 
regiment  in  motion,  and  by  a  forced  march  through  the  deep  mud  reached 
Lewiston  at  four  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  October  13th.  Again  he  im- 
portuned for  permission  to  participate  di -ectly  in  the  enterprise,  but  in 
vain.  His  rank  would  be  equal,  on  the  field,  to  that  of  Colonel  Van 
Rensselaer,  who  had  originated  and  planned  the  whole  affair,  and  who  the 
commanding  general  resolved  should  have  the  honor  of  winning  the  laurels 
to  be  obtained  by  leadership. 

"  After  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  was  returned  to  the  American  side  dan- 
gerously wounded,  the  permission  to  cross  the  river,  was  given  by  Gen. 


NSSELAER. 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleaninos.  261 

Van  Ronsselner  to  Colonel  Scott,  and  take  comman.l  of  the  troops  on  the 
he., h.H  winch  ho  .lid,  and  fought  bravely.     (Jen.  Wad.worth  was  ulrea   J 
cm  the  ho  d,  having  crossed  without  orders.     The  generous  and  p.  r i "   o 
Wudswurth  promptly  waived  his  rank,  and  said,  'You,  sir   know     r X 
Bionally  what  ought  to  be  done.     I  «m  hero  for  the  hoZJm^l^X 
and  that  of  the  New    York  militia.'      Scott  at  once  assumed  7e  gene  a  I 
command    expecting  to  be  reinforced  by  the  militia  from  the  opposUe 
shore.     He  was  doomed,  however,  to  most  profound  mortification  aKd  dis' 
appomtment."     Nmc-tnUhs  of  our  forces  a*  Lewiston  operated  upon  by 
'conHc.ent.ous  scruples'   refused    to   listen  to  the  expostulations^of  the 
niajor  general  jo  follow  him  to  the  support  of  their  ga  lant  comrades  who 
had  commenced  the  day  under  such  flattering  prospects.    Gon   Wadsworh 
communicated  Gon.  Van  Rensselaer's  note  to  the  ^eld  officers       Ke 
waj  now  .mpos.-.ble,  and  to  fight  longer  was  n.  ;,  only  useless  bu    madnl 

aetcrminca  upon.  A  flag  was  accordingly  sent,  with  a  proposition 
A  ter  waiting  for  some  t  me  without  any  tidings  Another  warsEnt  a  ,d 
fterward  yet  another,  neither  of  which  returned,  they  had  all  been  Mot 
y  the  Indians  Scott  therefore  determined  to  go  wi^h  the  fla'  1  imS 
lowson  and  Christie  both  resolved  to  accompany  their  command^  a 
white  neck- tie  taken  from  Capt.  Towson's  thro'at.las  fixed  on  the  poin? 
of  Col.  feeo  t  s  sword  which  he  bore  aloft,  being  the  tallest,  shelterin.'  them 
selves  behind  rocks^  <.  Just  as  they  gained'  the  road,  ^o  IndSi  w  "o" 
hud  been  aiming  at  Scott  in  the  morning,  the  young  and  a-^ile  chieTBr  int 
and  the  more  muscular  Captain  Jacobs,  spran/ upon  them  like  t^Lfom 

ewi"re'kin;:£eTm  ?"''''  ^"'.  "'"^  '"'^^'  '""^  character^  Jl^rch 
ne  Was  seeking  the  iiritish  commander,  but  to  no  purpose.      The  Indiana 

grappled  with  them  fiercely,  and  Jacobs  succeeded^in  wrenchin.  The 
sword  from  the  colonel's  hand.  The  blades  of  Towson  and  Christie 
instantly  leaped  from  their  scabbards,  and  the  Indians  were  ratnV  he  r 
£:?  "ft"  \'''^'^\^^^Sor^-^  -shed  forward  hoariyeSmnT 
separated  aid"  C  V  ""^'^^::"«  ^  g"'^;^  with  him,  the  constants  wer^e 
separated,  and  Colonel  Scott  was  conducted  to  the  presence  of  General 
Sh  affe,  to  whom  he  proposed  a  surrender,  and  wit^  whom  terms  of  ca^ 
tula, on  were  speedily  arranged,  the  general  at  once  sayi  ^^hat  the^ 

ve  th:t  Zti"''\"",?^  ''''''V  "^'•-  O--*^-^  we^e  Cnnl^diate^ 
given  that  the  firing  should  cease;  but  these  orders  were  not  nromntlv 
obeyed,  which  caused  a  remonstrance  from  Col.  Scott,  and  finafy  a^emZ 
tory  demand  to  be  conducted  back  to  his  troops.  This  prolotS  fir« 
was  from  the  Indians,  whom  Gen.  Sheaffe  admitted  he  could  no^contfoT 
as  hey  were  exceedingly  exasperated  at  the  amount  of  their  loss  but  thev 
ZoTZt'  "f7'"'J  ''.  i'^''^'-  .^^^"  "^'^  Scott  under  he  pr?ec^ 
leS  the  ntli  ''  ^'^.^f'-  "'^"^^'^'^  "'«  *''^  ^^"'i«h  cam?  and  com. 

pMed  the  preliminary  capitulation,  then  Brigadier  General  Wndsworth 

ll'rllZZT'"'  "'^"^  tV'""'  surrendered,  delivered  histZA 
Irencrai  Sheaffe  in  person.     The  ceremony  of  formal  surrender  occurred 

llar:;T''  ^t'"  '\'  P"^""^^^-  -ffi^^rs  and  men  were  marched  to"Se 

Se  th    o7"'^  '*,  t'  '^''''^  '^'  '^'  ^'''^■''^  "^«r  the  same  evening 
Where  the  colonel  and  his  two  principal  officers  were  quartered  in  a  «n.  Jl 

"ene  a-   oinl    ^'i"'  '^'  ^"'^"["f .«"  officer  to  conduct  them  to  the 

more  IrZ     H  '      T  ^""  '"'"'j^'  T'^''''^  ^^^^^^'y  «P'"'«d  ""^  eveu 
more  startling  than   the  scene  with  the  two  Indians  by  the  road  side 


|y  f 


'^^*W"'"P 


iil 


a 


I 


■I 


2(J2 


Leqaoy  op  IlrsTORrcAL  Gleanings, 


Just  at  twilight,  a  little  girl  entered  tlin  parlor,  with  a  incssiigo  that  Home- 
body  in  the  hull  dcsirod  to  see  the  '  tali  oHicor.'  ('olonol  S>M>tt  therenpdn 
stopped  out  of  the  piirlor,  uiiiirino<l,  ot'courrto,  into  ilie  hall  which  Wiu 
dark  and  narrow,  and  withal  incoiuniodod  by  a  stairway ;  hut  what  was 
his  astonishnient  on  again  meeting  face  to  face,  bin  evil  geniuses,  tho 
brawny  ('aptain  Jacobs  and  the  light-limbed  chief!  The  colonel  hud 
shut  the  door  b'jhind  him  as  he  left  tho  parlor ;  but  there  was  a  sentinel 
standing  at  the  outer  door,  who  had  improperly  allowed  the  Indians  to 
pass  in.  Tho  dusky  visitors  stopped  up  to  tho  colonel  without  cere- 
racny,  and  the  younger,  who  alone  spoke  Knglish,  made  a  brief  infjuiry 
as  to  the  number  of  balls  which  had  cut  through  his  clothes,  intinmtin;,' 
astonishment  that  they  had  both  baon  tiring  at  him  almost  the  wi)()lo  day] 
without  effect.  Hut  while  the  young  Indian  was  thus  speaking,  Jacob-, 
rudely  seizing  tho  colonel  by  the  arm,  attempted  to  whirl  him  round,  ex- 
claiming in  broken  Knglish,  'me  shoot  so  often,  me  sure  to  have  hit 
somewhere.'  '  Hands  off,  yju  scoundrel,'  cried  Hoott,  indignant  at  sucii 
freedom  with  his  person,  and  adding  a  scornful  expression,  'you  Sr^J 
like  a  squ  .w,'  thus  reflecting  upon  the  Indian's  skill  as  a  marksman,  as 
he  fluD£     im  from  him. 

"The  Indiana  drew  instantly  both  dirk  and  tomahawk,  when,  with  the 
rapidity  of  lightning,  Scott,  who  hud  fortunately  eypied  a  nunibtr  oi' 
swords  standing  at  the  end  of  the  passage,  seized  one  from  its  iron  si.eath, 
and  placed  himself  in  a  posture  of  defense  :  inst  tho  anacing  Indians, 
As  they  stood  in  this  picturos(|uo  attitude,  Scott  with  his  sword  ready  to 
strike,  and  the  Indian.s  with  their  tomahawks  and  dirks  in  the  air,  frowu- 
ing  defiance  upon  each  other,  both  parties  awaiting  the  first  blow,  Coluoel 
Coflin,  who  had  been  sent  with  a  guard  to  conduct  Scctt  to  the  general's 
quarters  to  dinner,  sprang  into  the  passage,  and  cried  '  Hold  !'  Compre- 
hending at  a  glance  the  dangerous  position  of  Scott,  he  interfered  at  once, 
by  sharp  remonstrance,  and  also  by  weapon,  in  his  defense.  Jacobs, 
exasperated,  turned  upon  Colonel  Coflin,  and,  uttering  a  menace,  his 
companion  also  unguardedly  turned  to  observe  the  i,ssue  of  th«  new  com- 
bat. The  scene  was  of  the  most  exciting  and  earnest  character.  The 
Indians  having  thus  turned  upon  Coffin,  one  of  them  exclaimed,  '  I  kill 
you  ! '  Scott  instantly  raised  his  sabre,  which  was  heavy  and  substantial, 
so  that  a  descending  blow  would  have  fallen  upon  both  the  savages  at 
once,  and  called  out,  '  H'  you  strike,  I  will  kill  you  both  ! '  For  a  moment 
they  stood  frowning  ;  the  piercing  eyes  of  the  Indians  gleaming  with  v^ild 
and  savage  fury,  while  Scott  and  Coffin  alike  looked  upon  both  with 
angry  defiance,  all  with  upraised  arms  and  glittering  steel,  llecovering 
somewhat  from  the  gust  of  passion  into  which  they  had  'oeen  thrown, 
the  Indians  then  slowly  dropped  their  arms  and  retired.  The  officer  who 
thus  <  ame  to  the  rescue,  was  the  aid  of  Geuerid  Sheaff'e,  whose  errand 
was  to  conduct  the  colonel  to  dinner,  and  who,  by  this  timely  arrival, 
probably^saved  his  life.  The  young  chief  John  Brant,  though  only  eight- 
een years  of  age,  had  that  day,  for  the  first  time,  led  his  tribe  upon  the 
war  path,  it  was  no  part  of  the  young  chief's  design  to  inflict  injury  upon 
the  captive  American  commander.  His  whole  character  forbids  the  idea, 
for  he  was  as  generous  and  benevolent  in  his  feelings  as  he  was  brave. 

"  Having  been  exhausting  much  ammunition  upon  the  colonel  during; 
the  day,  this  visit  was  one  of  curiosity,  to  asccrt  in  how  near  they  had  come 
to  the  accomplishment  of  their  object.  Like  Cassius,  the  Indian  beard 
anger  as  the  flint  does  fire  though  not  always  cold  so  soon.     It  was  the 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  268 

Lner.    ('ol.  Scott  i,:.:!:!  :;;';f;,T/  ^^  '"ken  pr'i- 

uKainst  such  on  exacKerution      (n„n?      .•/'"?'''."'"'  '''""•^"^Jratcd 

Two  hundred  of  theu/ui  m"  r  M  i  "''''^  "'"'"  ^T'^'^'  "'""""K- 
were  forced  by  the  ur  en  o  ho  rU  '^'  V^'r'"''^  «»^'^  i"  the  day, 
baftery,  nn.l  wore  car  t3  Two  h  ,  I  T  "•  ''"  '""T'^  "*'  Vr-oinan's 
the  buttle  were  «urronde  ed  a  ,7  1  o  1  "."'  "'"°^^-''""'^'  ^''"  '''''  '" 
rrossi,,.,  the  river  the  nnTn'f,!  V    •  '''""'",d'";'  •'"vir.K  seen  fhcvvour.ded 

called  the  49   .ih    0  K  1  e'  f'""  V'"^./''*' ' '^'^^^^^  ''^''''  "'^  "'^^y 
■rmj.wore  found  ™   Briti.li  .oil       T  "")""'"»'«"  «  the  iiiv»<lii,g 
TI,o  l)riti.l,  »l,lier.,  ."er  t  he  b  l»^^T''T  T"!*'''^,'    ™""»  »'"'-'• 
fl.cc,,  .„d  u„„le  then,     p„r  of  0  "riillt  "■""•  '"""■  ^''t  ''"''"•«■ 
5l,e«,1e  relumed  to  l.'ort  (Jeorge        '""""P''"'  Pro^'slon  with  whi-',  (ien. 

cl'2fZS, ',h:?„i,",lT'l'"':"."''°  "'°.P""i"'-'*' ■>'■"■» "'-•  ">« "«t"'e 

the  it^'o  a . ' ':/ 1  ri  "^Zni;""'"."'  "^'"p^"'"  '^^^^ ''  ^'->  b-«- 

standing  a  fle.sh  wound  Ld  in  "^°  and  carrying  the  heights,  uotwith- 
and  hi.  aid.  ThTnanies  o^  t  ip'^ffl  ^'  u  ^'"'•'  "^  ^'''^  ^'"''''^  ^^^ock 
selaeronthis  ha  dy  eXn  i  rrM„T'%''^rr'"P""'^'^  ^«'-  V«»  ii«"«- 
sevoort,  Lieut  K„?hboneT^5«^Sr'l"u;  ^!'?-  ^""^"'P''  ''"^  Gan- 
Lieuts/Kearney  Inmo'     (W  n"       "'  ^^««';  Armstrong,  O^nlvie  and 

was  seen  to  court  dan.^er  in  the  b-ifHo  nfSlnt  y^T  '^"^^..^^^^  ^  youth 
siege  of  Bethuno  in  K,         ^  of  Malph.quet,  and  afterwards  at  the 

of  courti  rf   '?his  drew  A-..   P         \^'  '"''  «?"P"'"e"tod  by  the  ^ribe 
acl.uomtion  :    'u  t^m^ilZ  ^r'"  ^^"'''"'  '!''  ''"""^•""  wholesome 

paslesconfondre   ir Tesl'nnnr^'""  ^''"  P'"''  ^''''''''^  ^^'"«  "«  ^^vez 
uionare,  car  Jes  connoisseura  ne  s'y  meprondroat  pas." 


\H 


264 


Legacy  of  Historical  Glbaningr. 


Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Major  Oen.  Brock. 

Sir,  Head  Quarters,  Lewiston  13th  Oct.,  1812. 

Humanity  induces  me  to  request  your  permission  to  send  to  Queens- 
town  some  Surgeons  to  attend  the  oflBcers  and  men  who  have  had  the  mis- 
fortune to  be  wounded  this  day,  and  are  prisoners  at  Queenstown. 

Agreeably  to  the  proposition  which  I  had  this  afternoon  the  honor  to 
receive,  as  coming  from  yo.  ,  I  have  agreed  to  a  cessation  of  firing  for 
three  days,  I  have  the  honour,  &c. 

Major  General  Isaac  Brock. 

Major  Oen.  Sheaffc  to  Oen.    Van   Rensselaer. 

Sir,  Fort  George,  13th  Oct.,  1812. 

I  lose  not  a  moment  in  acknowledging  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  this 
date,  and  am  pleased  to  learn,  at  the  same  time,  that  the  officer  command- 
ing at  Queenstown,  having  opened  it,  had  acceded  to  your  proposal  of 
sending  surgeons  to  aid  the  wounded  prisoners,  without  incurring  the 
delay  which  would  have  been  occasioned  by  a  reference  to  me ;  but,  as 
our  means  of  affording  assistance  to  them,  as  well  as  to  our  own  wounded 
may  be  inadequate,  I  beg  leave  to  propose  that  the  wounded  prisoners, 
whose  cases  may  admit  of  removal,  should  be  sent  over  to  you,  on  con- 
dition of  not  serving  again,  until  regularly  exchanged.  Though  the  pro- 
position which  I  had  the  honour  of  making  to  you  to  day,  did  not  go  to 
the  extent  which,  by  some  mistake,  you  were  led  to  suppose,  yet  I  readily 
concur  with  you  in  agreeing  to  a  cessation  of  firing  for  three  days,  and  I 
transmit  orders  to  that  effect  to  the  officers  commanding  at  the  several 
posts  on  this  line.     1  have  the  honour  &c. 

Major  General  Van  Kensselaer,  commanding  Lewiston. 

Major  Oen.  Sheaffe  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Sir,      ^  Fort  George  13th  Oct.,  1812. 

Hj>ving  delayed  sending  my  accompanying  letter  to  give  General  Wads- 
worth, and  the  otherofficers,  who  are  prisoners,  an  opportunity  of  sending  for 
some  necessary  articles,  I  have  th-"  honor,  at  the  same  time  to  propose  an 
Exchange  of  Prisoners,  including  those  who  were  taken  some  days  ago  in 
the  two  Vessels  cut  out  from  Fort  Erie  Harbour.  I  have  further  to  pro- 
pose, Sin,  that  the  Militia,  taken  prisoners,  exceeding  the  number  that  may 
be  exchange,  shall  be  restored  to  their  homes  and  families  under  i 
engagement  not  to  serve  against  Great  Britain,  or  her  Allies,  during  the 
war,  or  until  regularly  exchanged.  I  have  the  honour  &c. 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 

Oen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Major  Oen.  Brock.' 

Sir,  Head  Quarters  Lewiston  14th  Oct.,  1812. 

Agreeably  to  your  permission,  verbally  communicated,  last  night,  to 
Capt.  Dox,  I  send  Surgeons  for  the  purpose  proposed.  And  1  have, 
now,  to  request,  that  an  officer  and  Detachment  of  men,  sufficient  for  the 
purpose,  may  be  permitted  to  bring  the  Dead  Bodies  over  the  lliver  in  Boats. 
Also  to  send  the  officers,  who  are  prisoners,  tlieir  Baggage  and  Cash. 

Mhjor  General  Isaac  Brock.  I  have  the  honour  &c. 

'  Although  it  was  rciiortod  and  believed  iliat  the  commander,  General  Brock,  liad 
fallen,  it  was  not  yet  officially  known,  and  consequently  the  official  despatches 
were  still  addressed  to  the  dead  hero. 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


265 


^•*^^-  ^-  ^«'^«*«  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

'i' am  directed  to  inform  you  by  M.^^TTlL^t'^  ?^''^T  ^^^2- 
ofhuryingtbedeadwasorCd  at.nii  ^"^      ^^^'i^'*  ^^«   ^^''^^''e 

in  consequence,  I  proce  ded  w  t'  It  dX'lo  ^JeS't^'^'""^^-'  ^^^ 
hour  this  mornin/which  wa9comnU.ti  ^  I    the  fallen  brave  at  an  early 

in  .he  wo^,  "he  V„;t/rfrrra  Jf^eV  SrCl'„?X<l1 
known  or  your  Wishes  vesfprr1nwo,Ton;^     t   l      "  ""'o  ^u'euoon.     iiaa  1 

ance  withij  .y  powStCdtTeIr  SfLt^*^'''^"^'" 
I  have  the  Honor  to  be,  Sir,  Your  Obt.Hble.  Sert 

Major  General  Van  Rensseltr^'''"''  ^'P''  ^^'  ^^"-  Commanding. 

Gen.  8hea.ffe  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

'i  have  the  honor  of  receiving  your  lettL'of  ^hi;^",'  Y^^  ^'*-  •^^^2- 
employing  an  officer  and  a  sufficlernumtr  of  ml  tn'uT''^''^   '^^ 
over  the  Bodies  of  the   Dead  for  the  ^^^TJ^^^j  «''",lt''"^  ^.«"^«7 

terred  thSyoH  ^  ^Irticularlv  dest^C^       '"'  ^'"^^'^  '''"  ^^'"^•"  ""i- 

co.uianding\t  QuLn^^r  Slt^dirl  d7o  Srer/'  ft'cililf/^ 
reco<?nizing  and  removin<^  them  r  no„    !^^  u        ^  facility  for 

Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  ^  "'"'  '^'-i""''  \'  S' 

with  great  Respect. 

Ge7i.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Oen.  S?ieaffe. 
'T»,a„nfi,    V,  ,       Head  Quarters,  Lewiston  14th  Oct  1812 

relL  vrtotetlfort^fi:^^^^^^^^^  n  '-^'f  «^^-^  letter  ofMf  lee 
under  existing  cSLI  I'^l'ouii'r^^^^^  ""''^  ^^ '^•"'' 

permission.     To  the  general  Proposul  conL'lZ  your  IZr  oT"''' 

please  to^ppoint  to  oonfeTlVrtbS,  and  mat  t?h  arTa'''^  "? 
as  may  most  .peedily  carry  the  agreem'ent^no  effect  ^"""S«'"«'»ts 

Major  General  Sheaffe.  j  h^ve  the  honor  &c.,  &o. 

G^^-  WadsworthtoOen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
iVfii   .  1  .  Newark,  Upper  Canada.  Oct    14   1RT> 

Excuse  mrS  ""  u  ^"'^  '^  ^""'*^  ^"^  '""^l^  fo'"  their  comfort 

have  h    iVT  T'"^  anything  further  at  this  moment.      I  hope  Ton  to 

essinl^  '^':  f  f  -"ting  you  again.     I  cannot  conclude  Soute^' 

^^2ZC::trtlt^^^^^^  Sheaffe  and 

M-  Geu  Tanlenssdaer"  '"""""  ^  ^^^^  *^^  '^-^  &«• 

34 


m 


266 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


Major  Lovett  to  Joseph  Alexander. 
Dear  Alexaiider,  Evening  of  the  14th  October,  1812. 

I  told  you  the  dreadful  day  of  Battle  was  at  hand.    Yesterday  was  that 
day  in  good  earnest.     I  lament  that  I  am  not  in  situation  to  detail  all 
particulars.    I  can  only  sketch  the  outline.     But  first  let  me  tell  you  that 
Gen.  Van  Bensselaer  was  placed  in  a  situation  where  he  had  only  the  al- 
ternative of  eternal  disgrace  upon  his  own  Character,  and  the  army,  or  to 
give  the  enemy  Battle,  this  I  can  demonstrate  to  the  world.    Thus  situated 
he  decided  for  Battle.    At  4  oclock  yesterday  morning  our  column  of  800 
Militia  under  the  command  of  Col.  Van  Rensselaer;  and  one  column  of 
300  Regulars,  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Col.  Christie  embarked  in 
Boats  to  dislodge  the  enemy  from  ihe  Heights  of  Queenstown.  opposite 
our  camp.     They  were  to  land  under   cover  of  a  Battery  of  2  Eighteen 
Pounders,  and  two  Sixes.    As  the  fire  from  this  Battery  was  all  important 
and  to  be  directed  by  very  scant  light ;  and  if  illy  directed  would  be  fatal 
to  ourselves,  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  did  me  the  very  great  honor  to  direct  it. 
The  River  is  rapid,  and  full  of  whirlpools  and  eddies;  the  movement  was 
instantly  discovered ;  the  shore  was  one  incessant  blaze  from  Musketry; 
three  Batteries  pelted  upon  the  Boats.     My  Battery  pelted  alternately 
upon  the  liatteries,  and  upon  Musketry  on  shore ;  while  a  snug  little 
mortar  near  by  complimented  my  battery  liberally  with  shells.     In  a  word 
the  scene  was  tremendous.    The  Boats  were  a  little  embarrassed.     But  Col. 
Van  Rensselaer  made  good  his  landing  in  a  perfect  sheet  of  fire.    He  had 
advanced  but  a  few  steps  when  he  received  a  shot  through  his  right  thigh, 
entering  just  back  of  the  hip  bone;  h'  still  advanced  with  his  van;  re- 
ceived another  shot  through  the  same  thigh ;  he  still  advanced  and  re- 
ceived a  third  shot  thro'  the  calf  of  his  left  leg;  he  still  advanced,  then  a 
fourth  shot  contused  his  heel  badly;  he  still  advanced  till  he  was  really 
riddled  by  other  balls  through  his  legs  and  thigh.     Thus  bleeding  at  six 
holes,  and  very  lame  in  his  heel,  he  halted  in  fire,  and  with  perfect  pre- 
sence of  mind,  directed  hisoflBcers  of  whom  Stephen  Lush  was  one,  who  is 
now  with  us  unhurt  [Lieut.  Lush  was  subsequently  dangerously  wounded 
before  Chippewa  in  October,  1814,]  to  rush  forward  and  storm  the  first 
Battery.     It  was  gallantly  done.     Both  parties  reinforced  fast;  every 
Battery  played  its  best.     The  conflict  spread  wide  and  became  general 
over  the  Heights.     The  enemy  gave  way,  and  fled  in  every  direction.   A 
large  body  of  them  got  behind  a  stone  Guard-House,  in  which  was  mounted 
apiece  of  heavy  ordnance.     1  directed  both  18-Pounders  against  it,  we 
raked  them  severely ;  and  at  the  eighth  shot  tumbled  up   a  heap  of  men, 
and  1  believe  dismounted  the  Gun  ;  at  any  rate  we  silenced  it.    The  k»quad 
then  fled  behind  Judge  Hamilton's  stone  house,  our  Eighteen's  raked 
them  from  there,  and  what  could,  fled  ;  with  our  sixes  we  used  grape  as 
opportunity  ofrered.     By  this  time,  about  10  o'clock  the  enemy's  tire,  ex- 
cept one  Gun,  cut  of  our  reach,  down  the  river,  was  silenced,  victory 
Benicd  complete. 

[The  British  forces  were  driven  from  the  battery  down  the  heights, 
and  the  rising  sun  shone  upon  the  American  flag  on  the  Heujhts  oj 
Queimston,  'piodaimiwj  vktory.  This  gallant  and  brave  act  had  re- 
deemed our  young  officers  and  soldiers  from  the  charges  which  had 
been  profuisely  made  of  cowardice  and  treachery,  but  they  were  too 
few  in  number  to  retain  the  advantages  they  had  so  brilliantly  ganed. 
This  unrivaled  eflbrt  raised  the  character  of  the  arjuy  in  the  estimauuii 


LeOACT  of  fliSTOKIOAL  QLEAKINOa  26T 

overto  .he   Heighi,  bu,  sent  ,„e  back  t' uJeon^T/lSSf  Itf? 
were  passing  over  to  suppw   the  t»o  coIuiod"     SoTn  »?.„  .k'^r.  1 

...over  and  «B.akm|„  bi«  of  brelraL  ohee  e   f  Joho^S 

ri^S-i^i  ro*a.  ''['.IJhf^er/Z'rTeT.  """l  ° '''  ^ 
he  moantod  a  borrowed   horse  and  I  r„li  ,1   K™  """''"•'b  them, 

..  the  iroops,  for  „„,  one  ZTt  o?  .leL  had  ;l„d°o«7  ^"'Z  '"^'''" 

rs  rilro.rot'SS  F?f -""? 

hat,  and  long  sword  with  a  broad  wht^^^^^^^^^  ""'"'l  ^^''^1  '''^'^ 

SizLr^Tt'rL%"eo?^r^^^^ 

wa"  the  best  chock  loZr  ascend"!  thpH^fV"?  '  t'*  '"'"  ^T^  ^'''''y 
about  one  .ile.  to  put  a.^r  J;u?dt?Sl%l^:i"^Lt:  'S 

i::t=  wXtr;ett"thro^bi^"?rf '  't^  ^^^^^^ 

of  the  woods,  fo  Ld  aTunctiJS  Jith  rrn?  '^'  "".^''  ^'"*  '"  ^»^°  ''^' 
the  attack.  The  An.™i"u  Tof  th  In  onThe'He.vf^^"''  '^  ^"^'^ 
pended,  for  thev  had  now  fou-rht  with  Htl°  !       •    •=  ^'  ""?  "^^'"'y  «^- 

The  General  sent  thersome  suppU    '^  wWcVfti^^^^^  '''''",  'r^" 

reached  them,  when  at  about  hTlf  n.Lf  f  ,  '^-  scarcely  have 

had  waded   hrou^Hlood  to  vLtor^      I'^^'a^'I  '^'  ^'"'^  ^'^'"°^«  ^^o 

c.a£.hron/hle  S^lJor^^Ktl^^'or  ^1?^?^  s:ILr"^  ''' 
*  ffcZ!!:„,E„V"  'r/'"'  -f-l;  dressing  wol«™  bo.h 

r,e  bfcrZSi  ? -«~^^^     s 

late  of  A lh,^„  •  j"l'"°"''^"'»«™ore  is  well,  both  here.    Swonev 

...».l=.i  and  aprislr  7;.pt.XL"l:  iv^iV^/S^^ot-r  71::!^ 


' 


268 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


seen  him,  shot  thro'  the  buttocks,  but  he  behaved  very  well  in  action. 
Now  mind  this,  young  Smith,  nephew  of  Walter  Van  Vechten,  behiived 
well  in  action ;  is  prisoner  at  Fort  George  —  well,  he  wrote  me  to  day,  he 
will  be  exchanged,  on  parole  in  a  few  days,  as  I  expect  all  the  Militia 
will.  General  SheaflFe  has  made  that  proposition  to  day.  Major  Mullany 
is  prisoner  unhurt.  Col.  Stranahan  is  prisoner,  I  believe  wounded,  but 
not  badly.  Grosvenor  (brother  of  Tom)  had  his  Rifle  cap  shot  through 
and  all  round,  but  he  is  unhurt  here.  Lt.  Col.  Fenwick  of  the  Light 
Artillery  has  severe  wounds,  he  may  recover,  he  was  taken ;  Grosvenor 
retook  him,  and  then  he  was  taken  again.  We  have  lost  a  number  of 
brave  officers. 

Solomon's  wounds  are  severe ;  but  he  is  well  taken  care  of,  sleeping 
now  by  my  side,  and  there  is  no  doubt  of  his  recovery.  As  for  myself,  I 
am  exceedingly  exhausted  —  two  nights  without  a  wink  —  30  hours  without 
a  morsel.  I  have  a  little  fatigue  fever,  but  shall  be  well :  indeed  I  do 
my  duty  now.  I  am  a  little  learful  that  my  hearing  is  hurt.  I  stood  for 
hours  between  the  two  18  Pounders,  and  they  have  strained  my  head  too 
hard.  The  Shells  I  could  shun  by  falling  in  the  mud.  Pray  console  my 
family,  tell  them  to  bless  God  that  I  am  safe.  I  have  preserved  for  them 
one  cannon  J5o/^  which  passed  my  head  by  20  inches,  and  I  gave  a  soldier 
50  cents  to  dig  it  up  for  me.  In  the  end,  you  will  find  we  had  a  hard 
fought  day.  Truly  Yours, 

Mr.  Joseph  Alexander,  Albany,  John  Lovett. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife. 

My  dear  Harriot,  Lewiston  15th  October,  1812. 

The  day  before  yesterday  a  little  before  day-break  I  crossed  the  river 

with  a  Detachment  of  Troops  and  opposite  to  this  place,  under  a  heavy 

fire  of  the  enemy  carried  an  important  post  on  the  Heights  of  Queenstown, 

which  owing  to  my  being  wounded,  was  soon  after  retaken  by  the  British. 

Had  there  been  more  men  cool  and  deliberate  with  the  officers,  they  would 

have  maintained  it  with  ease.     Many  were  killed  and  wounded  on  both 

sides.     Genl.  Brock  was  killed  and  his  Aid  mortally  wounded.     I  received 

Balls  near  my  hip,  in  my  thighs,  leg  and  a  contused  heel.     There  are  no 

bones  broken,  and  neither  of  them  dangerous,  though  very  painful.    The 

General  and  Lovett  are  well.     Stephen  Lush  acted  as  my  Aid,  Gansevoort 

was  also  with  me,  they  are  not  hurt.     Adieu,  keep  up  your  spirits,  and 

rest  assured  I  am  in  no  danger.     Kiss  the  children  for  me  and  my  love 

to  all.     I  am  my  dear  Harriot  your  sincere  and  affectionate  Husband. 

n/r      TT     •  i  ^r      D        I       ivr      t  TT  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Mrs.  Harriot  Van  Rensselaer,  Mount  Hope. 

Oen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Oen.  Sheaffe. 

Sir,  Head  Quarters,  Lewiston  15  Oct.,  1812. 

Capt.  Dox,  whom  I  yesterday  sent  to  Fort  George  to  make  the  necessary 
arrangements  for  an  Exchange  of  Prisoners,  being  assigned  for  other 
duty  this  day,  I  now  send  Col.  Winder,  to  complete  the  business,  and  I 
flatter  myself  there  will  be  no  objection  to  this  substitution.  Col.  Winder 
is  further  instructed  to  communicate  to  you  my  wishes  upon  several  sub- 
jects, (a  continuation  of  the  Armistice)  and  by  any  stipulation  which  he 
may  enter  into  respecting  them  I  shall  be  governed. 

-,  .      ^  ,  ni     ir  I  have  the  honour  &e. 

Major  General  oheane. 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


well  in  action, 
ichten,  behiived 
te  me  to  day,  he 
t  all  the  Militia 
Major  Mullany 
3  wounded,  but 
p  shot  through 
k  of  the  Light 
ten;  Grosvenor 
•st  a  number  of 

sare  of,  sleeping 
^s  for  myself,  I 
50  hours  without 
1 :  indeed  I  do 
rt.  I  stood  for 
ed  my  head  too 
'ray  console  my 
served  for  them 
I  gave  a  soldier 
i  we  had  a  hard 
fours, 

)HN  LOVETT. 


ctober,  1812. 
ossed  the  river 
under  a  heavy 
of  QueenstowD, 
I  by  the  British. 
3er8,  they  would 
unded  on  both 
led.  I  received 
There  are  no 
yr  painful.  The 
iid,  Gansevoort 
3ur  spirits,  and 
s  and  my  love 
:e  Husband. 
N  Kensselaer. 


5  Oct.,  1812. 
ie  the  necessary 
igned  for  other 
business,  and  I 
1.  Col.  Winder 
)on  several  sub- 
ation  which  he 

nour  &e. 


269 


Agreement  for  the  Exchange  of  Prisoners 

serve' dmW  the ^I'r'*^  '''l\''  ^ort  Niagara  on  their  parole  not  to 
serve   duiing  the    war;    or    until    regularly    exchanged      Take    Tanf 
Leonard  s  Receipt  for  the  Number  crossed  over  The  officers  to  be  exchanS 
from  the  hne,  to  be  drawn  by  lot,  or,  by  the  direction  of  Mafor  Gener„ 
Van  Rensselaer.     A  Medical  Person  will  be  sent  over  tomorroi  to  sel'c 
from  the  wounded    those  individuals    to  be  crossed  over.     ThlMedica 
Officer  W.11,  also,  determi^ne  the  case  of  any  wounded  officer  that  itmav  be 
advisable   o  have  paroled.     The  British  Prisoners,  at  Black  Rock  'o  be 
set  at  liberty  as  soon  as  possible ;  and  those  at  Lewiston,  tomorrow  mo'rnint 
The  Commanding  Officers  at  Port  Erie  and  Queenstown,  respectTvelv    £ 
give  Receipts  for  those  who  may  be  crossed  over  to  those  places        ^' 

aliToTt S'  XX-  f  ^'"^^«^--'  ^«  ^  -chan'ged  for  a  Sub- 
as  Miliiia  Thirty-seven  Voyagers  to  be  considered  exchanged 

■«T      ^..  Signed,  at  Newark. 

TK„.  V         B  •     ,    ,,  ^™-  Winder  Col.  14  Reg.  U.S.  Armv 

Thee.  Evans  Brigade  Major  Kings  Regt.  a   ^  ^.  ^rmy. 

Colonel  Winder  wrote  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  that  Maj.  Gen.  Sheaffe 
had  mentioned  to  him  an  Indian  chief  in  possession  of  Gen.  V  R  as  a 
prisoner.  He  was  willing  to  exchange  him  for  a  major  of  militia  The 
answer  was  m  substance  that  Indian  for  Indian  was  the  fair  exchange 

Major  General  Sheaffe  to  Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 

^'tKo^.i,      a    -xu  Fort  George,  16th  Oct.,  1812 

7f  fw!  K  Vu^  ^''^*  '^^'^^  *^«*  ^°'-  ^^°  Rensselaer  is  badly  funded 

If  there  be  any  thing  at  my  command,  that  your  side  of  the  rive7cannot 
furnish,  which  would  be  either  useful  or  agreeable  to  him,  I  berthat  vou 
will  be  so  good  as  to  have  me  apprised  of  Tt.  ^         ^ 

I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir,  with  much  esteem, 

Your  very  devoted  servant, 
R.  H.  Sheaffe. 
-^«i<^  Gen.  Sheaffe  to  Gen.  Tan  Hen-mlaer. 

{    .1.  .   ,       .  Fort  George,  16th  Oct    1812 

As  the  period  assigned  to  the  cessation  of  hostilities  is  drawin.^  to  a  ter 
minat.on;  and  the  intended  exchange  of  prisoners  and  sendrn>over  the 
wounded  and  the  militia  will  require  much  more  time  than  remains  of  i^' 
and  as,  moreover  part  of  this  day  is  to  be  devoted  to  pavin-  the  last  offices 
of  humanity  to  the  remains  of  my  departed  friend  and  General  tel  it  S 
be  my  duty  to  propose  a  prolongation  of  the  armistice  to  such  a  period  as 
may  be  necessary  for  the  complete  execution  of  those  humane  rurnoses 
Lists  are  prepared  for  all  the  prisoners  here,  distinguishing  thos^e  of  the 
nue  from  militia;  and  Brigade  Major  Evans,  who  has  been  appointed  by 
me  to  arrange  (he  business  with  Capt.  Dox,  will  be  ready  to  proceed  in  it 
as  soon  as  that  officer  comes  over.  I  have  the  honour  &c!  ' 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 

Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Gen.  Sheaffe. 
t'  I,       .!.•  ,       ^®"^  Quarters,  Lewiston,  Oct.  16th   1812 

...,L'i71*^''  T'"'''.^  ^'^  *j^«,  ^°""»r  t"  receive  your  two  letters  of  ihe 
ti«'fnr  „  .•"  ^  *",""'  cneerfuiiy  agree  io  extend  the  cessation  of  hostili- 
ties for  a  time  amply  sufficient  to  discharge  all  duties  of  humanity  to  the 


270 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


brave  who  are  wounded,  or  prisoners ;  and  the  just  tribute  of  respect  to 
the  gaUant  dead.  For  these  purposes  I  agree  to  the  further  cessation  of 
hostilities,  until  4  o'clock  of  the  afternoon  of  the  19th  instant. 

I  shall  order  a  salute  for  the  funeral  of  General  Brock  to  be  fired  here, 
and  at  Fort  Niagara,  this  afternoon. 

You  will  please  to  accept,  sir,  the  grateful  acknowledgments  of  Col. 
Van  Rensselaer  and  myself,  for  your  kind  oflFer  of  anything  in  your  power 
which  might  contribute  to  his  comfort.  I  do  not  know  that  he  is  at  pre- 
sent destitute  of  anything  essential. 

As  this,  sir,  is  probably  the  last  communication  T  shall  have  the  honour 
to  make  to  you  from  this  station,  I  avail  myself  of  the  opportunity  to 
tender  you  the  afsurance  of  my  great  esteem  and  consideration. 


Major  General  Sheaffe. 


I  have  the  honour,  &o. 


Captain  N.  Leonard  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Sir,  Fort  Niagara,  Oct.  16th,  1812,  4  o'clock  p.  M. 

I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  *  *  *  of  this  Instant.  The  Salute 
in  honor  of  Gen.  Brock  will  be  fired  at  Sun-set.  I  delivered  your  letter 
to  Col.  Winder.  I  am,  &o. 

Major  General  Van  Rensselaer. 

Major  Gen.  Sfieaffe  to  Major  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer, 
Sir,  Fort  George,  16th  Oct.,  1812. 

I  feel  too  strongly  the  generous  tribute  which  you  propose  to  pay  to 
my  departed  friend  and  chief,  to  be  able  to  express  the  sense  I  entertain 
of  it.     Noble-minded  as  he  was,  so  would  he  have  done  himself. 

I  have  directed  th-j  prolongation  of  the  armistice  until  four  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon  of  the  19th  instant,  to  be  communicated  along  this  line. 

I  feel  a  perfect  confidence,  sir,  that  nothing  will  be  omitted  on  your 
part  to  ensure  a  strict  execution  of  the  agreement  respecting  the  militia 
ofiicers  and  men,  as  well  as  any  others  not  yet  exchanged,  who  a^e  re- 
leased from  their  captivity. 

Allow  me.  sir,  to  express  a  hope  that  the  time  is  not  far  distant  when 

the  restoration  of  peace  and  amity  between  our  respective  countries,  may 

afi'ord  me  an  opportunity  of  assuring  you,  personally,  of  the  respect  and 

esteem  with  which     I  have  the  honour  to  be,  sir. 

Your  most  obedient  and  devoted  servant, 

„  .  ^  1  Tr      T>         I  R-  K.  Sheafe,  Maj.  General,  &c. 

Maj.  General  Van  Rensselaer.  '       •'  ' 

The  British  Major  General  SheafFe  was  an  American,  he  resided  dur- 
ing the  American  revolution  in  Boston.  Earl  Percy  was  quartered  in 
the  house  of  young  SheaflFe's  widowed  mother,  at  the  time  when  Boston 
was  in  possession  of  the  British.  The  earl  became  greatly  interested  in 
the  boy  of  15  years  and  desiring  to  take  him  to  England,  he  was  per- 
mitted to  do  so,  giving  him  a  military  education  and  placing  him  in  the 
British  army.  When  young  Sheaffe  was  a  major  general,  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  war  of  1812,  he  was  stationed  in  Canada;  he  did  not 
wish  to  serve  against  the  Americans  and  stated  his  objections  and  reluct- 
ance to  do  so,  requesting  to  be  transferred  to  some  other  country.  His 
solicitation  was  not  regarded.  For  his  exploit  in  capturing  Colonel  Soott 
aijci  his  littic  bufiu  H,t  T.jtiGeiiston  rsiguts,  iis  was  createu  a  baronstj  sn.. 
ever  afterward  was  known  as  Sir  Roger  Sheafi^e. 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


271 


"  His  sister  Margaret  SheaflFe  married  John  11.  Livingston  then  a 
Boston  merchant,  in  1779  ;  and  died  in  Boston  1784,  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
four.  General  La  Fayette  visited  and  jidmired  her.  He  oiree  said  to 
her  lover,  '  Were  I  not  a  married  man,  I  would  try  and  cut  you  out.' 
After  his  return  to  France,  the  marquis  sent  her  a  '  satin  cardinal,  lined 
with  ermine,  and  an  elegant  silk  garment  to  wear  under  it.'  The  relic 
was  long  preserved." 

''When  General  Sheaffe  marched  in  triumph  from  Queenston  to  New- 
ark, he  took  with  him  the  'body  of  the  slain  General  Brock,  which  had 
been  concealed  in  a  house  near  where  he  fell.  The  march  had  a  two- 
fold aspect.  It  was  a  triumphal  and  a  funeral  procession.  At  Newark 
the  body  was  placed  in  the  government  house,  and  there  it  lay  in  state 
three  days,  when  it  was  buried,  on  October  I6th,  in  a  new  cavalier  bastion 
in  tort  George,  whose  erection  he  had  superintended  with  great  interest 
By  the  side  of  Brock's  remains  were  laid  those  of  his  provincial  aid-de- 
oamp.  Lieutenant  Colonel  M'Donell.  When  the  funeral  ceremonies  were 
over,  the  Americans  at  Fort  Niagara  and  at  Lewiston  fired  minute-euns 
as  a  mark  of  respect."  ° 

Hon.  Abraham  Van  Vechten  to  Sol.  Van  Renmlaer. 

^^rfv. ''•■;,    .  ^       .  ,  Albany,  October  20th  1812. 

lhe/;asA  has  been  made.     I  am  relieved  froui  much  painful  appre- 
hension.    Harriet  bears  the  Shock  with  fortitude.     Your  letter  &  Dox'b 
information  have  quieted  her  mind.     She  &  the  child  are  in  a  fair  way 
Take  care  of  yourself.     Do  not  irritate  your  wounds  by  fretting    and 
premature  exposure.     In  this  Injunction  I  am  not  single,  all  those  whose 
wishes  &  solicitude  for  your  speedy  recovery  claim  respect  concur  in  it 
Lovett  must  keep  you  in  good  Spirits  &  a  placid  humour ;  but  refrain 
from  every  thing  that  may  produce  too  great  excitements.     He  will  be  a 
good  nurse,  if  he  does  not  present  an  old  Gentleman  with  a  white  Sash 
m  a  certain  moving  attitude  too  early  before  you.     Yours  &c.,  ' 

n  1  o  1  -ir     «        ,       Tx    ,  ^  ^^'  ^^N  Vechten. 

tol.  boiomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Head  Quarters,  Lewiston. 

Major  Lovett  to  Hon.  Abraham  Van  Vechten, 

^^y,^''"'    ^  Buffalo,  21st  Oct.,  1812. 

1  know  that  you  are  anxious  to  hear  from  us,  and  I  should  have  written 
you  several  days  ago  ;  but  really  I  could  not  command  a  single  moment  of 
time  to  do  it :  and  besides  the  privations  to  which  our  late  situation 
subjected  us  has  worn  me  down  a  good  deal.  The  preparations  for  the 
battle  were  extensive  —  the  various  emergences  of  the  day  called  for  f^reat 
effort ;  the  scenes  of  the  night  were  trying,  and  the  duties  of  the  following 
day  arduous.  It  is  over;  and  as  I  have  but  little  time  now,  I  shall  write 
but  a  word.  The  Battle  was  by  no  means  a  matter  of  choice,  but  absolute 
necessity  with  Genl.  Van  Rensse.aer  —  A  flood  of  circumstances  had  con- 
vinced the  Genl.  as  early  as  the  beginning  of  this  month  that  a  blow  must 
be  struck.  He  was  therefore  maturing  a  plan  to  close  the  campai.'n  in 
the  most  honorable  way  he  could.  But  the  impetuosity  of  not  only  men 
but  his  first  ofiicers  became  such  that. he  was  ab.solutely  compelled  to  go 
to  battle,  or  risk  such  consequences  as  no  man  could  endure.  *  *  *  The 
^^y  are  immensely  attachedjo  Genl.  Van  Rensselaer  and  Solomon  :  and 
t  ey  are  almost  frantic  at  their  depurtufc.  The  Generui  feels  all  the 
solicitude  that  a  Patriot  jealous  of  his  honor  can  experience;  but  he  .is 


i.il 


272 


Legacy  of  IIistorical  Gleanings. 


U  I 


b  ' 


cheerful,  and  reposes  himself  on  solid  consciousness  of  having  done  all 
that  man  could  do  in  his  situation.  *  *  *  On  the  morning  of  the  18th  I 
mounted  Colonel  Van  Kensselaer  on  a  cot,  rigged  with  cross-bars  and  side 
poles  and  a  Detachment  of  Major  Mosely's  Rifleaitn  brought  him  by  hand 
to  Schlosser,  where  we  tarried  that  night.  As  we  passed  the  main  Battery 
at  Lewiston,  they  fired  a  sa  lute  of  six  guns  and  cheered  the  Hero  heartily. 
On  the  19th  I  embarked  him  on  board  a  Boat,  and  arrived  here  at  8 
oclock  in  the  evening. 

The  Genl.  is  here  in  perfect  health,  and  will  continue  here  till  he  can 
hear  from  Genl.  Dearborn,  and  then  I  expect,  he  will  return  home.  I 
shall  not  leave  Solomon.  He  is  badly  shot  to  pieces :  has  one  more  ball 
in  the  thigh  than  what  is  stated  in  the  official  paper ;  but  he  is  in  quiet 
quarters  where  he  has  every  attcDdon.  His  wounds  work  well,  he  will 
recover  and  be  a  well  man  j  but  I  fear  he  will  never  leave  off  fighting. 
Indulge  no  solicitude  as  to  his  recovery  *  *  *  Let  Solomon's  Wife  know 
all  about  him,  assure  her  1  shall  not  leave  Mm,  but  will  return  him  safe 
to  her.  *  *  *  I  am  Yours  very  truly, 

Abraham  Van  Vechten,  Esq.  John  Lovett. 

Colonel  Lovett  furnished  Col.  V.  R.  with  a  pair  of  white-top  boots,  his 
own  having  been  cut  from  his  legs,  filled  with  blood  on  the  13th,  and  his 
crutches  were  presented  by  a  French  gentleman.  The  first  time  the  in- 
valid entered  the  common  room,  quite  feeble,  pale  and  thin,  finding  it 
very  unpleasant  to  walk,  Lovett  while  assisting  him  to  do  so,  with  a  desire 
to  make  him  laugh  said  :  "  Well  Van,  here  we  go,  French  fore  legs,  Dutch 
hini<  legs,  and  Yankee  boots." 

"  The  following  report  of  Captain  John  E.  Wool  will  put  to  rest  several 
controverted  points  regarding  the  sequel  of  the  afiair  of  Queenston, 
about  which  there  has  been  so  much  misrepresentation.  Captain  Wool 
at  this  time  waa  only  twenty-three  years  of  age,  he  had  never  been  under 
fire  before  that  morning,  and  was  already  wounded.  Elated  with  the  order 
to  capture  the  heights,  young  Wool  almost  forgot  his  bleeding  wounds. 
He  was  light  and  lithe  in  person,  full  of  ambition  and  enthusiasm. 

Copt.  Wool  to  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer. 

Dear  Sir,  Buffalo  Oct.  23,  1812 

I  have  the  honour  to  communicate  to  you  the  circumstances  attending 
the  storming  of  Queenstown  battery  on  the  18th  instant ;  with  those 
which  happened  previously  you  are  already  well  acquainted. 

In  pursuance  of  your  order  we  proceeded  round  the  point,  and  ascended 
the  rocks,  which  brought  us  partly  in  rear  of  the  battery.  We  took  it 
without  much  resistance.  I  immediately  formed  the  troops  in  the  rear 
of  the  battery,  and  fronting  the  village,  when  I  observed  Gen.  Brock  with 
his  troops  formed,  consisting  of  four  companies  of  the  49th  Regiment  and 
a  few  Militia,  marching  for  our  left  flank.  I  immediately  detached  a 
party  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  to  take  possession  of  the  heights 
above  Queenstown  battery  and  to  hold  Gen.  Brock  in  check,  but  in  con- 
sequence of  bis  superior  force  they  retreated.  I  sent  a  reinforcement, 
nothwithstanding  which,  the  enemy  drove  us  to  the  edge  of  the  bank, 
when  with  the  greatest  exertion  we  brought  the  troops  to  a  stand  and 
ordered  the  o'^cers  to  bring  their  men  to  a  charge  as  soon  fi  the  ammu- 
nition was  expended,  which  was  executed  with  some  confusion,  and  in  a 
few  minutes,  the  enemy  retreated.     We  pursued  them  to  the  edge  of  the 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  278 

to  rally  l.is  forces  was  k  jled  wllT  ™°  ^f""  ^^''''^'  '"  'Attempting 
tion.  As  soon  as  it  was  n  Sicab l  T  ?  ^"«'"^,^''^P°^««J  '"  every  direc"- 
hci-^hts  fronting     he  viCe  n„5  f'       /'"'?  **?'  ""''''P^  '"  '^  "»«  «"  the 

whM.  consisted  of  Captai^M:CleseTont  '^"r^'""  ?"'- 

and  Ensign  Grosvenor  with  a  smn II  r/.!  ''^^^'th  Regiment,  Lieut.  Smith 

moment  arrived  'Ttthrsame  Timl  T  o'"l  T  -^  ^'J^'"^"  ""^'"'^  ^^^  that 
Kandolph  with  a  detachment  ofTrf  !!«    T V-n  "'•  »^"««voortand  Lieut. 

which  Ld  been  prev  otsTy  ^kerl  d?f  dI^^^^^^^  ?'k"  ''^'^'^^"  P"""^^^ 
the  village.  The  wounded  and  nrJ  ^  f  ^'j"  ^^^'''""  '^  *«  bear  upon 
«enttothe  guard  h7u?e^/."i  ET'"'  ^  ^'t'^  ''  be  collected  and 
four  o'clock  "in  the  Xrnoon  I  L  nT'n''.^'"''- ^^^  ^''^'''^  ^'»^««  «"d 
command.  He  ordered  TeaprrV^-  ''"'  ""'"^  '"'^  '"'^  *'»« 
I  remained  a  sho?t  time  Our  Tank  n  'T  'l  T."^^  ^«""^«  ^'^'^'i' 
Indians,  but  Gen.  Wadswo  th  aSSo  hfr^n'ffi''^  ^'^  ■^^^"  ^"^^"  '»  by  the 
skirmish  with  them  and  thev  retp  f  J  Tr  ''"^'""'  ^'  ^^^^^  ^  ^'^"rt 
officers  engaged  inTtorminl  tL  RnT  '  ^"'^  n  "''"'''"^  ^''^  "^«'--  The 
Lieuts.  Kear°„ey,  HutninUrranrI  r'  """'"  %'•  )^"^'  ^"^  Og"^'^  ^ 

1  nave  the  honour  to  be 

Your  most  obt.  humble  servt 

It,       ,,         ,  ^'^J'^ -^o^ett  to  Joseph  Alexander. 

I  IJear  Alexander,  a     j      n       . 

I  On  the  23d,  General  Van  T?Pn«.l  "  u^^  livening,  Oct.  25th,  1812. 
Imand  to  Brig  Gen  Smvlh  0^?.'''  ^y  P''?^^''^^^,  resigned  his  com- 

was  my  intention  to  ha^ve'stoienreTn^T'T"  ^^^^^^.f"-"  Albany.  It 
letter  stuffed  with  important  trmhrK  ?^  "^  ''^^'  ^""'"  ^^^  «  '«"g 
fays  past  it  has  been  nothing  hn/ n  ^ !^l'  conveyance;  but  for  three 
Ws  of  copies  'm  2brai^^^^^^^  despatches,  and 

[nd&W.«byni<4t4arrdnwnT'*^^^^  These  things  by  day, 
h  not  yet  failed  andltniT  in  P  /.^ttj  close  to  the  old  stuff  which 
U  leisJre  to  post  up  mv  dav  inn?  "  ^'"  ""'  ^'^  •"«•  ^  ^^all  now 
jng  tabernacle  iS  orde?.%?hJn  r  1  f^rf  rT,".''  '"^  P"^  "^  ^^^^«'- 
tin  as  when  Solomon  will  be  able  fnL  ^°''„f' ^^"J^  ^^  J»«t  as  uncer- 
?vere  ;  but  he  is  heart^vhole  and  wHI  17  '  ^\'  "'T-'^'  ^''  «^«P  «»d 
\ill  not    I  hope  he  mnv  n,nl  "    7      ^"""y""  ~  ^^^^^  ^i"*  I  ^<-M,  and 

W  10,000  op7n  on  oTtie Ta  tle^  rr^'''-  I  ''"^^^  ^'^^^  ^  ^uzz' 
K  is,  don'l  be  hasVv  in  I  '  ••  """^  ''^^  ^'^  ^«"  ^"  this  moment  of 
|ound'yet,  bu^ylHil^Vo^^^^P/.r- J-  cannot  view  the  whole 

l^er  to  he  yielded,  there  was  no  middle  coieR.tL  ^'^  *""  '  """''^ 
N  public  disgrace  was  the  alternX!  n  ■  V  7  ^'  """  '^"^°'  Personal, 
tth  must  ultimately  prevail  ThrHlt  I  '  ^  ^^"'7'''  ''^^  *^"'h'  ^^^ 
t'Ty  at  the  close  of  tlK  L  •  I  /  f '^  ''"^^  ''^''^  ^  ^''ote  you  in  my 

I I  then  understood      e  f        '  n  -u  7''  "^^^'^btedly  the  truth  as  far 

[j^'thy  con.munical„  to  V   ;  vL  Z  ""h    ^^'  P^'-""««'«'^  forwarded  a 

hetiou.     But  there..  .  I'  H  st  1    Sind         7'^''''  f'  ^'  ""''^  ''  ^'^' 
' -  -  '^"^^  behind,  resting  ou  documents,  which 


it   I 


35 


274 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


tho  General  has  uot  yec  coiniuunicated  to  any  one.  In  a  word,  be  patient 
and  leiirn  the  whole;  and  then  you  will  have  no  occasion  to  complain. 
Wait  a  few  weekH,  and  the   Campatgn  will  disclose  it»  own /acts.     I  find 

not  an  officer,  not  a  soldier  who  whh  i'«  tfu:  bottle,  but  juHtifies  tho  whole 

indeed  the  complete  success  of  the  battle  justifies  itself;  we  carried  all 
that  we  proposed,  and  held  it  from  morn  'till  night,  and  had  double  the 
force  necessary  to  have  retained  it.  Never  were  men  braver  than  those 
engaged.  Tho  sevoral  actions  were  sharp:  but  all  the  world  was  not 
killed  nor  wounded  as  some  have  represented.  Exact  truth  upon  this 
subject  can  never  be  known  —  it  is  inipos.sible  —  the  aggregate  rf  our  in- 
formation wouldabout  warrantthis!  Killed  GO —  wounded  170  —  Prisoners, 
balance  against  us,  say  720.  As  to  mimhirn  the  slaughter  was  probably 
about  even  on  both  sides.  But  Characters  diflfer.  We  lost  no  officer  of 
higher  rank  than  Captain. 

All  Canada  mourns  her  truly  gallant  Brock  and  Col.  McDonald,'  his 
Aid-do-Camp,  was  the  Attorney  General  of  the  Province,  their  second  Idol. 
I  knew  him.  Two  Indian  Chief's  fell  —  we  took  one.  The  Armistice  v  jich 
was  agreed  upon  after  the  IJattle  for  three  days,  has  been  continued,  and 
now  exists  :  when  it  will  end  I  cannot  say.  Since  the  Battle  every  thinfi; 
has  been  ccnductcd  in  that  character  which  will  forever  honor  civilized 
nations.  The  Salute  which  we  fired  at  Brocks  Funeral,  almost  over- 
whelmed General  Sheaife.  With  sensibility  which  almost  choked  his  ut- 
terance, ho  exclaimed  to  an  officer  standing  by  him  :  "  Nolle  minded  as 
General  Brock  ivaa,  he  would  have  orilcred  the  same  had  a  like  disaster 
hp/ullcn  the  Enemy." 

On  hearing  this   Genl.  V.  R.,  was  almost  overwhelmed.     My  friend, 


the 


scenes  of  war  are  trying,  and  where,  where  in  God's  name,  are 
they  to  end  ?  My  soul  is  in  agony  while  I  review  the  situation  of  our 
Country. 

Governor  Tompkins,  by  exceeding  hard  driving  has  so  managed,  and 
economized  his  time  as  to  be  able  to  be  in  season  to  get  here  too  late. 
He  arrived  here  this  day.  Why,  or  for  what,  It  more  than  I  can  tell  you. 
He  has  been  closeted  almost  the  whole  day  with  the  General ;  but  I  can- 
not learn  that  he  has  any  plan,  or  plan  of  a  plan,  or  copy  of  a  plan's, 
plan's  plan.  I  know  that  which  I  wi'l  not  write,  wait  a  little,  I  say, 
wait,  do  not  descant,  nor  condemn  until  you  know  the  real  situation  m 
which  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  has  had  to  act.  At  bottom  you  will  find  the 
friend  —  the  Patriot,  and  the  Soldier. —  I  fear  my  hearing  is  ruined :  it  is 
not  much  better  now  than  the  day  after  the  battle  —  the  Lord  deliver  me, 
I  say,  from  the  Music  of  18  Pounders,  with  bombs  for  the  rough  Bass, 
and  i^ixes  for  the  treble. 

Tell  my  dear  family  all  you  know  of  us  —  and  my  love  to  all  my  old 
friends.  Last  of  all,  pay  your  General  that  Respect  and  attention  which 
his  toils,  privations  and  Soldiership  entitle  him  to. 

Your  assured  friend, 

Mr.  Joseph  Alexander,  Albany,  J.  Lovett. 

"  Major  General  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer  found  much  that  was  offens- 
ive to  his  sensitive  feelings  in  the  absurd  rivalry  of  the  regular  officers 

'  '  Lieutenant  McDonell  was  a  brilliant  and  promising  young  man,  only  twenty- 
five  yi'ars  of  age.  He  was  wounded  in  five  places,  one  fiullet  passing  through  his 
body,  yet  he  survived  twenty  hours  in  great  agony.  During  that  time  he  con- 
stantly lamented  the  fall  of  his  commander." 


LEOACf  OP  IlrsTORioAL  Gleaninqs.  276 

and  the  heartless  conductor tho  millfla      tu;  *     i       i-       . 

to  the  action,  ho  well  know  innLo  12  h.iT       7^  ""'■""'  H*"''  P''*^^!^"^ 

and  now  what  a  di.ssraceh.l  chan^o     TLr  Z  '         "'"°'^'''    "°''""' 

rhSt^fc-/S;S 

They  now  appeared  to^,av;  nudo  he teUrv  u.at  tre'co^lS"?  "'r.' 
not  rcc,u.ro  thorn  to  go  beyond  the  lin.^Vsortho  i  S  S  itthir 
than  cross  over  to  an  enemu'a  /.«.,„>,..  *  u  l  '^'^  "'""  .'-'■ites-  Kather 
b.i»B  killed,  or  made  orippL  krml  M,„v°h"V'  "■'■  T'*  ?  '""'"°''  °f 

mon  from  Gov.  ToZS  to  ref  1^.^        !!!'  "".'^  ■''^^'""  °^'"'"«'^  P«'""i«- 
I        •      J  1     -^^"'P'^'ns  to  retire  trow  the  station,  on  Oofohpr  9'^  iai'> 

by  thecocunon  comTciJomak.    fh    ,^     """■'  ""'  committee  appointed 

,,    ,       „  .  -^^yo^^ovett  to  Joseph  Alexander. 

My  dear  Friend,  tj  «•  i    xr       „, 

'I'ing  Is";    hat  forth,  fi^A^^^^  nion  fought  more  like  Devils  than   a"ny 
idle     Ou   of- fL  L  «   ?       *''"  '""'''  ^"  resistance  opposed  was  perfectlv 

when  some  Infantry  and  if  "Ri?'""!:  ^''^'''^'  t>>^t  i°o"e  instance 

e"et"y,  he  counted    S  v  Jj    ^    ^    T  ^""^  ^  "'"''  ^'«  "P«"  >"  «atiad  of  the 

^oldie^r^  on  the  Tine  say    thev  n''^'        '''  '".' ^^P"     ^»deod\he    olde.J 
1^'enffick  is  nn  nM  «  u^'  ^^f^'^e^er  saw  such  s/wrp   */wo<.W.     Lt    (Jol 

^"-S:  u^hltttcJ'oVm'k^'^'  '^«,^-%r^'^'''r  ^'^^  an'nalsof  wi 
of  the  enemy^  office"     1  Th    ^'"'^"^hip-    He  says  he  was  known  to  man; 

-  ^^''  "oies  m  hi^  luti^  ci^a^-^;;;!;:;;  tr^:;;i^-S^T:; 


m 


i1tm-i%s-      g;M 


276 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


brinf,'  liis  cont  the  other  day.  We  found  a  niusket  ball  entered  the  cnpc, 
juHt  under  liis  right  cur,  puHsod  about  thn^o  inches,  and  out  again  ;  under 
\m  right  wrist,  a  ball  cut  coat  and  lining  through  four  inches  ;  and  there 
re  Boveral  others  thro'  the  skirt  of  his  coat.     The  stocking  which  was  on 


are 


the  leg  that  was  wounc'ed,  besides  the  two  holes  where  the  bull  went  in 
and  out,  has  no  less  than  five  holes  across  the  shin.  The  shots  in  Gen. 
Wadsworth's  clothes  shew  his  escupc  to  have  been  next  to  miraculous. 
But  these  cotton  and  woolen  stories  arc  too  uiuny  und  too  long  to  write ;  they 
niuy  do  to  talk  about  when  we  meet.  The  truth  is,  that  altho'  my  spiritsare 
not  depressed,  I  feel  sober  —  the  scenes  of  wur,  to  a  thoughtful  mind,  are 
sobering.  Ik'sides,  I  think  I  sco  the  finger  of  Heaven  pointing,  in  a  manner 
nottobemistuken,in  thut poised  sculcorsuccesswhichswungbeforeoureyes 
at  the  end  of  the  battle.  I  am  satisfied  lor  myself,  and  now,  but  not  till 
now,  I  have  a  desire  to  return  home.  I  call  myself  well ;  but  my  health 
is  not  just  as  rugged  us  it  was ;  from  the  1 1th  Aug  to  the  26th  October,  I 
hud  never  touched  any  thing  tikr  a  bed  —  been  by  no  fire ;  and  nov  ,  s'eepinj^ 
in  a  bed,  and  sitting  by  a  warm  tire,  lets  me  down  from  the  tone  I  'lad 
acquired.  IJosides  the  night  of  the  first  attack  (as  we  intended)  was  one 
of  the  most  trying  I  ever  experienced  —  incessant  storm  ;  ualf  snow,  half 
rain,  the  12th  wus  all  duty;  the  i:3lh  all  death  ;  and  the  subsequent  scenes 
have  been  trying  to  body,  and  soul.  But  1  shall  stund  it  thro'  and  get  home. 
The  General  is  beibre  this  with  you.  I  need  not  enlarge  upon  the  general 
subject.  I  have  only  to  churgc  you  all  to  stick  to  the  man  who  has  stuck  to 
his  country  and  command,  until  passing  events  tuughthim  that  his  further 
efforts  in  commanding  Militia,  «s  thiii(j><  iioiv  ure,  could  only  disgrace  him, 
without  serving  his  Country.  The  Colonel  is  doing  as  well  as  possible. 
and  wo  hujye,  this  day  week,  to  start  ibr  Albany  :  but  I  am  not  without 
some  fears  that  the  wound  where  the  ball  is  lodged,  will  yet  give  the 
Colonel  some  trouble. 

The  Editor  ol  the  Buffalo  Gazette  and  your  letter  speak  pretty  much 
the  same  language.  The  hiss  of  Vipers  grows  feeble  here.  1  can  tell 
you  nothing,  ctrtain,  of  what  Genl.  Smyth  intends  to  do,  but  I  will  tell 
you  what  1  think  he  may  attempt  if,  contrary  to  my  opinion  he  attempts  any 
thing.  I  think  he  may  attempt  to  cross  here,  and  the  result  I  will 
show  yon,  when  I  return  home,  if  Gen.  Van  Eensselaer  will  suffer  publicity 
of  an  opinion  which  he  long  ago  wrote  Gen.  Dearborn  on  that  subject,  the 
opinion  is  full  and  able.  The  world  must  and  shall  be  convinced  that  this 
Campaign  has  been  conducted  with  open  eyes,  directed  by  busy  brains. 
Guard  the  Character  of  your  General,  his  Papers  will  defend  him.  Col. 
Fenwick  says,  unreservedly  that  Gen.  V.  R.  has  done  all  that  could  k 
done.  There  was  yesterday  a  severe  Cannonade  below,  probably  on  Lake 
Ontario  —  we  have  no  intelligence,  possibly  a  Naval  Brush  on  the  Lake, 
Just  now,  Col.  Parker,  the  most  le^jtciabk.  Officer  in  Smyth's  brigade 
called  to  see  us:  he  says  the  Fenmiilvnuia  Militia  wnl  hot  cross  over  to 
Canada.  Let  Gen.  V.  II.  knov  ■  -  '  jmcuiately.  Ool.  Fenwick  desires 
me  in  the  most  afl'ectionate  manner  to  present  him  to  the  General,  he  is 
now  next  door  to  us.  Do  you  tell  the  Genl.  I  wish  he  would  write  a  short 
consoling  line  to  Col.  Fenwick.  Yours,  ever  faithfully, 

Mr.  Joseph  Alexander.  J-  Lovett. 

At  Buffalo,  Colonel  Van  Rens.selaer  wrote  a  letter  to  his  wife,  filled 
with  expressions  of  gratitude  toward  General  Van  Rensselaer,  and  con- 
cluded by  saying,  "  I  cougrutulate  you  on  the  birth  of  our  little  boy.  That 


Lboaci  of  IIisTOBioAr,  Gmwnihos.  277 

n  1      1  o  1  „  Buffalo  Guzotte,  Novenibor  Urd    1819 

Colonel  So  omon  Van  RensHnlnor  «,1„..  »    ^■'"vouiuor  ora,  IBI^. 

to..ivo  knowledKo  or  .orvt'T^ll'^L^ltra  S^  /h  riLothlhe^-l^Ie 
c«n.r...,a.  so  „HM.uously  devoted,  as  it  were,  \u^  very  he  rt„nd  soul  o 
orn.  K  dm.,p|,n.n,^  and  manaKin^  the  urn.y  on  th/Niu'ara  that  a  to 
h  ...  tl.0  la«t  whisper  of  party  malice  seemed  hushed.  lie  was  dlter mined 
that  whenever  a  descent  should  be  made  unon  (Vn  .Hn   fnTi  '^'''^"""'''^ 

ma,  «„»,  a„   officer,  „,  M.r  aJuiittedTo     he  beJ.rofX  Jrij 

.,,1.,,.  o„„.^„e.  of  co,.ti',:',^:re.i*^rd  iz^z::-;-  -r:^ 

Jrf  rt«.,™,,.  6'w.  r.,mpU,„  „ever  calk,/ on  Col.  Vm>]tcm.,her   Tan 

Jlid  (.on.  .Si„,il,  expect  lo  muse  the  people  of  the  State  of  New  V„^V 

endeared  to  the  people-   and   unon  r«?n     "'''",,'"».' "laong  us  mo.-o 

ri^h^tzt  3S  ^'^^^  ^--°-^^ 

,,  ...  Col.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

oratit  •"  PeZ!i'at'rhiP"P^"'"/°^'^^  f  ^f^"  ^"«»'«  ^"  »^'«  ^^^^brated 

in  a  row  days  of  Ca^  ^1  Huil's  con   ueToH    "Gutr^L^  S'""?'"'' 

A  correspondent   has   handed  us    the    followin-   son-  in    his  honnr 
Though  not  the  neatest  versification,  it  deserves  attent?o^„  "or  Us  obj^.' 
A  New  Song,  to  the  tune  of  Anacreon  in  Heaven. 

"  ^Y\  °'"'  """?"  Prepar'd  to  capture  Queenstown. 
A  leader  was  chosen  of  pallant  renown 
Prom  an  old  fed'ral  stock  our  liero  was  sprunir 

1  was  V^an  Rensselaer,  who  never  kn«w  f^ar 
Aivvays  louud  in  the  Van,  never  seen  in  ih^'liear. 


m-^i 


t 


I      m  I 


I 


m 


mm 


278  Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 

The  Columns  debark  upon  Canada's  shore, 

(Far  f'nni'd  for  heroic  achievements  of  yore) 

JJot  feariufj  to  combat  tlie  terribki  Brocii, 

They  soon  gave  the  foe  an  impetuous  aliock  : 

'Twas  Van  Rensselaer,  to  a  soldier  so  dear, 

Who  march'd  in  their  Van  —  never  found  in  their  Sear  — 

Brifrht  glory  now  perches  herself  on  his  head, 

Tiio'  base  cowards  censure,  who  dare  not  be  bled, 

Tho.se  Buifalo  Chiefs,  mere  scarecrows  in  war, 

Who  ne'er  heard  a  cannon,  unless  from  afar. 

With  the  heroes  of  Quoenstown  they  dare  not  to  vie, 

For  though  mighty  good  Christians,  they  yet  fear  to  die." 

This  poetical  effusion,  written  sixty-two  years  ago,  adds  to  the  value  of 
our  historical  monument  for  the  benefit  of  posterity.  We  have  a  proper 
regard  for  the  preservation  of  worthy  materials  for  history  and  oc'3asionaliy 
fane;  such  bright,  cheery,  and  breezy  words  to  enhance  the  historical 
value,  as  they  are  of  special  interest  from  their  reference  to  military  opera- 
tions during  the  war  of  1812. 

Major  Lovett  to  Joseph  Alexander. 
Dear  Alexander,  Buffalo,  4th  November,  1812. 

I  have,  somewhere,  heard  something  said  about  "  ALm's  last  iSperrhes 
and  d^ini/  words"  of  Dr.  Baxter  —  Again;   I   remember  that  stuttering 
Larrahe.  wanted  to  speak  a  few  words  he/ore  he  he(jnn  ;  Now  why  may  not 
I,  upon  some  aniilogous  principle,  speak  a  few  words  after  I  have  dime  P 
In  my  last,  I  desired  you  not  to  write  any  more  ;  surely  not  because  i  did 
not  wish  to  hear  from  Albany,  for  our  solicitude  is  a  perfect  Rock.     Even 
the  humblest  Satellites  of  Jupiter,  could  they  reason,  would  never  be  in- 
different to  the  fate  of  the  glorious  luminary  round  which  they  revolve ; 
but  must  shudder  at  the  very  idea  of  an  eternal  eclipse  of  that  body  whose 
rays  they  once  had  the  glory  of  reflecting.     However,  repoaing  ourselves 
upon  the  consciousness  of  having  faithfully  discharged  our  duty  to  our 
Country,  to  our  friends,   and   to   ourselves,  we   shall  meet  with  firmness 
whatever  decision  the  world  may  make  upon  the  conduct  of  General  Van 
Rensselaer.     We   feel,  and    know  that  we  are   not  destitute   of  common 
sense  :  we  know  that  we   have  better  knowledge  of  tlie  Campaign  than 
any  other  men ;  and   this  enables  us   to  speak  with   confidence  as  to  the 
result  of  Genl.  Van  Rensselaer's  command.     Should  his  own  irodesty,  or 
perseverance  in  his  determination  of  enduring  everything  himself,  rather 
than  to  expose  the  folly,  weakness  and  wickedness  of  others,  cast  a  mist 
over  him,  for  the  present  (which,  by  the  bye,  I  neither  expect,  or  believe;, 
the  day  is  not  far  distant  when  the  Sun  of  truth  will  burst  thro'  and  dis- 
sipate the   fogs  of  error,  and  the  clouds  of  delusion.     I  repeat  it,  again, 
the  CampahjH  will  r.iplain  itself ;  this  you  will  see  in  60  days ;  and  say 
that  Genl.  V.  R.  did  all  that  could  be  done  ;  saved  all  that  could  be  sam'l. 
Being,  now,  out  of  the  Cabinet  I  know  nothing  that  is  in  it.     My  chance 
is  only  that  of  a  common  spectator,  and  hardly  that  :  for,  with  my  Ear- 
blinders  yet  tight  buckled  down,  I  can  only  hear  what  people  bawl,  and, 
tho'  Bawling  is  the  order  of  the  day.  it  becomes  very  necessary,  now,  I 
imagine,  to  "  bawl,"  without  "  cri/imj  aloud." 

I  understand  tliat  General  Smyth  is  getting  together  all  the  Boats  he 
can  ["  General  Van  Rensselaer  has  been  censured  for  not  having  boats 
enough.  It  w.is  no  fnnit,  oi'  liis.  I'jiero  were  only  thirteen,  but  tliia 
inadequate  number  of  boats  was  owing  to  remissness  in  Quarter-master- 


the  Boats  lie 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  279 

three  days  notice  to  curr/over  lioo'  ••  I^HO  1       f'"  f "  i"""''  ''  '^^  ««• 
for  .ix  ir   seven   hundr^ed  were  ordered     buTL  A^f  ^"="^,  ""°'ber 
thirteen  at  the  appointed  hour ''ITWm'd        ^®   ''^'^   forwarded   only 
for  with  solicitude    in  shor^  J.^.^at  the  Pennsylvania  Militia  are  looked 
that  the  descent  upon  Canada  wiU  sSv  h".      """"'a'-  ^''^^^P^^'^tion 
hood.     I  have   before  advised  vou  tfn^        '•'"•''''^  '"  '^'^  "eighbor- 
Experinient  is  the  touchst     e  ofopinion    "oeTT"  T^""  ?'''  f 'J^^^' 
opinion  asto  the  best  place  for  crossiCthpMin        ^"'^/^^"f,^^'^'  had  his 
the  result  is  known  ;  and  Gen   Cvrf  i     ^'"^'^'':'*' ''«  ^«'«d  his  opinion - 
opinion  that  Gen    V   R   had  t;o  h?    n  !?'  \^'•''""'3^  the  same  right  to  his 
will  be  prepared  to  decide      I  h  ve'but  o^T  ^''^  '''  '''''^  '^'  ^^'''d 
case,  which  is  for  the  best  interest  Ift^    »^ope-o"e  prayer  in  either 

our  anns  and  the  greLesTwrrS^  oSr  cZr/'-l  Wt  o^r' MiKt  "^^  -^f 
cometolknownot  — adarincriMutinvbrnkprnf/fl    ^^7^°"'^  ^»'''t'a  will 

Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  hobbles    on  fwn  P..„f„i 
prospects  warrant  a  belief  that  we  may  leave  S^^l^  «  '  '^  ^'■^^*/*^'^- 
toyou  I  am  all  alive  with  solicitude      ^1.1;.      .     '■   '^'^'-     ^  ''""^''^ 
dential  Election  ;  our  Le!wslature  theT.r  ^i     '       ?")?'« -the  Presi- 
Country,  my  family  •  tEnnro  ,.V.  n  I'  the  general  disturbance  of  the 

Altho'  your  solicitude  for  our  fle'h  and  borfp.  ^h        !"'''  ^  '""  '""'^^'•• 
subsided  ;  yet  1  trust  in  heaven   rh.,tn«  f        '    f     '''''';  P"'^'  '"^3^  have 
paign  kjulyiable  that  caW  er"'.^  if  be  m/t  T    ^  conduct  of  the  Cam- 
thing  remains  ./.«i/>/  the  arm  .1     LX  .  1    wfth'"'?-^  '"^  '^'^  '^'^^y 
beam  until  Justice  shall  have  cast  inTLl-  u     P''*^'"'"'  ""PP^""^  'he 
footed  up  the  tally,  and  Tel   my  liead  t^  H     h!    u'  '""^i  ^'"'^''^  '^'^^  ''^^« 
wind  if  there  be  not  a  u  aninl^s  verd  ct  of  It     \"'''^  "'^  T^  ''  '^' 
man  say  we  had  not  Boaf,^nT^L\     .\   ■         °"*'!'   ""^^      Should  any 
where  ^he  troops  crS  Id  '300'    '  ds":^';."f  "  '""  •'  ^'^V'-^  '«  -' 
made  in  five  minutes  -  we  h-ld  1-^n     ,       .  '•  u    P^'f','^^  '"'-^'  ^^^'Ij  be 
and  li  which  would  cari^y  S^ifch       ^    '.1  T'^  f '"^  ^^*  '"^'^  '«°h, 
there  had  been  a  si?-ht  t7J.mt       •    •    ''"  ''''  "''°'^''  "^  Queenstown 
l>ave  been  over  be  ore    1  'oc  S  'T    ^'^V  ""'''  '''  '^'  ^""^  °^i«ht 
The  i7,..««/  Truth  hth.t  thl  ."' u  '^  ^/'"^''  «"  '^'^'h  sides,  idle. 

to  go  over, tiSl,  '^^  '"'"  ^^'^  '^"^  solemnly  pledged  them'selves 


iii 


280 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


fear  the  Lord  and  acknowledge  his  government.  That  the  cord  of  my 
affection  is  stretched  to  the  la^t;  I  will  reel  it  up  upon  my  heart  a,s  fast 
as  possible,  till  she  can  reach,  and  roll  it  upon  her  own  heart,  and  tliere 
let  it  continue  until  death  knots  off  skeins  to  warp  the  woof  of  eternal 
happiness.  Your  ever  true 

Mr.  Joseph  Alexander.  John  Lovett. 

Oen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Col.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
My  dear  friend.  Water  AHiet  Nov.  8,  1812. 

I  cannot  describe  my  feelings  at  the  reception  I  met  with  in  my  journey 
home,  if  I  had  been  a  Victor,  I  could  not  have  been  more  honored. 
Nothing  was  wanting  but  my  two  companions  or  dear  friends,  the  partners 
of  my  toil  and  anxiety  to  have  made  me  as  happy  as  ever  Man  was.  Our 
friends  at  Utica  are  determined  to  give  you  a  reception,  which  all  good 
men  say  you  merit. 

I  have  visited  your  Wife,  and  friend  Lovett's  —  found  them  well 
and  inquiries  innumerable  on  war,  natural,  which  I  faithfully  answered 
sometimes  a  little  embelished.  I  have  visited  Gen.  Dearborn,  nothing 
new.  Gov.  Lewis  is  extravagant  in  his  encomiums,  he  says  you  are  to 
have  a  Regiment,  and  if  no  vacancy  occur,  one  will  be  raised.  I  have 
seen  the  official  Letter  of  the  British  by  the  Adj.  General,  it  differs  i'rom 
mine  considerably  in  point  of  fact. 

Who  received  the  Flag  that  made  the  proposition  for  a  cessation? 
They  state  that  it  come  from  me,  you  know  to  the  contrary,  indeed  Gen. 
Sheaffe's  Letter  to  me  will  establish  the  fact. 

Pray  beg  Lovett  to  write  to  me  every  mail.  I  have  ordered  the  news- 
papers to  be  sent  to  you. 

Present  my  sincere  respects  to  Lovett  and  believe  me  ever  your  friend. 

S.  V.  liEN;5SELAER. 

Col.  Van  Rensselaer,  Buffalo. 
"Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  remained  in  Buffalo  until  the  9th  of  November, 
and  was  then  conveyed  to  his  home  at  Mount  Hope,  near  Albany,  ac- 
companied as  he  had  been  since  his  removal  from  Lewiston  by  Mr.  Lovett. 
They  were  met  in  the  suburbs  of  Albany  by  a  cavalcade  of  citizens,  and  Van 
Rensselaer  was  received  with  the  honors  of  a  victor." 

"  It  gives  us  the  most  sincere  and  heartfelt  pleasure  to  be  able  to  an- 
nounce to  our  fellow  citizens,  that  Colonel  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  who 
was  so  severely  wounded  in  the  attack  on  Queenstown,  has  so  far  re- 
covered, as  to  be  able  to  endure  the  long  and  fatiguicT  journey,  from 
Niagara  to  Albany,  and  is  again  restored  to  his  amiable,  and  highly  en- 
deared family  :  and  is  in  a  fair  way  of  a  speedy  recovery  from  his  wounds. 
He  arrived  in  this  city  on  Tuesday  evening  November  17th,  accompanied 
by  Major  Lovett  his  friend  and  companion  in  arms,  who  has  faithfully 
attended  him  from  the  moment  lie  was  brought  off'  the  field  of  action, 
until  he  was  saie  in  the  bosom  of  his  family.  It  was  a  gay  time  pro- 
cession, flowers  and  all  conceivable  pleasures  have  been  lovingly  brought 
into  requisition  to  contribute  to  the  general  rejoicing  and  they  went  home 
singing,  'No  more  I'll  pant  for  glory's  wreath.'  Every  thing  connected 
with  the  joyful  reception  was  mo.-.t  satisfactory,  to  the  invalid  and  disililed 
officer,  for  even  the  very  atmosphere  of  home  was  invi^iioratiiig.  The 
happy  return  on  that  occasion  did  not  fail  to  evoke  new  gratitude  in  that 
peaceful  mansion,  with  the  lull  measure  of  glad  hearts,  sacred  to  theex- 
pjcssiou  of  thtJ  affectionate  relations  that  make  life  lovely.     The  festivities 


i:  i 

liJiill 


lered  the  uews- 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  281 

were  not  saddened  bv  'an  nvM  «nncr>  ,j-  .     ,    ■, 

.^'  "y     -in  aviui  sense  lA   one  iiiuto  shadow  watpliiti.r  nil  ' 
a.s.  l,n,htp,on..o  ol  .eturn.n,  health  gave  a  buoyancy  to -LTourE^^^ 
^    Jna,e  Vun.y.stoVol.  Van  Rensselaer -Tke"  Soiaicr's  Return." 

in  a  p'aper  which  I  have  just  seen  whif^St/a'prnT-'^^n -^^'f' 
I  have  with  heartfelt  satisfaction  rj^^d   ^   jl.    v  ,,n  .  ?     '"•   'V  J''"'"' 
own  houne.     As  an  old  friend    T  mZ  h  ■  ^ T    ''^^  '''''"^^'  "^  J'our 

and  your  faruily  upon  the  plelsi' X  L^cT'SL^tf  r '^^^^ 
of  your  many  other  friends    th•.^  vn,,  .  1       i!'  ,-7  "^^  ^'^'^^^  '»  *''ose 

ustLl  health!  sfxerVth  nd  usefXess  \ou  ^''^y  J'^^'r'  ''  ^^'^^ 
probahly  will  suffer  n.ore.  I  sfn  n  Zl  JT  ^'^'  '"T""'?  '""''^'  ^^^ 
shall  in  the  end  be  restor;d  to  tC^u  o  of  vn  T.T'  ^''P^^'  ^'^^  '^'  :^«« 
sufllMin,.  will  be  forgotten  i.  the  W  whfch  suci  '  "r^"'  ^^"^  ^''' 
occasion.  As  soon  as  I  have  moved  inrmv  hp^  J  ^^"^"•"'"^fon  will 
hon>e,  which  will  be  in  about  a  ZuXt  rshal.oT'A Th'^  ''"  '^'^'.l 
)'ou  in  person  how  much  I  rejoice  that  you  are  silTn  hp1  T^^ .?  f^ 
ing,  and  in  the  bosom  of  your  family.    ^  ^^  '''"'^  "^  ^^<^  ^'^■ 

With  unabated  affection  and  friendship,         Yours  &e 
Solomon  Van  llensselaer,  Esq.  ''  '""'^^^  y^^  ^^^^ 

there  was  '' sunshine  as  weilas  cloud.''  ■rn^'t'"''"  '"•'^  ^'  ^S'*'"  ^"'^"d 
nusery  and  much  eartSy  bL  '  '"^'^"^'"'  '^^  ^^"  ^« 

If  the  Weather  and  the  State  of  Colonel  Van  Rin3.^'"-i!'  ]^}^-.u 
penuit  an  Address  is  intended  to  be  cl^^l    e    dVn  w!  1     t    Ha^  f  V'" 

ro  CW«.  &;./«.;i  F«/i  Rensselaer  and  John  Lovett. 

b-eatlemen,  The  deep  interest  which  vour  fellow  Plfl^^      i 

orally  manifested,  with  'respect  to  your  sJrvi  es  inl  tffT    T  '"  »?' 

a.st  Ca.paig,,  sufBcienti;  indicates  th7exdlk1ruSld   ""':." 

estimation.     Your  brethren,  the  Members  of  fhp  VvT^Jt      "'"''^"    ^''^T 

'Ihe  members  of  this  Society,  have  ever  had  thp  fnll«=f  n     «  i 
tliepiudenceanddiscernmentofMajorJcn  Van  Ren?.         ^"ifi^^^^^  i^ 
;j.  pu  Gentlemen  to  important  nr^\S:^;il:Sjt^^£^J;^:^^^^^- 
fforded  an  additional  proof  that,  that  confidence  wa    ^11  found    l^T".' 

ie;i;r;r^.;r^^Lr:an:-;i:ts.;f ;^^^^^^^^  -  pt 

any  contrariety  of  opinion  on  these  points      y1  bre  h    ''n        P/f  "'"^'i- 

11"8  was  an  organization  opposed  to  the^ii^^^i^! 

36 


mi 


4*  : 


282 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


the  effects  of")  the  Ignorance,  the  imbecility,  the  want  of  preparation  and 
forcsijiht,  the  distraction,  the  dishonesty,  the  Jealousy,  and  the  low  in- 
trigues, of  the  Government,  its  Officers  and  Agents;  and  when  you  could 
not  avoid  anticipating  the  result,  this  state  of  things  must  necessarily  pro- 
•  duce  ;  the  sacrifice  of  lives  and  property  and  the  disgrace  of  the  Country. 

The  gallantry  displayed  by  you.  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer,  in  the  Attack 
on  Queenston,  is  the  subject  of  public  admiration  and  praise.  It  must 
have  endeared  you  to  such  of  your  brother  officers  as  are  capable  of  duly 
appreciating  this  most  noble  trait  in  the  Character  of  a  Soldier;  and  in 
your  present  languishing  condition,  it  constitutes  at  once  the  pride  and 
the  Solace  of  your  friends. 

In  those  who  were  previously  acquainted  with  the  pupil  of  the  Intrepid 
Wayne,  this  act  of  bravery  occasioned  no  suprise.  They  were  persuaded, 
that  he  would  be  found  at  the  post  of  danger  and  that  he  possessed  the 
Spirit,  and  the  Skill  to  render  essential  Service  to  his  Country. 

Your  brethren  cannot  forbear  to  lament,  that,  that  attack  proved  in  the 
event,  so  disastrous  to  the  Nation  and  to  you;  they  however  hope,  that  it 
may  tend  in  some  degree  "  to  revive  the  fonjotten  dujnity  of  the  American 
name." 

The  Wounds  of  a  Soldier  received  in  the  Service  of  his  Country,  have  ever 
been  considered  as  presenting  an  almost  irresistible  claim  to  attention  and 
respect.  Two  cases  only  are  recollected  in  which  this  claim  has  been 
wholly  disregarded.  By  the  Mob  at  Baltimore,  to  whom  the  unfortunate 
Genl.  Lingan  opened  his  bosom,  and  they  Stabbed  him  through  the  Scars 
of  the  Wounds  he  had  received  in  fighting  for  the  Liberty  and  Independ- 
ence of  America  !  By  the  Chief  Magistrate  of  the  State  of  New  York,  who 
formerly  professed  to  be  your  personal  friend,  who  is  your  fellow  Towns- 
man  and  Neighbor.  IJe  came  to  the  place  where  you  lay,  helpless, 
covered  with  wounds,  many  hundred  of  miles  from  your  family  and  your 
home.  These  wounds  too  were  received  in  battle  in  the  course  of  a  War, 
for  which  lie  is  a  zealous  advocate.  He  lodged  beneath  the  same  roof 
with  you,  a  few  inches  only  of  lath  and  plaster  separated  you  from  each 
other,  and  he  did  not  deign  to  speak  to  you,  or  to  enquire  into  your  situa- 
tion, or  even  to  direct  his  eyes  towards  you.  And  yet  this  man  is  gene- 
rally reputed  to  be  mild,  humane,  and  aSable.  The  appearence  too  of 
his  State  Coach,  every  Sabbath  at  the  door  of  the  house  of  Worship,  is 
calculated  to  induce  a  belief  that  he  is  pious  also.  But  the  Vail  is  now 
rent  asunder.  His  hypocrisy  is  manifest,  and  he  appears  in  his  true  Cha- 
racter,  destitute  of  every  generous  and  manly  feeling,  Vengeful,  "'  " 
nant,  and  Implacable. 


Malig- 


Colonel  Lovett, 

From  your  acknowledged  literary  talents,  independent  mind,  and  experi- 
ence in  life,  your  brethren  expected  with  confidence,  that  in  every  trving 
situation,  and  in  the  discharge  of  the  most  arduous  and  difficult  duties, 
you  would  promote  the  good  of  the  Service  and  advance  your  own  reputa- 
tion. They  also  looked  to  you  in  a  great  measure,  to  throw  light  on  the 
transactions  of  the  Campaign,  or  the  State  of  the  Army,  and  of  the  North 
western  Frontier.  Nor  have  they  been  disappointed  in  a  single  particular. 
Your  conduct  has  been  such,  as  fully  to  satisfy  the  highest  e.xpectations 
of  your  warmest  friends.  When  it  had  become  public  that  General  Van 
Ilensselaer  had  relinquished  the  command  of  the  Army,  it  was  supposed 
by  some,  (and  your  known  attachment  to  your  family  rendered  it  probable) 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  283 

that  you  would  immediately  return  home      lint  th^  K.. 
other,  you  chose  to  remain  with  youHriend  and  Po  .T  """'    '''.  '''^' 
nor  did  you  attempt  to  nass  tho  fl>,.»^^ln  !•  tompanion  in  Arms ; 

had  dopasited  the'^wounded  Hero  n  tt  h^^""' T."  ^r'""-  ""^"  y"" 
possibli  to  avoid  doinc.  hoTn.  4  to  a  nmo  H  ''"'"  ^^  ^'  ^'""•'^'  ^^  i«  ''"■ 
^  Fiually,  Gentlemen  your  breuZ  .?  '"  '"  'T'^  "'^^'^  '"^"^  ««"«™»«- 
sincere  pleasure  the^fow  eon!  a  .d.r  "'  ^""'  ''''*'  ''  '^  ""''^  ^»»«  '"o^t 
spective  families,  an^  he  con£«  of  /""^"^  '''"'"  *' ^'°"''  ^«- 

bi;hoid  you  in  this  Hd^  inTh  'Ssfof  ^T  'i^f  :;h:t  N^^  ^'^^  ^"^'^ 
the  na„,e  and  prineiples  of  our  beloved  VVasSC^  '""  "  """°^^ 

l.tr?and1ig.St  ff,;;Sr\rtton  T'^^W^^'  ^^e  superior 
tion,  to  be  ever  the  objLt  of  en^'v  'n'^J'"'  ^•^^«":^  *''«  '•«='«h  ofimita- 
his  country.  No  other  L  ever  disLv  d  sul.rr.  ^'""'"'f  ''  ™"'''^  '^ 
of  character,  in  divesting  himself  orrwert^?r'"''' r?*^  magnanimity 
object  of  ambition,  and  retirinrfrom  tCohL?  '^l'"^l"'«'"?S  tbe  highest 
to  the  state  of  a  p  ivate  cSn  '^  "^agistraey  of  a  free  people, 


CHAPTER  XHI. 

Major  John  Lovett's  Election  to  the  13th  Congress. 
J.  RoUnam  to  Col.  Van  Rensselaer. 

'The  result  of  the  battle  of  Queenston  was  pain^fuf  to  a^l'Mn  ^^^'• 
IS  insufficient  to  paint  the  proceedings  of  Li  P     *«  »";  but  language 
attack  upon  Canada  •  his  coutPmnHhl  ,  ^^  ^^"'  ®"^*'^  «  pretended 

of  every'officer,  wt  was  a  pSe^ i  SLltT'''''  '^?^^^^^^^^-  heart 
a  great  soul  would  do  groat  thiZT- ISZT'''  ' , ^^'  l\  ^^^  '^"P^'i  that 
«o.  Hut  as  far  superior  nurDitTdeh-J^^  """f''  ^^^  ^'^  '  ^ulied  ! 
to  Michael  the  Arc^.-Angel  LTieS'nesr""  ^"'  ""^^'^^^'  ^^  ^^^^  - 

™en:  and  his  boats  would  e  rV^th  eo' H.:'"'  T\''T  "^^  ^'^ousand 
^ides  eleven  pieees  oT'Ttil  er7  wi  h  I'  ""^  ""'''  ^•^"'^dred  men,  be- 
forty.ei.ht  horses  :  On  u'e  nth't  of    h.l       °^  ^•""'"nition  wagons  'and 

and  .culars  crossed  the  ver^ik  da  ,  /I.Tk^-'  ^^'''  '^""^'"^^  ^'^^'^ 
one  prisoners,  and  returned      To  »?      •  ^''^^f'^'^h  cannon,  took  thirty- 

Jf .  re.iinent,'erossed  trrfv'er,  ad  w  rrli'w!,^^';  .^^l^'  ^^ 
l^ritish  ;  by  12  oVlnok  ..11  fi. ,  i     V  n-^,'^  "y  ""O"'^  tbree  hundred 


284 


Legacy    .  Historical  Gleanings. 


opposition  from  the  enemy,  who  in  attempting  to  approach  were  driven 
back  by  the  well  directed  fire  from  our  batteries ;  Notwithstandinj,'  the 
ardor  of  the  troops  to  pass  the  river,  they  were  ordered  ashore  (to  dTseui- 
bark  and  dine  !)  and  a  J'lag  was  sent  to  Canada  ! ! 

Yesterday  at  three  o'clock  A.  M.  the  troops  were  again  ordered  to  embark, 
the  American  Flag  was  raised,  with  everything  ready  for  a  descent,  when  -! 
Lo!  the  Coward  appeared  — and  —  tho  remuii.Jer  cannot  be  described, 
but,  by  the  fallen  countenances  of  the  officers  and  the  fury  of  the  privates! 

I,  Sir    have  been  anxious,  since  you»-  departure  from  this,  to  hear  of 
your  sale  arrival  in  the  bosom  of  your  family  ;  and  that  you  have  by  this 
recovered  of  your  wounds.     lie  assured  Sir,  that  I  feel  much  for  your 
welfare.     Lois  Le  Canteubx  Esqr.  presents  his  best  respects  to  you. 
I  am  Dear  Sir,  Your  most  obedient  humble  Servant, 

Col.  Solomon  Van  Kensselaer,  Albany.  Josiah  Robinson. 

"  The  scruples  of  the  Pennsylvania  brigade  had  been  overcome,  and 
they  would  have  invaded  Canada  cheerfully  under  other  auspices.  Hut 
distrust  of  their  leader,  had  demoralized  the  whole  army.  They  had  luade 
so  much  noise  in  the  embarkation  that  the  startled  enemy  had  somided 
his  alarm  bugle  and  discharged  signal-guns.  Smyth  called  a  council  of 
the  rei^ular  officers  and  soon  an  order  was  received,  from  the  commanding 
general  to  General  Porter,  directing  the  whole  army  to  debark  and  repair 
to  quarters.  This  was  accompanied  by  a  declaration  that  the  invasion  of 
Canada  was  abandoned  at  present.  The  regulars  were  ordered  into 
winter  quarters,  and  the  volunteers  dismissed." 

Dr.  Chapin  to  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  —  A  Duel. 

De«y  Sir,  Buffiilo  Dec.  13, 1812. 

This  part  of  our  country  seems  destined  to  be  the  theatre  of  events 
both  strange  and  new.  You  will  hardly  believe  me  when  I  tell  you  that 
our  two  doughty  Generals —  Smyth  and  Porter,  got  into  a  boat  yesterday 
with  something  like  20  men,  and,  with  flying  colors  went  over  to  Grand 
Island  —  burnt  a  charge  of  powder  at  each  other,  shook  hands,  and  came 
"  bock  agen,"  without  staining  the  ground  with  even  one  drop  of  their 
precious  blood.  The  challenge  was  given  by  Gen.  Smyth,  who  finding 
that  no  "  ungathered  laurels  "  were  to  be  plucked  on  the  Canadian  shore 
this  winter,  even  condescended  to  seek  them  on  a  little  Island,  the  claim 
to  which  is  in  dispute  between  the  two  governments.  The  combatants 
were  to  have  met  between  the  hours  of  eleven  and  one;  but  it  seems  they 
were  not  willing  or  ready  to  quit  this  world,  until  about  4  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon,  when  they  met.  The  cause  of  this  truly  important  and  war- 
like movement,  appeared  in  the  Buffalo  Gazette  of  last  week ;  I  mean, 
Porter's  letter  to  the  Editors,  in  which  he  directly  calls  Smyth  a  coward, 
and  indirectly  a  liar.  The  conqueror  uf  Canada,  at  first,  took  this  in  high 
dudgeon;  but  one  shot  from  his  antagonist,  that  just  whistled  over  his 
head,  completely  satisfied  him  "  that  Gen.  Porter  was  a  man  of  honor, 
and  had  doubtless  labored  under  some  mistake,  or  misrepresentation,  when 
he  wrote  the  offensive  paragraph." 

Captain  Pitzgerald,  of  the  49th  Regt.  was  over  on  Saturday  after  Gen. 
Smyth  had  taken  Canada  by  his  white  flag,  and  told  a  number  of  our 
officers,  who  were  collected  round  him,  that  the  United  States  would  never 
conquer  Canada  until  some  of  their  old  Generals  rose  from  their  gruves 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  285 

But  when  he  hears  how  Gen.  Smjth  has  the  courage  to  be  shot  at  he  will 
no  doubt,  consider  the  situation  of  Canada  as  desperate.      I  remain  dear  Sir 
Pnl  «?nlnm«„  V      1,  ,   ^"''  ^'^ccre  fricud  and  hble.  Servant 

Col.  Solomon  Van  Kensselaer  Albany.  CvRENiua  Chapin 

"  General  Porter  openly  attributed  the  abandonment  of  the  invasion  .,f 
Canada  to  the  cowardice  of  Smvfh       a  k;**  V       "'b  evasion  ot 

resulted  in  a  challenge  by  he  Serai  t  ^^rl^'V"  '""'f^'  '""^  ^"^" 
to  test  the  courage  of  both  by  a  duel  Tn  ^i  7  • 'f  !'"°"^  'u  '^^""'""'^ 
of  War,  these  superior  officer^s  of  the  arm?  tuT V'  .  "°  1  '^'  ^/'''^'' 
«ur,eons,  put  off^n  boats  from  the  sLre  n'^.^ritck  Rock'in  fh""'''  ""' 
of  dieir  troops  at  two  o'clock  in  the  afteraooi  o  hV  2  h'o  "d  eE" " 
.loet  each  other  in  rriortal  combat  on  Grand  Island.  VLy  e.cha„,:^ 
shots  a  twelve  paces  distance.  Nobody  was  hurt.  The  expeyed  t  aSv 
proved  to  be  a  solemn  comedy.  The  affair  took  the  usual  ridfcutus  coSrse^ 
The  seconds  reconciled  the  belligerents  the  UnA  nfLn^  •  •  .^ 
*,.i  acd   received      ConSdenof  X  til  :;\b  ir„ro:  '"smS 

tiniw;od  ,„IJir;i    """"f, °Pi"i°"  'I""  «l>i»  writer  h„»  done  tl.o  diB. 
,rv     wi       t       "'""°  ''"  '"'  »'»''«  "■  •  I'oro  of  his  romance  iirmt  in 

.t  QueSn  1„  '    .;{^i''*f "  f-     Tm    P'°P''"'  "P'"'"  "''  C»P'«i»  Wool 

-p...  .he  whoio  .™n.e.ioo,  a:dS'.i:k'r  .be'rc;i;'i,,:f2i!; 


ipii 


I 


286 


LBaACY  OP  Historical  Gleanings. 


bolonp^s  to  him.  This  expedition  and  enterprise  was  under  my  commanil 
and  not  under  Oupt  Wool's  or  any  body  else.  I  coniuianded  the  wliole' 
not  a  detuchment,  and  the  whole  were  formed  in  order  vn  the  hemh  not 
on  the  plateau;  and  by  my  order  the  troops  charged  up  the  bank;  tliey 
were  not  allowed  to  load  their  pieces.  The  enemy  gave  way;  on  the 
plateau  the  engagement  took  place,  and  as  of  course,  the  13th  were  on 
the  right,  they  suifered  most.  But  I  have  some  reason  for  knowing  that 
this  fight  took  place  under  my  command,  and  not  under  Cant.  Wool's 
and  that  I  was  not  quite  out  of  all  danger  during  the  engagement.  At 
any  rate  the  enemy  hit  me  with  six  bullets  in  the  course  of  the  fight  one 
of  which  I  carry  now  in  my  body,  by  way  of  a  remembrancer. 

The  British  party  which  had  given  us  this  brush  retreated  towards  the 
village.     But  my  men  wer-^s  still  annoyed   by  some  shots  from  the  hi"h 
grounds,  and  I  ordered  them  to  fall  back  under  cover  of  a  bank.     I  now 
found   myself  so  much   riddled  that  it  seemed  quite  impossible  that  I 
should  be  able   to  lead  the  troops  in  person,  to  any  further  enterprise: 
and  I  naturally  looked  about  for  Lieut.  Col.  Christie,  who  was  my  second 
in  command.     He  was  not  to  be  found.     In  fact,  as  is  well  known,  he  had 
retreated  without  touching  the  British  shore.    The  search  for  him  occupied 
some  time,  and  of  course  created  considerable  delay,  as  I  was  naturally  dis- 
inclined to  entrust  the  command  to  very  young,  and  very  inexperienced 
hands.    But  there  were  no  others  near  me,  and  finally  there  was  no  other 
alternative.    Capt.  Wool  was  theseniorofiiceron  theground,  andhe  received 
my  orders.     I  myself  arranged  the  order  of  the  column  for  the  ascent, 
and  marked  out  its  cour.se  —  directing  ita  movement  to  the  left  and  by  a 
point  of  rock,  which  would  avoid  exposure  and  bring  it  on  the  heights  in 
the  rear  of  the  battery.     I  ordered  Lt.  John  Gansevoort  or  the  artillery, 
assisted  by  Lt.  Randolph,  at  the  head  of  forty  picked  artillery  men ;  to 
lead  the  column,  and  I  placed  Major  Lush,  one  of  my  aids,  in  the  rear, 
with  strict  orders  to  put  the  first  man  to  death  who  should  fall  back.    In 
this  order,  when  all  was  ready,  the  troops  filed  off  before  mo,  and  it  was 
not  till  they  were  fairly  on  their  way,  that  my  strength  failed  me,  and  I 
sank  to  the  ground.     During  all  the  delay   that  had  occurred,  and  the 
arrangements  for  storming  the  heights,  I  had  not  quitted  my  feet ;  (except 
when  the  troops  were  screened  under  the  bank)    and  I   had  borrowed 
from  Major  Lush  a  great  coat  which  I  wore  the  whole  time  on  purpose  to 
conceal  the  extent  and  number  of  my  wounds.     Capt.  Wool's  ojficiul  ac- 
count of  the  matter  to  me,  is  in  the  Narrative,  dated  23d  Oct.,   1812. 
"  In  pursuance  of  your  order,  we  proceeded   round   the   point,   and  as- 
cended the  rocks,  which  brought  us  partly  in  rear  of  the  battery.     Wc 
took  it  without  much  resistance." 

1  must  not  omit  to  say  that  the  very  advantage  which  I  had  sought  to 
secure,  by  gi''ing  the  artillerists  the  position  I  had  assigned  them  in  this 
enterprise  —  ihat  of  turning  the  battery  on  the  enemy  as  soon  aS  taken  — 
was  lost  by  the  spiking  of  the  cannon.  Let  me  not  be  supposed  to  entertain 
a  disposition  to  detract  from  the  high  merits  of  any  brave  brother. 
Wherever  Capt.  Wool  was  engaged  on  that  trying  occasion,  he  acquitted 
himself  like  a  brave  soldier,  and  a  gallant  man,  and  as  such  I  have  spoken 
of  him  and  others  in  my  book.  But  while  ample  justice  is  accorded  to 
him,  let  no  pretended  historian  distort  facts  to  tbe  prejudice  of  others  who 
were  his  companions  and  rivals  in  arms  that  day,  Lush,  Gansevoort,  and 
llandolph  were  among  the  number  —  and  more  il-iring  or  more  enduring 
men  uuver  faced  a  foe.     It  was  the  conspicuous  gallantry  of  liandolph  oa 


Leoaoy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  287 

that  occasion   tUt  attracted  the  attention  of  the  enemy,  and  excited  the 
iKiiiiiiutluii  ot   hiH  brethren  in  nr.»a       i  „*  i-    i  •'.  ca».iita  rne 

nan,e.  and  n.erits  ot'ueh  J„  ""  '^Sol   vlv  "il  ''  ''''  ""  ^''« 

Albany,  I'eb.  23,  1846.  litN.ssKLAKR. 

C/.«;fc«^.  from  Peter  B.  Porter  to  Sol.  Van  Jienmlaer. 

A  publication  in  the  Columbian  of  the  l-^th  inllf  I  ^^''     ""^i'  ^^^^ 
the  tuHlc  of  making  a  statemen   of  farf«  /,:?>.         k.-"  '"T/^  "P""  "'« 
c,ue.t  a  place  for  it'in  your  eoTumns  '  P"^'"''  ""'^  ^  ^'^^•^  '«  '•«- 

already  so  overwhelmed  with  nnblir.  Tvl    J  ■'"^"    "^"'""^  ^  "'»« 

PORTKU  may  seenrunmer    fuf    b  ,^  execrations  as  .s  General  Peter  B. 

and  in  justice  to  Lw/St^s^^^^^^^^  !f ''^  "'■*'  ^^'""^'^  the  public, 
..an)  I  shall  answT  ^  ^  ''"''"''•^^  ''^^  ""'''''  "f  ''"J  h"°orabIe 

Columbian  to  which  I  have  ?eferre^  Vt,  P"'?,"^  '  ^"'^'^^'^'^^  '»  *^« 
sion  1  did  declare  to  G  e  a'p  L;  that  I  would  t  "^""  '  ''^'"*  ^•'^^- 
ma«k  him  to  the   world  •  and  ^tthL  \v     .7''"'*^'  «^  ^   Pi-op^r  time,  un- 

^::^:l  =;?/,°s  zri-  '-^  '"^"-"  -  .o-;^\fs^re: 

«.e.t  of  lict.  iTs  aurflJ'/I  r  "'.i«="''i''l'™  ""  '"""'"g  "»'<■- 
mm  unfavcble  t„     e  J  :  :«      ^he  „i  "  '^"  '■  T'*'''''  ""^  '"^*- 

of  the  Nation,  through  the  (^nmm.mrlnr  .V.u     "»      '  'J  ^°^  the  honor 

•cessation  of  hostilit?es  and  / 1?  1  n  ,  ^'  '^'"'y'  ^'''  P'^^S^d  for  the 
L^sued,  Gene  a    Varilenstltr  rcei?e^^^^  that  purport°had   been 

General  Hall  that  a  Br  t  shier 'earta^^^  ^''"^   ^^'^'' 

and  taken  at  Buckhorn  Island  rwhp.M  f  ^IT^''  ^"""^  ^•^"°  surpri.sed 
by  a  detachment  of  ColoneSwS?  '^  '"'^^'"  sometime  stationed) 
quiry  as  to  this  breach  of  luh      A  ^^T"""*"    ^  ^"«  ^^'^^''^^d  to  make  in- 

had  been  t7ken  Th  dutie  o  .r'.^  ^^  ^he  place  from  whence  they 
Black  Rock     TstoDnpdirl   of  tlm  day  called  me  from   Lewiston   to 

hopropo^d  tollr;a1.;^J:^.Td  wh  leVe""'"^'.  °"^  ^'^^"''^  ^^^^^^ ' 
over  to  Jud..e  Porti^^wT/prf      J    i     '''"'%?'',""- '•""'^y- ^  stepped 

whether  ho  knew  who  ;J  Jivl  nH  / '^"  ^■^^'^'''>  ««d  inquired 
^^^  been  made  to  him  f.r  a^b^at  ^^^i!^  ^^Zl  £  h^li  J^^ 


288 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


unless  an  order  wus  obtained  from  General  Van  llensselaer.  I  observed 
tbut  he  knew  perfectly  well,  tbut  no  such  order  would  have  been  fjrantcii  • 
and  that  had  he  said  one  discouraj^injj;  word,  the  enterprise  would  never 
have  been  ottenipted.  I  reminded  him,  that  by  stipulations  entered  into 
between  General  Van  Rensselaer  and  General  Siieaffe,  wo  had  fortunateiv 
secured  the  navi<i;ation  of  Lake  Ontario;  that  General  Van  Rensselaer  hud 
sent  an  express  to  Ogdensburf^h  to  order  up  from  tlience  to  Sacketts  Uar- 
bour  a  number  of  vessels  to  join  Capt.  VVoolsey,  with  a  view  of  enabling 
that  p;allant  officer  to  get  comniaud  of  the  Lake;  that  Colonel  Fenwick 
was  on  his  way  from  Oswego,  with  cannon  and  a  large  quantity  of  military 
stores  for  Niagara;  that  all  this  property  was  put  in  jeopardy;  important 
arrangements  might  be  defeated,  and  the  campaign  rendered  abortive  by 
this  violation  of  faith  pledged  for  the  observance  of  the  armistice ;  that 
if  we  violated  it,  the  Hritish  might  retaliate  to  our  loss  and  sorrow. 

I  then  returned  to  General  Hall's  (juarters.  We  proceeded  together 
to  Blpck  Rock,  to  which  place  (instead  of  Lewiston,  which  was  much 
nearer)  the  British  sergeant  and  guard  had  been  sent.  On  our  way  we 
found,  with  mortification,  that  most  of  the  small  guards  had  been  engaged 
in  this  disgraceful  transaction.  We  arrived  at  Colonel  Swift's  quarters 
and  dined.  I  asked  him,  by  whose  orders  this  attack  had  been  made  upon 
the  British  ?  He  said  he  did  not  know  ;  but  it  was  by  Lieutentant 
Hewett  of  his  regiment,  and  the  guard  under  his  command.  I  told  Col- 
onel Swift,  the  British  prisoners  should  be  immediately  returned  to  the 
Island  whence  they  were  taken.  He  observed,  that  he  believed  they  did 
not  wish  to  go  back  ;  and  if  sent,  his  men  would  be  dissatisfied,  and  the 
prisoners  would  return  back  again,  in  this  opinion  Dr.  Wilson,  the  friend 
of  Peter  B.  Porter,  joined.  I  told  Colonel  Swift  that  should  the  prisoners 
return  to  our  shore,  he  must  immediately  send  them,  under  guard,  to 
Lewiston  ;  and  I  explained  to  him  the  necessity  of  adopting  this  course. 
Colonel  Swift  tnd  Doctor  Wilson  —  his  surgeon  —  walked  out  of  the 
room ;  but  soon  returned,  and  reported  to  me,  that  the  captured  guard, 
excepting  the  sergeant,  would  not  return  alive.  I  observed  to  them,  with 
some  warmth,  that  dead  or  alive,  they  should  all  return,  and  ordered  Col- 
onel Swift,  by  command  from  Gen.  Van  Rens.selaer,  to  return  them,  and 
sen  ddown  Lieutenant  Hewett,  the  next  day  under  arrest  for  trial.  I  then 
walked  into  the  adjoining  room  and,  to  my  surprise,  found  the  prisoners 
in  high  spirits,  dining  at  the  same  table  from  which  we  had  just  risen. 

To  this  shameful  afi"air  there  appeared,  to  my  mind,  disgusting  evidence 
that  Peter  B.  Porter  and  his  friends  were,  to  say  the  least,  accessories. 
A  palpable  violation  of  the  plighted  faithof  the  Nation,  or  the  sacrifice  of  an 
army  must  have  appeared  as  incidents  of  minor  consequence,  to  a  man  so  ea<;er 
for  the  prosecution  of  the  War  as  to  recommend  to  General  Van  Rensselaer, 
to  pass  over  from  Buffalo  with  a  handful  of  men  to  Fort  Erie,  and  march 
to  the  relief  of  Hull,  throwjh  a  fine  country^  and  (jood  roads  of  about 'H^ 
miles;  with  Brock  and  Proctor  in  front,  and  SheafFe  in  our  rear.  Such 
a  man,  among  a  thousand  other  crafty  hints,  might  even  venture  to  submit 
to  the  consideration  of  General  Van  Rensselaer,  the  expediency  of  per- 
mitting one  of  his  sloop  captains,  thrown  out  of  employ  upon  Lake  Krit, 
to  pass  over  into  Canada  on  his  parole  (is  a  prisoner  of  ivar,  although  he 
might  have  been  a  staunch  loyalist,  and  never  in  any  shape  made  prisoner. 

On  my  return  from  Black  Rock  to  J^cwiston,  I  rode  part  of  the  way 
in  company  with  some  of  Porter's  friends  ;  our  conversation  naturally 
turned  upou  his  eouduct;  some  of  the  preceding  and  other  subjects,  nut 


Leoacy  of  Historical  G.  xanings.  289 

necessary  to  be  detailed,  were  discussed.  I  stated,  that  Porter  had  UDon 
every  ocms.on,  e,.doavored  to  throw  all  rcspon.Mb.lUy  upo«  OeS  vC 
{enHseluer  to  perp  ox  h,s  .uovcments  aud  'mbarn.ihil  co.m»  ,' 1  •  that 
he  had  voted  tor  the  War;  but  now,  instead  of  being  the  fi  uian  to 
shew  his  zeal  in   the  cause,  ho  ne-'lceted   his  .lufv  na  n      . 

General  That  he  wasseldo.  in  ca^Tntle'ct^d^Tfuis^rrr^^^^^ 
supphes  for  hnnging  the  war  to  an  honorable  termination  :  t  at  To  ca  IJ 
not  how  long  .t  nught  last,  provided  ho  could  make  his' fo  tune  bv  it 
Iha  he  would  not  even  furnish  straw  for  the  soldiers  to  He  upoS- that 
hundreds  of  poor  fauulies  had  already  bean  compelled  t^feave  ha 
fronfers,  abandoning  their  little  all.  In  short,  a  viSw  of  the  oallmities 
of  the  war,  wh.ch  tins  same  Peter  B(elligerent)  Ported  had  eLrJed  h  m 

n  u  7r"hrK ; «"  P^'"""^'^  ^r^^'^  ^^  ^^  impruZ?heigK 

ana  1  a  a  say,  that  Peter  B  Porter  was  a  Damned  Scoundrkd. 

.i...°nd  place.  Dr.  wIL",'™ \ta74ir,i ^I™  1;^! n^^l"!  'pt' 
.»«,  ana  an  apology  I  ,„|d  Um  I  hud  no  apology  to  u7ko  Tl  e  ceo™' 
.ary  arranBen,en<a  were  made,  and  a  solemn  pledge  o?  .eorecv  -i  en     h?i 

«:^!- Xt'nitLS  ?r.j;:i-  ~Z 

I  LTat"F  °  P."'P»"i"?,the  meeting  „a,  submitted  by  Dr.  Wil™ 
loaij  Iriend  (or  various  considerations,  wliioli  it  is  unueeesaarv  to  de  ^ir 
»  p,«po„t,„„  was  at  first  rejected  ;  but  at  last  my  fS  agreed  'ore' 
p  the  prop„s,t,on  to  me  and  meet  Dr.  W.  at  the  tavern  S  Niagara 
Wis,  precisely  at  eight  o'clock  on  the  Monday  morning  foHo^in^"  I? 
"  Wi  sS,:,      ,",'  "/"'  T"";'  ''"  "f  P^fe-ienal  dutf  should  pfeven 

pt!;lrhVh:i7etr^;s.,:r!'  sr"  y°'t  *"'/"■"-" 
Ea^;y-vrt'{Salf?--?r-"^^^ 

37 


i|M 


290 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


attendance  at  the  hour  and   place  on  Monday  niorninj,';   to  reject  the  pro- 
position, and  tuko  the  noceHnury  luoaHurcx  for  dccidiu}^  the  I'ttuir  at  once. 
On   Hunday,  betbre  noon,   Mr.  Gray  called  on  uiy  friend  ut  LuwiBton 
with  the  following  note  from  Oen.  Porter. 

Sir,  Black  Rook,  Hept.  13,  1812. 

I  had  no  objection  for  the  public  rensunB  operating  on  both  Sides  to 
the  principal  arrangement  being  mutually  entered  into.  But  the  very 
oxtruordinury  and  unexpected  shape  in  which  the  business  has  been 
placed  docs  not  permit  me  to  let  it  remain  a  moment  on  it»  present  i'ooi. 
ing.  General  Gray  is  the  gentleman  whum  I  mentioned  to  you  audis 
acquainted  with  every  particular.  To  whatever  arrangement  he  may 
make  I  shall  strictly  conform.  Yours  respectfully, 

B. 


Mr.- 


Teteh  B.  Porter. 


This  is  incorrect,  General  Porter  had  never  given  my  friend  the  least 
hint  that  Mr.  Gray  was  to  take  part  in  this  affair.  He  had  indeed  once 
submitted  the  proposition  of  "  exchamjiiuj  his  friend  for  one  of  more  ex- 
periem-e,"  but  thi.s  proposition  was  no  sooner  communicated  to  me,  by  my 
friend,  than  it  was  rejected,  and  at  the  same  time  I  observed  to  my 
friend,  that  Porters  only  object  was  to  give  publicity  to  the  affair.  My 
friend  after  expressing  his  surprise  at  the  violation  of  the  promise  of 
secrecy  on  the  part  of  General  Porter,  stated  to  Mr.  Gray  the  situation  in 
which  the  affair  was  then  placed  by  Dr.  Wilson  and  himself;  and  thatno 
deviation  from  that  course  would  be  acceded  to.  That  the  proceeding  on 
the  part  of  General  Porter  was  so  extraordinary  that  no  attention  would 
be  paid  to  his  note,  nor  Mr.  Gray  in  any  shape  recognized. 

Mr.  Gray,  after  contending  that  General  Porter's  note  vested  him  with 
full  power  to  annul  the  whole  arrangement  which  had  been  previously 
entered  into,  and  declaring  General  Porter's  intention  not  to  comply  with 
it,  departed. 

On  Monday  morning,  before  eight  oclock,  my  friend  was  at  the  house 
appointed  near  Niagara  falls  and  continued  there  for  more  than  an  hour; 
hut  JJr.  Wilson  did  not  appear,  nor  did  he  send  any  communication  what- 
ever! My  friend  then  returned  to  the  camp  at  Lewiston  and  reported  to 
me  the  final  result  of  the  affair.  While  I  was  expressing  myself  with 
some  warmth  at  the  rascality  of  Porter,  General  Van  Rensselaer  came  up, 
and  with  some  pleasantry  rallied  me  and  my  friend,  saying  that  this  was 
a  pretty  affair,  indeed.  That  he  had  been  obliged  for  some  days  to  keep 
a  watchful  eye  over  us ;  for  that  he  had  been  made  acquainted  with  the 
affair  by  one  of  Porter's  confidential  friends  from  the  fi'rst;  and  had  we 
attempted  to  leave  the  camp  together  he  would  have  arrested  us  both;  and 
would  still  do  it,  if  any  further  attempt  of  the  kind  should  be  made,  and 
that  he  would  immediately  write  Porter  to  that  effect  and  treat  him  in 
the  same  manner.  I  then  declared,  that  I  should  horsewhip  the  scoundrel 
for  disclosing  the  affair,  which  gave  rise  to  General  Van  Renesselaer's 
positive  orders,  to  me,  to  drop  the  matter;  his  letter  to  Porter  of  the 
14th  September,  which  contained  similar  orders,  was  delivered  the  same 
day.  Finding  that  I  had  been  trifled  with  by  Porter,  and  that  a  compli- 
ance with  his  demand  of  satisfaction,  on  my  part,  was  rendered  imprac- 
ticable by  repeated  and  pitiiul  evasions  on  his,  J  addressed  the  follow- 
ing letter  to  him  which  was  delivered  the  same  day  by  an  officer  of  the 
TJ=  S,  ArmVj  to  which  no  answer  was  ever  made. 


Lboaoy  op  Historical  Gleaninqs. 


291 


Col.  Van  Renttelaer  to  Gen.  Porter. 

\  oonsequonce  of  your  metZot  !nV'°'"'^  \  •*'•  ^'^'-  ^^'  ^^l- 
between  cu    friends  :  h  waHt  Ten.  h        '  Tf "'   '"'erviows  wore   had 

..lu>uld  meet  at  the  a  H    hr.e  above   L  E       ^''^T" /^''"'  *''"*  ^'-''^ 

tromthoncetoGrandlluTtfekotai  ^' ^''  '"^   P"""*^"^^ 

arrival  at  that  place  or,  Wdav    nr  n  T        »""'"   """^''^S-     ^»   *''«'«• 

wore  made  on  tLpaJt  of  voir  IHonTEr'  ',"  ''Tr"''  ''•''  '"««''"» 
u.inewithouteor,8Sltin./mrmrwifhM    /•?.""*  ^"  """'^'"^  ^^   ^^ 

1  am  &o. 
Peter  B.  Porter,  Esq,  Q  Master  Gen.  M.  3.^n' Y^''''  K^nsselaer. 

^  In  this  state  of  things  my  friend  wrote  to  Dr.  Wilson  the  foliowin.  note  • 
"■til  nine,  at  the  Svera  od^sL  W    i  H°°n."l"  ""'"'"K ""^  '•«'"»i°»<l 

.-./ills,  .'„  .eotyr^;  sr.it°  „  v?„"' ' 'ir^sr'hr?'  i''^- 
:7,7:ii''irtv'r-^;s?i? 

thereupon.     This  vou  wil    fnllvC    /       u-    ,    °''"'"'^  ^®  '"*s   adopted 

n.  •^'■-  Wilson  to  Major  Lovett. 

tJir, 

M.,;,,-  ri      T  I  am,  Sir.  vour  h'hlo  ae""* 

•"<ijor  Juhn  Lovett.  ''        \r'"7,.;"' 

Naxu'  Wilson. 


292 


Lbqacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


Major  LotcU's  Statement. 

"  In  the  National  Intellijiencer  of  the  17th  instant,  I  havo  seen  Gonl. 
Porters  statement  of  the  late  affair  between  him  and  Col.  Van  llenssclaer; 
It  is  so  grossly  incorrect  that  slronj^  reluctance  must  yield  to  that  just  de- 
mand which  my  friend  has  a  rij^ht  to  make  for  a  true  history  of  fjicts. 
Such  I  shall  give,  uninfluenced  by  my  private  o- inion  of  the  parties, 
which,  probably  is  not  very  difl'erent  from  that  of  my  i'ellow  citizens  iu 
general  : 

At  Lewiston  on  t1  e  6th  day  of  Sept.  last.  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  came  to 
my  tent,  and  handeil  me  a  letter  which  he  had  just  received  from  Gen, 
Porter  said  he  supposed  there  must  be  a  little  jirivnte  Ji(jhtin(/ done  ~ 
wished  me  to  make  the  arran<i;emcnts  soon  as  possible,  and  went  away. 
The  letter  was  long  —  a  hotchpot  of  respect,  friendship,  uud  hostility.  The 
complaint  in  it  was,  that  Col.  V.  11.  had  called  Gen.  Porter  a  ^'il  —  d 
rascal. " 

Soon  after  I  had  read  the  letter,  Col.  V.  R.  came  and  handed  rue  tbe 
"">! lowing  note : 

Deai  IS'r,  Lewiston,  Gth  September  1812 

T  '.  id  you  a  letter  just  delivered  to  me  by  Doet.  Wilson  from  Quar- 
;[  J,'  jter  General  Porter.  You  will  readily  perceive  its  object.  1  used 
ifte  epithet  charged,  I  did  declare  that  he  bad  been  the  means  of  bringing 
the  inhabitants  on  the  frontier  into  difficulty  and  then  neglected  his 
duty  ''y  not  furnishing  the  necessary  supplies  to  carry  on  the  War  ;  and 
have  agreed  that  :■  friend  should  meet  Doct.  Wilson  at  Judge  Bartons 
at  Seven  this  Evening.  I  have  to  request  you  will  dome  the  favor  to 
meet  Doct.  Wilson,  punctually,  at  the  tinie  and  place  appointed,  and  act 
as  exigencies  may  require.  I  am,  very  respectfully  your  friend,  &c. 
John  Lovett,  Esq.  SoL.  Van  IIensselaer, 

In  the  forenoon  oC  fie  7th,  after  General  Van  Rensselaer  and  Col.  V.R, 
had  left  the  camp  for  Fort  Niagara,  Mr.  liarton  called  on  me  in  amp, 
and  said  Gen.  Porter  was  at  his  house  and  wished  to  see  me.  I  went. 
He  said  he  had  ever  entertained  a  high  respect  for  Col.  V.  R.  —  never  had 
any  misunderstanding  with  him  before,  and  much  regretted  it  now.  Dr. 
Wilson  asked  me  if  I  did  not  thiak  that  he  and  I,  bi/  actimj  a  magnani- 
mous part  could  'preserve  two  valuahlc  men  for  the  Service!  I  told  him 
the  object  of  our  meeting  was  single  and  definite  :  that  I  had  no  authority 
but  to  locate  the  place  of  meeting.  From  Tonawanda  returned  to  camp 
and  reported  to  Col.  V.  11.  the  proposition  for  postponement.  He  in- 
stantly rejected  it  saying,  "  all  the  fellow  wanted  was  to  paddle  off.  " 

[Mr.  Lovett's  statement,  which  is  quite  lengthy,  coincides  in  every  par- 
ticular with  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer's.]  In  conclusion  he  says  "  The  fore- 
going statement  is  tested  by  very  full  notes  taken  at  the  time.  To  those 
who  are  acquainted  with  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer,  it  may  appear  superflu- 
ous to  add,  that  through  the  whole  aifair.his  conduct  perfectly  comported 
with  the  character  he  has  ever  sustained,  was  such  as  might  be  expected 
from  a  gc  \tleman  — a  man  of  honor —  the  Soldier. 
Albany,  28th  Feb.  1813.  John  Lovett. 

"  The  Soldier's  friend." 
Sir,  Albany  March  10,  1813. 

It  has  been  asserted  by  an  anonymous  correspondent,  through  the 
medium  of  my  paper,  that  while  the  brave  but  unfortunate  Col.  Van  Kens- 


d  haaded  roe  the 


.ppointed,  and  act 


vice  !     I  told  him 


JOUN  LOVETT. 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  293 

solaer  by  covered  with  wounds  at  a  public  house  at  Buffalo,  His  E.crllencv 
Guv.  lo.upk,„s  stopped  at  the  san.e  hou«e  for  several  da  s :  and  that  af 
though  he  knew  Col.  Van  Rensselaer  to  be  in  the  house,  and  his  iffl 
ead.njrered  by  h.s  wouuds,  received  in  the  gallant  affair  of  Queen  town 
ye  h  s  Excellency  whose  partisans  represent  him  as  "  the  80^^^'' 
left  tl  e  house  wihout  expressing  a  wish  to  see  the  Colonel,  or  L  k  t 
even  the  slightest  enquiry  after  his  health  luaKing 

rJf'VT''uV'-  '"i'^  «"d  unfeeling  on  the  part  of  the  Commander  in 
Chief  of  the  M.htia  should  be  discredited  on  anonymous  testimony    i    Is 
honorable  as  it  is  natural  to  a  brave  and  a  generous  people,  anTi  wa    not 
therefore  surprised  to  learn,  that  many  of  my  readers  disbelieved  or  doubted 
e  Hf atement  of  my  correspondent.     As  to  myself,  I  had  no  doubts  because 
the  affair,  as  represented    comported  with  what  my  own  experience  hd 
brought  me  of  His  Excellency's  character,  both  as  a  man  and  a  Magistrate 
It  IS  uiy  wish,  however,  and  indeed  I  owe  it  to  the  public  as  an  edi  or    i 
duty,  to  place  this  affair  in  a  true  light,  and  havfn|unde  stood  tht   vT„ 
wa.s  t  e  constant  companion  of  Col.  Van  RensselaerVh  le  he  remai  eJa" 
]>uff,.lo  and  can  satisfy  ...y  doubts  that  may  exist  on  the  subject  of  this 
conniiuuication,  I  take  the  liberty  of  appealing  to  you  for  TcSct  stat" 

^  O.  bOUTHWICK. 

Major  Lovett  to  Solomon  Southmck. 

fiM  •  '       T         .     ,  Albany,  March  10   ISIR 

Ihis  morning  I  received  your  note  requesting  from  me    information 

;tr,      ^'T-ri^"?'  of  Governor  Tompkins  towards  CoT  Solomon  Va^ 

Rensselaer  while  he  lay  wounded  at  Buffalo.     I  will  very  briefly  sLet. 

you,  Sir,  what  1  know,  and  what  I  have  understood.     Such  wTstL  sever 

Ite     On'tl'^'lSf  ".'^.r""*^^'  '''^'  I  -"'-^  not  movl  hiL  irauy 
carriage.     On   the  18th  of  Oct.  part  of  Major  Mo^elv's  Biflp  \..l\  \^ 

generously  offered  to  carry  him  on  their  sh^uldfr  ,  wire  r  he  S^ 
go.  If  to  Albany.  He  wished  to  go  to  Buffalo.  Those  !4,e'ou  so, 
d  s  under  the  comn.and  of  Ensign  Grosvenor,  carried  him  to  S  h  osse!  " 
there  they  got  a  boat  on  the  19th  and  rowed  him  to  Bnft->ln  '",^."'^^f"' 
at  Landens.  Several  days  after  Gov.  Tompkins  a  ;We"the  - Vut'^up"? 
the  same  house.     I  dined  three  or  four  days  at  the  same  tableCith  Uie 

elaer  situation.  I  never  saw  him  in  our  room,  a,' d  Col  V.n  Rensselaer 
ln.s  often  told  me  that  the  Governor  never  came  near  him  nor  dd^ 
send  any  message  to  him.  '  "*"  "® 

Solomon  Southwick.lq''  '"^  "^^"''""^  ''''''  ^^^i  ^^'T'- 

'    ^'  John  Lovktt. 

Remarks, 
"After  reading  the  above  correspondence,  the  public  will  be  nt  nn  U.^ 

t^r^rt  ^^^i'-'^  ^«»Tf  J"^^'«^  ^^«  parSns  of  Ib  excel  en^^^^ 
i^atnel  D.  lompkins  have  styled  him  '  The  Soldier's  friend  '  ^ 


294 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


while  on  a  professional  military  tour,  turn  with  averted  eye,  without  of- 
fering  a  word  of  consolation,  or  the  smallest  aid  of  any  kind,  in  alleviation 
of  the  brave  man's  sufferings.     We  are  aware  that  the  tools  of  Tyburn 
may  suggest  as  an  apology  for  his  excellency's  conduct,  that  Col.    Van 
Rensselaer  is  a  political  opponent  of  his  excellency.     Be  it  so.     But  is  a 
mere  political  difference  of   >pinion  to  stifle  the  dictates  of  humanity,  and 
render  the  commander  in  chief  of  an  army  callous  to  the  sufferings  of  his 
brave,  but  unfortunate  companions  in  arms  ?     Humanity  is  the  brightest 
gem  in  the  character  of  a  soldier,  and  in  vain  shall  he  who  does  not  possess 
It  lay  claim  to  that  exalted  character.     Had  not  our  public  councils  been 
guided  by  a  mean  and  narrow  party  spirit,   Col.  Van  Rensselaer  would 
have  had  the  command  of  a  regiment  in  the  regular  army  of  the  United 
States.     He  was  recommended  for  that  situation,  previous  to  the  declara- 
tion  of  war,  by  several  republicans  who  thought  him  qualified  for  and  en- 
titled  to  such  command,  but  as  we  were  then  informed  by  a  correspondent 
at  Washington,  his    appointment  was  defeated  by  the   petty  tyrants  of 
Tyburn  hill,  to  whose  remembrance  of  an  old  grudge  may  be  attributed 
an  interference,  on  that  occasion,  which  deprived  their  country  of  the  per- 
manent military  services  of  one  of  the  bravest  and   most  experienced 
officers  that  ever  wielded  a  sword  in  her  defense.     Such  is  the  narrow 
spirit  of  faction  which  is  ever  brooding  over  imaginary  distinctions,  or 
indulging  the  spirit  of  malignity,  to  the  sacrifice  of  the  best  interests  of 
community.     How  much  superior  to  that  of  our  self-styled  republican 
rulers,  was  the  conduct  of  the  Kmperor  Napoleon  on  a  similar  occasion. 
He  wanted  an  engineer  and  had  fixed  his  eye  upon  a  man  well  qualified 
for   this    purpose.     But    he    had    no   sooner   manifested    his   intention 
than  some  sycophants,  like  those  that  swarm  about  Ti/burn,  or  danele 
at   the   levees   of  Mr.    Madison,   admonished  him    not   to  appoint  the 
man  he  had  his  eye  upon,  '  for  your  majesty,'  said  the  toad-eater,  'may 
rest  assured  that  he  is  a  jacobin.'     «  It  is  an  ENGINEER  that  I  want,'  replied 
Bonajmrte  coolly,  and  thus  rebuked  the  impertinence  and  intolerance  of 
the  sycophant,  while  he  secured  for  his  army  the  services  of  a  skillful  and 
meritowous  officer.     Let  our  brave  militia-men  reflect,  that  if  Governor 
Tompkins  should  be  re-elected  he  will  continue  to  be  at  least  their  nomi- 
nal commander-in-chief.     But  as  their  suffrages  will  either  elevate  him 
once  more  to  the  pinnacle  of  executive  power,  or  consign  him  to  that  pri- 
vate  station,  for  which  he  is  best  fitted  by  nature,  it  behooves  them  to  re- 
member his  treatment  of  Ool.  Van  Rensselaer  for  the  private  soldier  will  seek 
m  vain  in  his  distresses  for  the  sympathetic  aid  of  the  man  who  could  thus 
coldly  and  inhumanly  avoid  the  languid  couch  of  the  wounded  officer. 
We  have  too  much  confidence  in  the  generous  feelings  of  our  honest  yeo- 
manry to  believe,  that  any  suggestions  of  private  pique  or  the  detestable 
influence  of  party  spirit,  will  be  received  by  them  as  an  apology  for  con- 
duct, thus  marked  by  every  lineament,  a  feature  of  cold  blooded  cruelty. 
The  testimony  before  them,  is  no  longer  that  oi"  rumor  —  it  rests  no  longer 
upon  the  basis  of  anonymous  authority.     Mr.  Lovett  was  the  aid-de-camp 
of  General  Van  Rensselaer,  and  the  constant  companion  of  his  wounded 
friend  and  fellow-soldier.     His  testimony,  therefore,  is  conclusive,  it  con- 
victs the  commander-in-chief  of  a  dereliction  of  humanity,  the  brightest 
ornament  of  valor  —  it  fixes  the  seal  of  delinquency  upon  his  moral  Ts  well 
as  official  character  —  and  it  now  remains  for  the  ballot  boxes  to  punish  the 
deliuqueut." 


LfQACT  op  HiSTOKIOAL   GlKANINGS.  293 

^o&er<  ifacmft  to  Solomon  SoutAwick. 

'observing  that  the  conduct  of  Gov  Tomnkin^.  towar!f'r  Vv'  ^^i^' 
selaer,  whilst  at  Buffalo  has  hoocZT^  tT^V  I  towards  Col.  Van  Kens- 
your  paper,  I  feel  my  elf  com^^^^^^^  ZJ  "^  T'^  animadversion  in 
Jou  the  Lowing  staXent  of  fS  Vol  T  Tw\  ^''•''''  ''  ^'*"'''"'*  ^o 
iocompanied  Gov.  Tompk  ns  as  Aid«  1  r  ^^^  ^'^-l^-f*""  and  myself 
frontie'rs;  and  in  thiHClr  wtatited  ^"LIl^^  S-/^"[  '"^  ?« 
Excellency  manifested  great  anxietv  for  flf^  K  ^Y^  ^^^'^  ^'^ 

wounded  at  Queenston.S  for  Co7vt  Ron,,?''  '"'"  ^'"'^  ^'^  ^''^ 
whose  situation  he  made  inquiries  of  thonffi.'^  among  others,  about 

Stephen  Van  Rensselaer^^GrTl^^^  f    ^ JeVS  l.^^"" 

with  propriety,  wait  nersonallvnn  Pnl   v      t>         \        ^*  "®  ''^u'd   not 

tion,  as  'here^'was  every  rea  00  to  beipl  "Jl^f  "'''''''■'  ^""«"*  '^^  '"^i*^- 
Go».  Tourakina,  however   nrrlcro,!  r„l    r;  •    ™"«*'°''  Van  Kensselaer. 

on  Col.  Van  Rensselaer!  -Livingston  was  also  ordered  to  call 

As  the  strictures  which  have  been  made  on  this  suhi^nf  «,      ^. 
teadency  to  impute  to  Gov.  Tompkins  an  unfeelirj  ne"£  nf     ^  ^"n"  * 
Countryman  who  suffered  at  O.iPPncfntL  unreeiing  neglect  of  our  gallant 

the  character  of  Gov  Tolkns  need  iT'  "  .°"^-  ^'■'"'^^  ''  ''"^''^  (^^ 
imuiediately  after  his  aZal  a  BiZVl'  '""r.'"  '^!'  ^«»«'-^)  '^^' 
part.ent,L  the   use'rttlicktd'wtnTd^tui^rtntP'*^^  '^■ 

je.f  and  suit^  a^^s:::i^::f^^^T^i:^:^ori,ra: 

He  did  not  retain  a  single  article  for  himself  ^    ^  ^'■''''''^''• 

Solomon  SoutJwSSf '  '"  P"'^'^"  ^'"«  "^"'^  '"  ^"^  P^Pe- 

'       ^  ■  ROUERT  xMacoMB. 

i-.»..ble  effect,  .o  every  honllVL^ptK  Sr^"'  ''°"'  """ 
Sir,  ,, 

give  y„u  the  following  detail  puonsnea  in  the  last  Register,  I 

The  conduct  of  Governor  Tompkins  in  not  oallin.  ,».  .„„  .„u,.  j  . 
wouudcu  u  the  same  house  where  ho  waa,  when  "at""  Buffalo;  blme  thj 


:  ^i 


! 


\ 


! 


296 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


topic  of  general  conversation  between  the  Citizens  and  OflBcera  at  that 
place.     Mr.  John   McComb  (who  so  gallantly  diHtingulshed  himself  in 
assisting  to  cut  out  two  British  Sloops  of  Wt  off  Fort  Erie)  lodged  in 
the  same  house,  and  shewed  me  much  attention  and  friendship.     He 
heard  the  observations  made  on  this  subject  and  I  believe  felt  hurt  that 
his  relation,  Col.  Robert  McComb,  did  not  call  upon  me.     He  told  me  one 
afternoon  that  he  would  bring  his  Cousin  Robert  to  see  me  if  I  had  no 
objections.     I  replied  that  I  had  not  any,  accordingly  they  came  in  one 
evening,  and  remained  a  short  time  in  my  room.     This  visit  was  made 
the  third  or  fourth  day  after  the  Grovernor's  arrival,  and  I  believe  the 
very  evening  before  he  and  Col.  McComb  left  Buffalo  for  Albany.     But  I 
solemnly  declare,  that  Col.   McComb  did  not  communicate  to  me  any 
message  from  the  Governor,  nor  did  I  receive  one  from  him  through  any 
other  channel  whatever.     And  as  for  Col.  Livingston,  he  never  did  call 
upon  me,  although  he  remained  in  the  same  house  in  which  I  was  about 
a  fortnight  after  the  Governor  had  left  it.     While  I  am  again  very  un- 
willingly  drawn  before  the  public,  I  deem  it  my  duty  to  correct  an  error 
which  many  minds  have  been  impressed  with  ;  by  some  it  has  been  sup- 
posed, that  I  was  the  brother  of  General  Stephen  Van   Rensselaer,  by 
others  his  nephew,  &c.     But  the  truth  is,  that  the  relationship  b<!tweea 
us  is  very  distant  indeed,  being  that  of  third  or  fourth  cousins  only.    My 
attachment  to  him  therefore  does  not  arise  from  this  cause,  but  from  an 
intimate  knowledge  of  his  Worth  ;  he  is  amiable  and  brave,  his  feelings 
were  ever  alive  to  the  sufferings  of  the  inhabitants  on  the  frontier ;  to 
the  comforts  of  the  troops,  and  to  the  honor  of  their  arms.     After  the 
surrender  of  General  Hull,  when  a  retreat  was  proposed  to  him  from  high 
authority,  this  gallant  man  exclaimed   with  great  indignation,  "What! 
shall  I  abandon  the  inhabitants  to  their  fate  f     No,  I  will  dispute  every 
inch  of  ground  and  sooner  die  !  " 

I  am  very  respectfully, 

Your  Obt.  Sevrt. 
Solomon  Southwick,  Esqr.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

"Justice  is  precious  in  all  things,  but  a  man's  range  is  very  narrow, 
and  that  certainly  could  not  be  called  economical  justice,  however  com- 
mendable it  may  be  otherwise,  which  rights  the  wrongs  of  one  party  — 
or  of  both  the  parties  directly  involved  —  through  gross  injustice  toothers. 
Often  these  very  efforts  are  decidedly  more  exasperating  than  edifying  to 
those  who  are  suffering  in  prison.  Alas  for  the  many  grievous  errors  and 
misrepresentations  that  come  in  ignoring  or  diminishing  the  happiness  of 
others ;  without  once  realizing  that  while  promoting  the  happiness  of 
others  we  are  best  securing  our  own.  This  should  be  the  incentive  to 
right  action,  the  noblest,  the  most  heroic  and  self  sacrificing,  and  then  be 
drawn  near  enough  together  to  banish  opprobrious  epithets,  and  to  help 
each  other  in  a  friendly  spirit." 

"  Albany,  April  8,  1813.  Last  evening,  about?  o'clock  as  John  Lovett, 
Esq.,  clerk,  of  the  city  and  county  of  Albany,  was  leaving  his  office  in  the 
capitol,  he  was  followed  by  the  noted  Peter  B.  Porter,  who  addressed  him 
in  a  rude  and  ungentlemanliko  manner,  and  assaulted  him  with  a  cane. 
Mr.  Lovett,  who  is  well  known  to  be  by  no  means  deficient  in  manly 
spirit  soon  turned  upon  Porter,  and  with  a  small  walking  stick,  which  he 
usually  carries,  belabored  him  soundly. 

"  Darby  Moon,  a  young  irishman,  residing  sometimes  in  this  city  who 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  297 

hud  been  noticed  the  greater  part  of  the  afternoon  prowling  about  Mr 
Luvett^ofllco  in  company  wirh  Porter,  wa.s  attendiu.- hardly  and  no 
sooner  saw  poor  I'.rter  reeling  and  staggering  under  U.e  well  adni'niTered 
,s  ro  e  ot  Mr  Lovett,  than  he  ran  up,  and  violently  seizin'  rar'n  of 
the  latter,  declanug  h.mself  the  friend  of  both,  saved  his  friend  Porter 
fron,  a  further  chastisement  which  he  riclii;  merited" 
The  sev-ere  struggle  ,n  the  country  for  political  supremacy  had  not  vet 

ticil  parties.  xNot  satisfied  with  discussing  the  principles  which  divided  t'le 
ederal  and  democratic  cliques,  and  the  merits  of  the  respectre  cindidati 

viduals.     Mr.  Lovett,  however,  was  remarkable  for  calmness  when  others 
were  excited ;  his  conversation  was  always  marked  by  -SJ  ense    ac   • 
compan.ed  by  a  suavity  of  manner  that  made  a  favorablJ  impression  '  hul 
fracas  with  Porter  was  caused  by  the  statement.  "^Pression.   His 

"Darby  Noon  was  a  native  of  Ireland,  and  a  man  of  -reat  cersonil 
worth.     When  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  received  the  news  of  GenerarUulTs 
surrender  he  employed  Captain  Darby  Noon,  the  leader  of  a  fine  com 
pany  ot  Albany  volunteers,  who  were  stationed  at  Niagara  on  the  im' 
portant  errand  of  going  with  information  of  the  disaste^rb;  express  To 
General  Dearborn,  the  senior  commander  in  the  imw  whnV>  k    expiess  to 
at  that  time  were  at  Greenbush,  oppo^ile  Al^b^n'^l  e^f^^^^^^^^^^^^ 
Captam  Noon  was  a  man  of  great  energy,  and  he  perforLd  the  "orvic  ' 
in  an  incredibly  short  space  of  time.     He 'rode  express  all  the  way  ehan  . 
Dg  his  horses  by  impressing  them  when  necessary,  assuri^l  the  owneS 
f  remuneration  from  government.     He  neither  stpt  on  the  wav    nor 
asted  food  excepting  what  he  ate  on  horseback.     When  he  aS'ed  a 
(.reenbush   he  was  so  much  exhausted  that  he  had  to  be  lifted  fom  his 
horse,  and  he  was  compelled  to  remain  in  his  bed  severd  days      He  r  is  d 
and  equipped  this  volunteer  company  at  Albany,  almost  entirelv-'iis 

?rwTi^sttt"MiHtl""H^"T'^"^^^  f  "^'j°^  -  tL  «S,;L  • 

LieurnanrGotno  me^f'vew  Sk'^M  "  ^i""^'  '^'^""''^^  '' 

Tod  hfthe  1  sT"  ^'"^  ^''"  f'''^  a  representative  of  the  state  of  New 
10  k  in  the  13th  congress,  and  soon  after  proceeded  on  to  Washington 

InTlTVV  ''"^r't  I^^''"'--y2b-  1813,  preceding  thi„a'u.u: 

n    R      ^V;,     '''^''°";  ^'''  thirteenth  congress  assembled  on  Mav 'A^th 

and  Heury  Clay  was  chosen  speaker  of  the  house."  ^  ' 

Hon.  John  Lovett  to  Joseph  Alexander. 

Sit,!;"" '""  -«r\;'-  »-^  SS^i^l'Spi^f ..^ 

«n       NewPyri  S"'  '"."-'"r'''"  rrS  and  reposing  WTre7 
«,  to  New  vLr     ?  ^  P»»e<I  more  ll,«n  2OU0  Bane),  of  Flour  on  the 

=fc  of  .he  roaS  Jii,Z)'t:izi7:\:i:ts; ""'  '"i"  r  "■= 

-  i-j  .„_u..  .!iii.\, n  aown  in  tne  mire.     Such  are 
38 


If 


298 


Leoacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


s  i 


facta,  you  may  coininuuicate  them  as  such  to  our  VVhcat-holdor,',  tlieymay 
take  tilCKO  tliinirH  into  account  in  making  up  thoir  calculationH.  Oenl. 
Van  rvonHsel'usr  in  in  tlie  city,  1  shall  try  to  find  liim  tliis  afternoon  In 
the  present  awiuliy  distracted  condition  of  tlic  aU'airs  of  our  country,  it 
would  be  worse  than  idle  and  vain  for  nie,  an  unfled<,'cd  politician,  to  risk 
any  opinion  as  to  the  mighty  events  wiiich  will  most  probablv  be  com- 
pressed into  the  next  six  months.  As  to  the  great  (|uestion  of  Feuceor 
War,  Mr.  Parish  says  the  Administration  can  do  nul/mi;/  '/se  but  ma/cea 


cace. 


Washington  May  25,  1813. 
The  Papers  will  tell  you  all  I  can  write  of  general  news.    All  is  calm  as 
yet.     We  take  our  scats  and  look  most  significantly  grave  and  dignisi- 
mously  wise  at  one  another.     It  will  be  idle  for  me  to  send  you  the  Mes- 
sage, the  ]Jird    vt  tl'e  air  will  outfly  the  Mail.     Yours  &c.  John  Lovetti. 

John  Lovett  to  Joseph  Alexander, 

My  dear  Sir,  Washington  June  12th,  1813. 

The  House  have  held  out  so  late,  in  an  awful  scjuabble  upon  the  Election 
between  liungerford  and  Taliaferro  of  Virginia,  that  I  have  scarcely  time 
to  tell  you,  (after  swallowing  my  green  Eeans  whole,)  that  I  am  alive  and 
well.  In  this  horrid  region  of  turmoil,  I  can  give  you  nothing  new  more 
than  what  you  sec  in  the  Papers.  The  budget  you  have  seen.  Whether 
the  i'eople  will  quietly  back  it,  is  the  great  question.  I  think  I  can  dis- 
cover that  the  Majority  doubt :  doubt  whether  they  shall  tvin  the  Saddle, 
and  ride,  completely  caparisoned  to  the  d  —  1 ;  or  loose  their  Horse,  and 
trudge  the  same  journey,  on  foot :  ho7ne  they  must  go,  This  stride  must, 
I  think  either  establish,  or  overthroio  their  power.  Poor,  deluded  Ame- 
rica !  All  are  looking  to  Congress  for  relief!  Strange  infatuation  !  Dout 
they  know  that  we  came  together  for  the  express  purpose  of  incremmj 
their  burdens  'r*  Wretchedly  loyal  People  :  so  long  had  they  been  governed 
by  wisdom  and  integrity  :  so  long  had  they  been  accustomed  to  look  to 
the  God  of  their  Fathers,  and  to  their  Rulers  for  deliverance  in  times  of 
deep  distress,  that  the  habit  is  rooted  in  their  very  souls  —  they  cannot, 
they  will  not  believe  that  the  sceptre  is  transferred  to  the  hands  of  knaves 
and  fools.  Like  the  afl'ectionate  Mother  Bird,  so  attached  to  the  Nest  she  had 
built  with  great  toil,  and  where  her  darlingtreasure  was  lately  deposited,  that 
when  robbed  of  all  by  some  ruffian,  she  still  abides  by  her  nest;  waiiiug, 
but  in  hope,  that  her  loss  may  be  restored,  her  grief  assuaged  and  her  jop 
rekindled.  Idle  hope  ;  her  moan  is  vain,  she  but  wastes  her  strength  for 
naught,  and  when  feeble  and  emaciated,  the  ruffian  who  despoiled  the 
heart's  treasure  will  seize  and  cage  her.     But  my  heart  swells.     I  forbear. 

Presuming  that  Johnny  Cook  is  dead,  I  only  wish  to  know  if  his  friends 
moan  to  give  Scurfs? 

An  Express  tells  us,  there  are  27  of  the  Enemy's  ships  in  the  Chesa- 
peake and  mouth  of  the  Potomac  !  We  dont  mind  it,  for  one,  I  am  pre- 
pared to  tight  a  little,  then  run  as  usual.  I  will  put  this  in,  not  to  flatter 
you,  but  to  do  justice  to  the  good  heart  of  a  true  friend.  At  dinner  on 
Sunday  at  T.  Wallace's  house,  he  introduced  me  to  several  Merchants  from 
New  Ynrk.  Of  Green  Peat;,  and  huge  Cucumbers  with  youug  Potatoes  I 
say  nothing,  for  they  are  all  the  while  before  us.  Our  Desert  was  Straw- 
berries as  big  as  grape  shot,  and  cream. 

Tommy  had  got  his  Bottle  of  Madeira,  in  the  cooler,  slyly  between  his 
feet,     lie  raised  it  up  at  proper  time,  and  with  triumphant  hand,  urged 


ips  in  the  Chcsa- 


Leqacy  op  IlisTo.  .-^al  Gleanings.  299 

n.o  to_  take  a  .kss,  T  declined  Haying  it  will  make  me  sleepy.  «  Never 
.n.M,  .ay«  lomn.y,  -  we  II  dnnk  one  j^^iaas  to  Ak^andeJ'  With  this 
we  all  hlled,  (I  understood  him.)  Oar  Toast  was  given  _  the  Gentlen^n 
made  some  observations  pointed  towards  Rnssin      <^iVn   n,.  "1  "^r^'^ 

at  Albany,  '  so  wo  al  drank  YoURSFri,'  NTnw  «;..  „„  '.y  ""ii-'iy  iricnd 
the  Toast  at  a  publie  table  in  ^^^o^^Id'^^^Zj;::;  ^^^ 
as  possible,  otherwise  you  may  fare  the  same  fate  as  Tommy  ays  I  JuT 
He  says  I  stand  so  unreasonably  high  in  this  country  tluf  I  must  fa  " 
Give  me  my  hoanng,  and  a  little  time  and  I'll  try  tl  prevent  Tt 

John  Lovett. 
Jr  le  17,  IftMy  Sketch  of  Proceedings. 
3[r.  Hopkins,  from  Onf^ario,  presents  the  petition  of  Pomeroy  of  BufTalo 
praying  an  enquiry  into  the  conduct  of  the  Troops  who  destroyed  his  pro' 
perty,  and  prays  remuneration  therefore.     3Ir  II    nr-ivs  if  mVv  h«  rlr  ^  a 
tuaSelect  Committee.     Mr  Fi«k  of  Vew  Ynrl/      ^  ^^  u       l^  referred 
■noves  that  the  Petition  He  on  thetld^^  JEhi:  S^X;:So 

M.  Gold.sborough._Maty,  advocates  the  Reference,  and  .^ivesa  humorous 
critinsm  upon  Mr.  Fisk.     Mr.  Comstock  calls  for  readin^of  the  Docu 

Tv  Mo  r/pH    ?-fl  ,?  fern  ory,  praying  remuneration  for  destruction 

/aw,of>t.     Mr.  l.sk  having  insinuated  that  Pomeroy  produced  the  lliot 
by  intemperate  expressions  respecting  the  war  •  unra  this   \Tr  P. 
aniiiiadverts  with  some  severitj.     Motion  Zt  Eiti       ie  on  U ""tS 

S:^or^'  ™"'^"   '-   -^---   '^  «—    C.r "ean-edn'; 

are^c^lSn ''  ^J'^'J^rr"'"^"'""  disposed  of,  Mr.  Webster's  Resolutions 
are  c.iUert  up.     Gen.  Wright  takes  the  floor.     I  hear  his  noise  but  und.^r 
stand    ,m  not,  nor  do  I  think  he  understands  himself.     I  iv'e  ,ust  been 
across  the  house,  out  of  curiosity  to  hear  Wri.rhf  ■  ..n,l  T  -'^i 

truth  say,  as  th^honest  German'did  of  Ihe'Im  rjfThe  PoleLr'^  S'l 
vas  kood  vays  oflF  I  smell'd  em  mighde  sdrong:  ten  I  com  s  up  ^C  t>v 
e™   and  py  der  dmis  kite  he  sdankt  so  dat°I  coud  zme       odin^  unt^er 

n  . .     .        \^     ^^'■'•°^'  ^'T'^  ^^'^'""  «"^-  ^«  Furnace  men  s.it"°/W 

raises  1  is  quandom  ministerial  tone  ;  but,  forgettin-  that  he  has    tIZZ 

e  dc.k  for  a  le,sU,tu:e  Jloor,  he  makes  a  little^too  free  wUl  Man's  1C^ 

Mr  Speaker  cal  s  h.m  to  order  !  He  concludes  by  motion  for  indefinite 

osponeuient.  [Henry  Clay  was  speaker.]  Mr.  OaL/zZmno7tlTt 

.'S;rl?d%tuhf  il"  "'  ^'.'i  H--  Gentleman  Ln  Mar^Lnd  ^5 
v^.  n        .1  ^^^?•  f^'°"tle'"an  has  been  considered  as  privileged 

ro4  i  aXn  to?  *?  ^''t'  "««^^"^'--^»  «^    -«-de  the  Housfis  under 

more  atentlonlTan  M^  f  17"''  '".  u  '  ?i'°^  ^"^  ^"''^  listened  to  with 
handsomely  ^^    ^^ '  '  "       P^^"'  "'^^"^"'^  ^^'^^'^''^  ^^^^ 


11 


M 


'."•e  and  more  :  Oakley  lias   both  fr^.^l,  and   5, 


i 


'"  piompt,  luminous,  pointed.     In   the  most  shrewd  and 


Occam,  he  is  lu  'Sturiy. 


cuuninir 


800 


Le(jacy  op  IIisToiiiCAL  Gleaninos. 


manner,  lie  assiiiln  the  1*  -.sidcnt,  yot  in  such  cuutious  phraHoolo<ry,  that 
no  old  Foxes  can  clicck  liini.      Fii  (liscussinfi   tlie  i|ueHtion   wlietliir  tlio 
Mxecutivo  ol'tlio  V.  S.  luis  been  in  tli(!  Iial)it  o{'  lirooliin^'  inHult,  Oakley, 
in  tlic  happiest,  manner  revieww  the  Hcene  with  .JaekHon,  lie  paints  to  us 
the  fire  and  ra^e  excited  oven  by  the  "  «H.sy)/ryVm  of  nit  Insinuation  (if 
an  INSUI/r  ! '"   1   confcHs,  Hays  Oakley,  that  it  wonid  <,'ive   nie   heinllclt 
satislaction,  to  see  the  Foreiiead  of  the  French  (ioverninent  branded  with 
a   Falsehood.     Oakley  consumes  ono  hotir.     And   niDro   glory   to   New 
York,  (iroK)irnor  takes  tlic  floor  in  stylo.     1  stand,  says  (J.,  on  the  f'reoluild 
of  the  Oonstitution,  and  so  sfaiidinj,',  I  will  speak  jilainly,  but  decorously, 
and  from  my  stand,  1  will  never  be  removed  without  one  hard  struf:;^le. 
1  find  so  much  to  admire  in  the  comprehensive  view  which   (irosvcnor 
takes,  that  I  note  not  particulars  —  he  is  as  usual  able,  and  elej^ant.     Tlic 
little  Fn iirh    Sirirtan/  sits  sliru^ging  his  shoulders  while  his  (]ourt  is 
branded  with   every   kind  of  epithet.     tJrosvc'nor  occupies  the  floor  fur 
half  an  hour,      ft   is  hotter,   in   this  house,  than   purgatory.     1  can  no 
more,  only  say  that  it  is  now  .'?  r.  m.  —  the  Majority  are  sorely  pressed. 
The  Speaker  has  placed  a  substitute  in  the  ('hair  and  I  suspect  has  been 
half  an  hour   canvassing  with  the  beads  of  bis  Squad  how   they   can  get 
out  of  this  scrape  with  '('».s7  disgrace  ;  lor  disgraced,  you  may  rest  assured, 
they  must  be  in  the  result  of  this  discussion.     Should  we  carry    '  t  Reso- 
lutions, they  must  cut  —  should  t\\i)y  sfnni(j/e  them,  the  Nation  th      draw 
the  inference.      Democracy  sees  and  dreads  the  daily  inercasingdifhculties; 
it  is  visible  in   our  house,  and  in   the  Senate   there  are  serious  divisions. 
The  disasters  which  I  hiow  must  happen  on  the  Frontiers  in  thiscanipaiiin 
must  shake  the  Nation  to  the  centre.  Our  expenditures  are  now  80,000,000, 
yes  Six  Million  per  month  !  Crosvenor  closes  near  4  l".  M.     Mr.  (Irundy 
Bays  the  (juestion  has  taken  a  vast  range  and  nine  on  both  sides  ought  to 
have  an  opportunity  to  speak.     Move  is  for  adjournment  —  the  (|uo.stion 
will  occupy  ono,  if  not  two  days  more.     I  am  a  little  afraid  Grosvenor 
has  taken  some    grounds  a  little  too  high,  and   that  he  may,  jiossibly,  be 
assailed.     As  one  of  the  Executors  of  Joliuny  Cook,  you  will  tell  our 
friends  all  I  know.  John  Lovett, 

Mr.  Joseph  Alexander. 

One  of  Mr.  Lovett's  early  friends  "  Mr.  Herman  Knickerbocker,  author 
of  the  veracious  history  of  New  York,  was  another  gentleman  of  the  law— 
a  lineal  descendant  of  Dederick  Knickerbocker;  he  was  well  known  as 
'  the  ]*rince  of  Sehaghticokc.'  When  in  1.S12  he  represented  the  county 
of  Een.sselaer  in  congress,  it  was  (juite  natural  that  Mr.  Madison,  then 
president,  should  have  inquired  of  one  representing  not  only  the  county, 
but  the  Dutch  dynasty,  what  was  the  difference  between  the  Reformed 
Dutch  church  and  rresbyteriaus  "Z  The  reply  could  not  have  been  im- 
proved by  Dederick  himself;  as  veracious  as  anything  contained  in  the 
history  of  his  venerable  ancestor,  ho  said  :  '  The  one  sang  long  metre,  the 
other  sang  short  metre.'  "  ' 

'  Kt^prt'st-ntativcs  of  the  state  of  New  York  in  the  13th  Congress  :  Jolin  licffl'rts, 
Ebi'ni'zer  Siigc,  Egbert  Benson,  Jotliam  I'ost,  .fun.,  Peter  I)e  Noyelles,  Thomas 
J.  Oakley,  Thomas  P.  Urosvenor,  .Jonathan  Fisk,  Abraham  Ilashrouck,  Samuel 
Shi  I  wood,  Jtihii  l.ordt,  Hosea  Motlitt  ;  Oliver  ('.  Comstock,  Samuel  M.  Hopkins, 
Mori  IS  S.  iNIiller,  l)aTuel  Avery,  Nathaniel  W.  Howell,  James  Uedtlas,  Moses 
Kent,   Alexander  Boyd,  kc,  &c. 


Legacy  op  Historical  Qleaninqs. 


301 


lion.  John  Loveit  to  Solomon  Van  Itenmlncr. 
My  dear  C.lonel,  Wa.shinKton,  June  22,  lHl:i 

A  t  louHnn.l  tunes  you  l.avo  exclaimed,  "  Why  in  the  name  of  fr  on.l 
^  up  aon-t  Lovett  write  mo  ?  "     Ah  !  and  Hoo  thoLand  time     Wa  "  " 

to  day    I  w.Il  wr.  e  the  Colonel."     JJut,  precisely  what  old  Doctor  F    J  i 
sa,d  of  his  conduct  m  a  nh.pwreck,  any  u.e«,her  of  Congresn  mi^ht   wTtl 

rct/r';:Kh7''7= •'  '^^7"  ""..^'^^  *"  doi„/,.w.v,,,"a„'d  did 

ffc  knew  not  what        Ajram,  I  d,d  not  like  to  write  you,  until   I  could 
say  .somcthmf,  as  to  iUmatrrlnl  point :  and,  an  to  that    I  assu  e  you 
tliere  .h  Huch  d.verH.ty  of  sentiment,  as  really  en.ha.rasse.s  me.     Misffo 
•no  not.     All  adm.t  the  n.erit,  the  clain.,  the  justice,  the  talent.s    a  I  are 
w,l  ,n.  and  w.sh  to  serve;  but  n.ost  doubt  at  to  what  will  really  serve 
ud,e  lenson   says,  "  O  ye.s    Sir-yes,  yes,  Hir-somethin.^   ,nu,.t   be 
done  .n  that  business :  but,  Lord,  Sir,  you  see  nothing  can  be  d.  no   Sir 
l),sbc.s.m:  not  at  all,  Sir,  that  matter,  Sir,  must  res^  until  the  Winter' 
.'«esHon,  Sir,  yes;  nothuifr,  now,  Sir."  vvinier 

German  says,  "  I  hardly  know  what  is  best,  we  must  consult  'round  a 
ttlo  :.n.l  sec  how  matters  are  like  to  turn."     I  could  have  wished  to  see 
S  r.  K.,.^  [Kufus  K.n.g  on  the  subject,  for  I  can  a.ssure  you  he  is   here 
the  very  On,rl,.  even  with   Democracy.     I  think   they  would  be  heartilv 
,1a    to  hustle  poor  Madison    [.Jan.es  ?Madison,  i>residenT]    nd    hi    scS 
patterned  old  skele„n  of  a  French  liarber,  Gerry  [Flbridf,e  Gerry   V  ce 
Pres.den  ]  off  hand  and  n.ake  Mr.  Kin.  factotuuf  in  all  thin-^s'     Li  Z 
fortunately,  I  missed  the  General,  in   Philadelphia,  and  missed  a  single 
jne  to  Mr.  K.nj,  which  I  had  intended  to  solicit.  '  The  plu  n  trutl 
hat  fM.f.  do  not  like  to  have  you  ^o  into  the  Army :  espe  ia  l  as' 
h  y  calculate   w ■  h  moral  certainty  that  the  can.pai.n  is  to  close  with 
lefeut  and  total  disgrace.     One  thing  has  .settled  my  n.ind  as  to  the  cou    e 
I  ouf,ht  to  pursue  :  ,t  ,s  a.ssorted,  upon  high  authority,  that  WllhlnZt 
80on  to  be  here.     Dearborn     blunders  in  this  Can.paiM.    m.ticua    vin 
su  enng  the  little  arn.y  at  Fort  George  to  escape    the;.!.;  I  y"" 'the 
fuu.Jut.on  for  the  capture  of  Gens.  Winder  and  Chandler  „„  June  6th 
and  leaving  the  way  open  for  Proctor's  Ketreat,  and  junction   with  the 
army  at  the  head  of  the  Lake,  create  great  heart  burnin-^s  here  •     nd  vou 
may  rest  assured   I  make  the  most  of  them  -  indeed  smnes-w   that  mv 
part,cu  .r  knowledge  of  the  country  enabled  me  to  begin    In   ''  iu     "J 
w.Il  .nstant  y  say,  "  what  can  yon  .say  on  the  subject  ?  ''     Wh  y  Sir  peo^X 
re,  love  iW.  so  well  that  they  eat  Pu,.YoL:  not  a  ma'n    here   will 
dspute  a  M.htary  opinion  advanced  by  a  soldier  who  hasTe'rved  '^1 
mnth>^  under  Genkral  Van  Kknssklakr  and  served  as  half  a  Second 
more  than  halfa  Duel  with  Col   Van  Rensselaer  !  Zounds   Srthi    is 
ouoht  .,.,,,,,    complete  miliary  Education  at  WashiuLSn      Jiut    to 

d  1     sure  the  Administration  that  there  was  not  an  Officer  in  the  United 

1  shall  wai    Wilkinson's  arrival,  and  although  I  despise  the  wretch    in 
my  sou    will  try  to  use  him.     You  know  thar  no  caSl  .  ca^b   m.^  e 

n  n  t    r'""'"?  'f  ■'  '^"  ^T'''  '''"'  ^'^••"  *''«  ^hole  play  is  l'!un3er 
upon  Blunder;  and  who  can  tell  where  a  blunderer  will  ft.ll  ?  But  from 
en   appearances,  I  think  it  very  probable  that  Wilkinson  'wni  sup" 

the  i\orth.  you  will    doubtless,  I  think,  go  with   him  :  and  you  wil 


I      M 


i 


i 


i: 


802  Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 

both  : but  T  had  better  reserve  my  prophecy  until  I 


...       ,  sec  you.    At 

prosoiit,  T  will  only  (|iii(to  the  expressions  of  old  Colonel  Lewis,  tlic  St. 
Regis  Chief!  ^yi,e„  j^^^  winter  with  as;  "  Crookud  war  —  crooked  war  — 
this  is  a  DREAOFur,  ciiooked  war  !  " 

Althou<,'h  i/mi  write  me  nothing,  still  I  know  your  movements,  on  the 
14th  instant,  in  the  morning,  you  and  your  Daughter  left  New  London; 
and  what  do  think  the  fools  here  say  you  went  for  ?     Why,  to>//t<  Ad' 
uiirai  Ili-rdy  !  [of  the  Hritish  Squadron.]  "  Ah,  ha;"  say  they,  '"'  Hardy 
will  have  wit  enough  to  keep  ott'  as  long  as  Col.  Van  Ren.s8elaer,  Decatur, 
and  Huntington  are  there  with  Continental  Troops."     On  the  whole,  if 
you  were  not,  constitutionally,  just  as  you  are,  absolutely  insatiable' of 
military  fame,  I  should  most  heartily  advise  you  never  again  to  step  foot 
in  the  field  of  Mars;  for  you  must  have  great  good  fortune  ever  to  get  a 
single  peg   higher  ;  to  say  nothing  of  the  chances  of  falling   lower.    I 
think  any  niodest  man  ought  to  be  satisfied  with  the  place  you  hold  in 
the  Battle  of  Queenstown,  as  it  is  now  exhibited  in  Boston.     Do  you  know 
why  they  didn't  put  me  in  too  ?     Why,  the  poor  stupid  devils  could  find 
no  Artist  who   knew   how  to  represent  a  Diuif  man  !     Curse  their  stu- 
pidity :  why,  could  not  they  have  represented  me  as  I  sit  in  the  House, 
here,  with  one  hand  behind  my  ear,  with  my  neck  twisted  one  way,  and 
my  eyes  the  other  ?     And,  if  that  were  not  sufficiently  intelligible,  hang 
a  Label  upon  my  ear  with  a  "  this  is  the  Z>t'r//old  Soldier."     IJut,  to  be 
serious:  I  bear  something  better   than  I  did,  but  almost  despair  of  my 
right  ear  coming  to;  at  any  rate,  I  would  at  a  venture  commute  my  left 
arm  for  it. 

I  can  assure  you,  Sir,  that  could  I  lay  aside  the  solicitude  inseparably 
connected  with  the  deplorable  state  of  our  country  I  should  find  my  situa- 
tion this  summer  very  different  from  the  last.  I  have  located  myself,  by 
myself ;  1  mess  with  no  one;  have  an  excellent  cool  chamber;  a  never 
failing  fountain  of  good  wter  at  the  foot  of  the  piazza  stairs;  cold  and 
warm  bat-lis  only  twenty  rods  off  at  the  moderate  rate  of  $5  for  the  Session. 
The  furniture  of  my  chamber  was  the  British  Minister  Jacksons;  then 
used  by  Mr.  Quincy  and  now  mine.  There  are  a  number  of  Democrats 
who  lodge  under  the  same  roof.  I  am  .sociable  with,  but  we  neither  eat 
nor  drink  together.  Among  them  is  old  Gen  Tannehill  and  Col.  Piper 
of  the  Pennsylvania  Militia  who  w^re  at  JJuffalo  last  fall;  they  possess  the 
highest  esteem  for  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer,  and  wonder  h^w  he  ever  got 
along  so  well  as  he  did.  Indeed  I  have  never  heard  the  tongue  of  man  speak 
of  the  General  here,  but  with  great  respect.  The  other  day,  when  Stephen's 
presentation  to  the  Empress  of  France  was  announced,  they  came  all  cack- 
ling round  me  to  ask  if  he  was  not  the  Son  of  the  General  V.  R  General 

now  of  Pittsburgh,  fomerly  Quarter  Master  of  Wayne's  Army,  wa,s 

lately  hero,  and  chanjcd  me  to  mention  him  to  you.    Let  me  hear  from  you. 

Colonel  Solomon  Van  llensselaer,  JoHN  LovEXT. 

Adjutant  General,  Albany. 

John  Lavett  to  Sol.  Va.'i  Rensselaer. 
My  dear  Sir,  Washington,  July  16,  1813. 

1  have  this  moment  received  your  letter  of  the  11th  instant.  I  have 
buta  single  minute  to  answer  it,  nor  am  I  in  writing  mood  —  after  we  had 
been  steeped  in  Tax  Rills  for  five  hours,  the  doors  were  closed  and  we 
were  boiled  and  rousted  three  hours  longer ;   almost  to  suffocation  ;  and 

'  at.  Keyis  was  an  Indian  villayeon  the  '  Line 'attacked  Oct.  ISia. 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  808 

r'l.r'T'i''''' /"'•''?"?   ^^'"^'"^  P<>Ppi"^'of  the  Scnfinels,  through    the 
n  ,^1  t  deprived  ino  oJ  nlecp.     V..,,  k,.„w  wc  had  war  all  d,.y  ye.st  .rday  in 
the  n.sr.ctof  Colun.b.a:   to  day  we  have  pretty  peaceable  d.VSiu 
As  to    he  mun,   point    Wilkinson  is  constantly  exjected  here       „T    "e 
voice  ot  a     here  >8  that  A.  n.ust  co.nn.and  at  ti.e  North.     I  advocu  e    t 
provided  that  /%,/  and  yo«  will  Herve  under  hin,,     I  can  nmko  a  pTwer 
ful  party  for  th.«,  «h„uld  Wilkinson  arrive  before  I  leave  '.his  ^ 

In  a  Democratic  Paper  published  at  Alexandria,  to  day,  I  saw  from  au 
U,\sh  account  the  character  of  /i..W.— connne.  ts  on  h  nXiousTilb 
ami  the  .fespern^  valor  of  tho.r.  u-ho  mcvie  thr.  uUac/c.  I  can't  a.  ah  fid 
the  paper.     I  think  wo  shall  adjourn  in  ten  days  '    "      '      ^ 

on  t  you  know  that  in  the  Panorama,  at  Boston,  they  have  the  Battle 
oMM.en.stown  ;  and  the  full  length  Portrait  of  YouuhklI-  (  Zyl  inder- 

Stop— Slap  :  here  comes  closed  doors  a-'ain  at  4  oclock  We  shnll  ,.11  ..nf 
thin  at  any  rate,  steeping  8  hours  per  day.    ^  ^"  ""  °'*^ 

Col.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer.  ^'""  ''''^  jlVVol'. 

JOUN  JjOVETT. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

Interesting  Letters  prom  Washington. 

John  Zovett  to  Joseph  Alexander. 

My  dear  Sir,  rir    i  •     . 

Toi,  11      '.  1  ,.  Washinc'ton,  Ju  V  17  1S1?I 

I  shall  write  you  but  a  line  to  day.     We  have  for  sov,  rfl     /       u 

bamboozled  for  7  or  8  hours  ner  d-iv  wiH    nln  I^  \         .1  '''"•^'  ^^^^ 

1  am  not  sirA;  but  so  far  from   be  n<r    wM  thit  f,.i-  tU^  «  T  /•        f    ■ 
the  Session,  I  had  to  hire  myself  /.;:7.     7^  t^e^' i  IT    Ts  '  h\  "''"H 

these  thin-s  exciiimpH  «  7/"^     '  "     -  J •!«.«.  «-  eneral,  thia  mornuig  reJatiu^ 
in„s  exclaimed   'It  does  seem  as  >f  the  very  Devil  is  vur  luckr 


'■  V-, 


I    H 


.iaaj 


804 


Leoacy  op  Historical  Qlkaninos. 


Tlio  (.'Imirnian  of  the  Com.  on  Niivnl  AtFiiirB  has  tliia  morning  introduoud 
a  l{t'W)lution  to  hold  out  ntronj^  cncoma^dincnt  to  private  aniiud  Hhips  :  or 
Htript  of  (liM^'iiiso,  to  fiore  ii  holi'  ihrniii/h  thf  Nun  imi>oitii/iiin  Lnw,  /iin/i' 
riifnii//i  III  throw  <i  littlr  mdiifi/  (o;uju;;h  to  pay  funeral  c'har;,'i)Hj  in  tlu  linnih 
of  tilt  Admin,  and,  thr  Monopoli/  into  t/  j  ham/H  of  JShi/m  Cousins.  And 
now  we  come  to  a  Division  on  the  adoption  of  tlio  Uosoiution  —  Aye« 
60  —  Noes  52. 

Thin  Resolution  embraces  leave  to  brin}^  in  a  IJill,  and  when  it  shall  come 
in  there  will  be  kiekinj?.  We  want  J'rare,  or  War,  no  munj^rel  state  of 
Hostile  Oommerci.,  calculated  at  once  to  debase  oursolvos,  and  to  answer, 

Creeisely,  ^ho  object  of  (ireat  Britain.  I  don't  know  but  I  deceive  niyseit, 
ut  it  appears  to  mo  thi.s  is  j,'oiu<^  to  open  a  hole  to  crawl  out.  Only  ad- 
vert to  the  practicability  of  an  umhrstandiny  between  Importer,  and  Pri- 
vtiterrs  &c  kc. 

(jues  :  Is  this  the  way  to  got  Blankets  and  Coats  for  our  ISoldiers  ?  Good 
Moses!  if  a  mun  wants  to  learn  about  a  Dilemma  place  him  in  a  situation 
like  the  present.     On  a  motion  for  the  indefinite  postponement  of  this 
liill,   Gro.fuenor  rises  'igain,  and  you  may  rest  assured   that  by  a  peculiar 
species  of  candor,  facel  iousness  and  accommodation  :  a  sort  of  indescribable 
mixture  of  tenderness  and  severity  ;  of  nettles  and  cookies  ;  dagj^ers  and 
balsam  he  is  hcird  with  great  attention,  and  if  ani/  hatft/  could  be  regarded 
he  would  gain  headway.     l<S//t.     Although  I  verily  believe  there  is  not 
upoi.  the  face  of  the  earth  a  nation  which  would  feel  less  solicitude  at  the 
jeopardy  of  their  Capitol  than  the  U.  S.,  still  as  I  cannot  be  sure  that  you 
all  feel  a  perfect  inditJ'erence,  I  endeavor  to  keep  you  apprised  of  the  wag 
of  the  war.  As  yet  the  Capitol  is  standing,  and  Congress  are  neither 
killed  nor  taken  ;  but  many,  I  may  say  a  disgraceful  number  are  missing. 
I  have  all  along  said,  if  the  enemy  meant  to  attack  this  place  at  all,  it 
would  bo  from  the  vicinity  of  Annapolis,  and  that  tha  soHmlini/,  and  bouy- 
ing  the  Potomac  was  a  preparatory  measure  for  securing  their  Retreat  by 
tha>.    o"te  should  it  be  necessary.     Now,  Sir,  the  enemy  are  all  out  of  the 
Potom M        Possibly  before  T  close  this  letter,  at  evening,  we  may  hear 
more  0.   this  subject.     Iftho  Dogs  are  coming  at  all,  I  hope  it  may  be 
before  adjournment,  that  we  may  at  least  get  the  honor  of  a  peep  at  them. 
We  shall  probably  adjourn  the  2nd.  of  August.     I  think  present  appear- 
ances, in  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  rather  warrant  the  conclusion,  that 
they  mean  to  harrass,  weaken  and  wear  down,  rather  than  risk  much  in 
bold  and  hazzardous  dashes  ;  they  will  try  co  tucker  out  the  Anfient  Dum- 
inion.     I  understand  they  have  an  excellent  Rendezvous  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Potomac,  on  an  Island,  where  they  have  plenty  of  IJeevcs,  Sheep  &c. 
All  accounts  agree  that  they  are  recruiting  rapidly  from  the  Plantations; 
the  Negroes  desert  in  droves,  and  are  kindly  received,  put  in  companies, 
uniform,  armed  and  all.     Possibly  they  will,  by  and  by,  be  able  to  march  a 
Regiment  through  some  sections  of  the  country  collecting  more  Volunteers. 
At  any  rate  there  begins  to  be  loud  howling  on  this  subject.     You  have 
seen  Coleman's  comments  upon  the  present  state  of  New  London.     I  was 
going  to  say  there  is  a  deep  game  playing  on  this  subject.   But  I  have  almost 
done  imputing  to  the   Heads  of  Departments  any  thing  like  ileep  <jame, 
scheme,  or  plot.    p]very  day  their  movements  convince  me,  more  ant.  more, 
that  (excepting  some  plan  and  r     ->ert  as  to  the  preservation  of  their  Popu- 
larity) all  is  blunder  upon  bli>  ;d..';  the  blind  result  of  slieer  iguurauce, 
Stupidity  and  total  incapacity. 


LnoAcr  of  nisionicAi  GLBAHtNos.  305 

The  prop,»,i„„  L;;;"iot"S.,,  r "  s".t  ".t:  sr  s*°- , 

of  the  Navy  _  ho  "a  ™oa  IcTuq    \1  1 1      .  ",'""""  """""''"'S  *«  Soo. 
»ml  on  Iho  moriiin..  oC the  I4ih  I'll    iT   .'  '."i"  C^uneil  broke  up ; 

...1  ivushkoop,i«^i;7hore  tic?i'.^;o"''a'  f ""?  '■"  "■"•  ^"'l^ 

Sm  th.    Now  vou  find  that  on  .1,1  1  ;    ^,1  ■  '^'  ""''  "I"""  '»  Qon- 

orJereJ  the  c„«3r„K  „fe/l°Nl''{  ,t  ""V       "'".  ^eo.  of  War  had 

;;.a  .1,..,  too,  while  the'siTf  uoi:.  r.  ;j,t.x"i:^^r:?'  *"'"■"  '• 

H«iio„     Tk      "'"=';'=•'  •>/.  ""  h"Uf  ago,  on  their  way  So  Sack™ 

•San  /£;:  s  td  idV'='"  "'"tr '"'  *»'  t-™™ 

X  uavo  seoQ  ana  much  less  responsibility. 

»>-.  Joseph  Ateandor,  Albany.  ''"'"' jZX\.r.. 

T^„     ^  ,      ,  '^<'*"  ^o^ett  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

i^ear  Colonel,  w    i.-     . 


806 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


of  your  years,  interest,  inclination,  and  every  thing,  to  have  the  matter  set- 
tied  whether  you  shall  be  restored  to  the  Army,  or  confine  all  your  future 
views  and  arrangements  to  civil  life.  Vibrating  between  the  two,  has  long 
injured  you  essentially,  and  will  continue  to  injure  you  until  settled.  You 
may  think  me  rash  to  attempt  this  affair  alone,  but  after  all  is  said  and 
done,  I  am  the  only  one  ivho  knows  you,  and  that  insatiable  thirst /or  Mili- 
tary  Fame  with  which  Nature  has  blest,  or  curst,  (call  it  as  you  please)  yow. 
What  may  be  the  influence  of  Tompkins,  Spencer,  and  Jenkins  here  I 
know  not;  I  shall  try  it.  ' 

You  will  notice  in  the  Intelligencer  of  yesterday.  Gales  aniir  -^versions 
upon  the  conduct  of  the  Democrats  in  the  Senate,  relative  to  Gallatin  —this 
is  a  fire  brand  —  they  call  Gales  a  d  —  d  little  mischief  making  "  EngM- 
man."  "  Tha's  na  look  about  the  oose,"  to  day.  Nelson  and  Epf  as  are 
by  the  ears  — Nelson,  as  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Naval  Affairs,  has 
brought  in  a  Bill  for  remitting  duties  on  goods  taken  by  "  Private  Armed 
Vessels."  He  thunders,  and  stamps,  and  slaps  his  desk,  and  tells  us  tht 
"  spirit  of  Privateering  is  paralyzed,  and  nev<  r  will  rise  without  geeat  en- 
couracjement."  Now  all  this  is  admitted.  Alarm  has  blown  over;  our 
troops  returned  from  below  to  day.  We  have  passed  the  Bill  authorizing 
another  Loan  of  $7,500,000.  As  this  bill  sailed  thro'  the  house  it  was  raked 
fore  and  aft,  until  hardly  a  Democrat  would  stay  at  his  quarters.  Pitkin 
entered,  at  length,  into  the  situation  of  our  Finances.  The  awful  tale  made 
long  faces.  The  poor,  poor,  poor  devils  do  not  know  what  to  do.  When 
pressed  on  every  side  with  damning  truths,  the  usual  expedient  is  for  some 
Bawler  to  rise,  strain  his  eyes  open,  slap  his  desk,  and  in  distracted  Screams 
to  appeal  to  us  all  to  know  if  we  will  give  up  our  rights  —  surrender  our 
Independence,  and  become  eternal  slaves  to  Britain  ?  I  think  they  will 
adopt  the  sentiment  in  Armstrong's  toast :  "  Sink  the  Ship  rather  than 
give  it  up."     Wilkinson  will  command  the  Northern  Army. 

Chapin,  I  see,  has  made  his  escape  with  his  company,  Ac  i  ay  tell  us  some 
truths.  On  a  number  of  pretty  important  party  questions  lately  decided, 
Taylor,  Hashrook  and  Comstock,  of  our  State  —  Durall,  a  fine  spunky 
little  fellow  from  Kentucky  —  Calhoun  and  some  of  their  cyphers  voted  with 
us  —  nay  they  four/ht  their  brethren  Black  Snake  and  Crow.  In  one  very 
important  instance  (no  matter  what  or  when)  the  Committee  of  Foreign 
llelations  reported  in  the  vei-y  teeth  of  a  Recommendation  of  the  President! 
This  was  the  d  —  1.  Mr  Speaker  stared  — expressed  his  astonishment.  So 
servile  are  the  Majority,  that  the  little  booby  at  the  palace,  is  as  much  a 
despot  as  the  Dey  of  Algier.s^    Our  House  have  this  day  agreed  to  the 

I  the 


.  among 
York  :  alias  on  De  Witt  Clinton.     The  News,  confirmed,  from  Europe,  re- 
lative to  Armistice,  you  doubtless  have. 
July  'Zith. 

"  And  all  is  bush, 
"  Save  the  dull  roar,  which  previous  to  the  storm, 
"  Rolls  o'er  the  earth,  disturbs  the  Hood,  and  shakes 
"  The  forest  leaf  without  a  single  breath." 

So  the  sweet  Bard,  Thompson,  sung  of  the  Natural  world  :  and  so  the 
Siqman-fed  bard  would  this  morning  sing  of  the  Military  and  Pohiid 
world.  Nothing  stirring.  The  Senate  sat  all  day  yesterday  with  closed 
doors  —  we  are  every  moment  expecting  to  hear  from  them. 


Legacy  of  HtsTORioAL  Gleanings.  307 

a  l)ash  !  go   on  Ilo  o„  -    o  on    '      ,  ^F"''  ^''^  ""'''-^     ^'''  ««•"«« 
ST'iOOOnn      ^^,  0°  ""  —  sO  on— aud    borrow   money— $16  000  000 

iA»«  was  sentto  Berlin  —  an  OwftoriQH  ]n  •  ,k!    f  r "•'"i"  * 
ofSSOOO;  and  now  while  Ihrmm.?-  ,  i.  '',°''. '° ''"""'• »°  ''«'>' 

al  Russia  at  a  JmotmOoZl  f  ""^  "^  *  ^-  ''  '"""""j  I"^" 
SWOO  more  I  While  hi!  11TwwV°  ""i'  '""■''  "''  O"":^'  o' 
ie  had  a  ,«»,■  o  J/  „f  SI  500  p'e  iZ.  W,T  ''t  ^•^""  »'  «°"''"'' 
Minister  to  £,ij„„..  bia  ftther  OW  7„T  *^»^'^'"S'»"  "PPOinted  himaa 
the  destination  of  h  s  sin  he  s'e„?hwt'  1?°!'  '■'">P^<".  aod  ohnnged 
«.«.  was  then  added::  '2'  UAmZZeX'i  M^Z^'j  Tf  "° 

Sp.i.,  .0  adjust  ;!t'h  fS^nfa'rthY SiSnltt'h/ff'' •^"^'^> 'i 
»dS  &"'L'r,l  ""frit'/  H  """'*"■,  '"T"'^"'  W'^inftSn 

..d  .,.  news  f;o.  Zi^r^  terj  dte„«r°'  ''°  """^  "^J™'"'' 
Cotrn?;f^1rn;:5J™  oaW^  .oved  a  Resolution  for 

the  Memorv  of  the  H.m>.  li     i    j  ^i  ,  tiaamt  to  bo  conferred  on 

-  Pro  J„n°\*Vm:do  W  Lr''Fa'Ss'''Lt''''  "V,*  "■'"'"■•'■ 
voted  all  onr  money  away  to  buTpurn"  nrofor  Ur,  Tr  "^  ""'1'""'^ 
S.»for^.  e.  ^..welcfNeI.onVRr„;S„t'iVSr;  ""' ^" 

Fear  ye  —  hear  ye  —  hear  ye  ! 

i. tllls'rTsUei^rLrntbi?  '"  '""  "T"^  "T  ''"'  ""  *-'  «™""y 

-  .  aeath,^a:ttt;'Xn  sh- 'IKre-fr^^^^^^  Ita^^  "S 

SHoS^l;;r'^'''7 ''r "- '"- ^^^^^^^^^ 

•v..-,  tell  yo°u  aid  „r  r„l  atoat"trurin":'S'""  T"'     "f'  "■'•  '■™- 

r.tli^'jzi'r" '-  'f 'r  ?"'■  --  -^u'-i  ItL^y-i?,: 
.^»  «».o  i..  ,v  wi;,f;;„hibi::r.fe=:Li^7  any"r:;r  X" 


808 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


foreign  port;  except  foreign  vessels,  with  such  cargoes  as  they  had  on 
board  when  notified  of  the  act.  was  speedily  followed  by  a  supplement 
prohibiting  exportations  by  land,  whether  of  goods  or  specie"]  has  been 
killed,  and  the  cursed  substitute,  Non  Exportation  Act  strangled,  in  our 
house,  Democrats  do  talk  and  act  like  men  I  assure  you.  Not  another  act 
for  Commcreial  Restriction  can  be  carried.  The  Bow  has  been  over- 
strained, and  mark  me  will  never  carry  again.  Duvall,  of  Kentucky,  one 
of  the  noblest  fellow  '  :y  have,  and  Bibbs  the  Senator,  agreed  that  it 
would  not  do  to  oppose  Commerce  any  longer,  and  say  that  now,  nine- 
tenths  of  the  Western  and  Southern  People  will  vote  Navy  and  Commerce. 
General  Wilkinson  arrived  here  in  the  night  of  the  31st.  On  the  mon- 
ing  of  the  1st  (yesterday)  I  addressed  him  a  note,  getting  no  answer,  I 
this  morning  addressed  another  note  to  him,  I  received  the  answer  in- 
closed. ["  Genl.  Wilkinson  will  have  the  Honor  to  wait  on  Mr.  Lovett 
in  one  Hour,  or  perhaps  half  an  hour.  8  oclock,  Monday  Morning."] 

To  show  myself  very  gracious,  instead  of  waiting  his  call,  /  called  at 
his  lodgings  :  met  him  at  the  door,  on  his  way  to  my  lodgings.     He  was, 
in  a  moment  all  gaiety,  debonair,  and  polite,  though  pressed  with  com- 
pany, he  excused  himself  and  took  me  to  a  private  room.     He  would 
hardly  permit  me  to  introduce  you  to  him  ;  saying  that  I  must  permit  him 
to  say,  he  knew  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  better  than  any  other  man.    Par- 
ticulars are  needless ;  suffice  it  to  say,  he  is  head,  heart  and  hand,  most 
devotedly  yours.     He  is  making  up  his  mind  as  to  taking  command  of  the 
Northern  Army,  considers  the  responsibility  infinite,  that  he  must  con- 
quer or  die ;  lose  all  his  fame,  or  acquire  more ;  that  he  will  not  under- 
take until  he  can  be  assured  of  the  means  to  be  put  into  his  hands.    He 
says  thus,  "  If  I  am  to  assume  that  command  I  must  have  1000  fine  fellows 
mounted,  with  Muskets,  and  commanded  by  just  such  an  Officer  as  Solomon 
Van  Rensselaer."     I  hinted  softli/,  at  some  reasons  why  the  administration 
had  not  called  you  to  the  field ;  and  expressed  the  sense  you  entertained 
of  the  General's  regard  for  you  while  your  pretensions  were  under  con- 
sideration.    He  said  he  would  avail  himself  of  an  early  opportunity  to 
inform  me  of  the  reason  ichy  you  were  not  appointed.     Mutual  engage- 
ments parted  us,  he  will  call  on  me  this  evening.     Now  keep  yourself  cool, 
don't  expect  any  thing,  then  all  that's  gotten  will  be  clear  gain.    I  regret 
that  Wilkinson  had  not  been  here  a  day  or  two  sooner,  that  we  might 
have  so  modified  the  laws  we  have  been  passing  authorizing  more  force, 
as  to  have  embraced  such  a  Corps  as  he  contemplates ;  but  I  believe  we 
have  an  act  that  will  substantially  embrace  it,  with  less  stretching  than  is 
customary  in  these  days.     At  any  rate  I  have  now  got  the  subject  fairly 
in  hand,  and  I  will  not  quit  it  until  I  have  seen  a  fair  trial  of  the  influence 
of  your  friends,  against  that  of  Tyburn.     I  told  you  I  would  try  it,  and 
tried  it  shall  be.     As  I  may  stay  here  yet  several  days,  I  leave  it  to  you 
to  explain  the  reason  as  far  as  you  may  think  proper.    It  is  impossible  to 
write  — ^^all  is  bustle.     You  and  I  have  been  e+'ten  disappointed  that  once 
more,  will  be  but  once  more,  therefore  keep  quiet  till  you  hear  from  me 
again— .Interim.  Truly  Yours, 

Col.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Mount  Hope,  Albany.        John  Lovett. 

General  Wilkinson  while  in  command  at  New  Orleans  had  received  a 
letter  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  John  Armstrong —  to  proceed  with  the 
least  possible  delay,  to  the  head  quarters  of  Major  General  ])earborn. 
Those  are  now  at  Sackett's  Harbour,  ou   Lake  Ontario,  Gob.  W.  auys,  1 


Mutual  enga{^ 
keep  yourself  cool, 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  309 

obeyed  the  order  with  complacency,  and  did  not  waste  a  moment  in  mv 
pre])aration,  to  take  a  long  farewell.  "Jomenr  in  my 

Qov.  Tompkins  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

The  Adjutant  General  is  requested  to  Si.n  t»,f  P  ""^  -^'P*'  ^'  ^^^^• 
eral  Orders  organizing  the  EL'enf  r?;  r'^d^^^Zral  Orde^^^f 
31st  July     If  the  return  for  promotions  in  the  ChenaLo TrSade  rGenI 
Germans)  are  in  his  possession,  the  Commander  in    W  2 T  V 

matter,  there  is  always  a  shadowy  ending  beyond  the  endintn,    I 
cause  men  may  not  always  becrjn   lilcp  1.  K"  •  ?    *'^<^  ending.     Only  be- 

ning,  something  tha't  needs  to  be  ic  7.'^^  "''  ^''^'"^  '^^  ^^S^"" 

And  thus  it  was  after  the  re-election  of  Governor  TnmntJno    e     .1, 
nobly  re^instated  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  in  ^old  oS  of 'aSiut  nt 
general,  being  as  he  well  knewan  honest  man  of  elevated  and  nLS       i 

mr,  h„e  written  by  him  is  precious  to  H»  chi  dren    thev  couirnt'l," 
mproTed.     These  truths  were  iilie  "  household  word,  "  I  ^.W  „       \ 

the  war  of  1812,  and  the  services  which  he  rendSafc  tjl  '*  "'' 

::XS^"^tir;':-sl-£'SS^^^^ 

jeven  wounds  he  bore  charactered  ouirpWtuwhil.h"    foid'"„f  ,? 

SS^;^^^rSs:fdr:^i^-5;?J? 

souices  and  left  him  a  poor  man  in  his  deolinin..  years      The  fiHnl  ^«  ^• 
OIadau■;lter  thfit  nrnmnfc  *».;.  I  k  """»  y«'trH.     X nc  Dlial  devotiOD 

cursory  m  ni^r   tL^re2d  n    .1     k"'  -•  ^T  -f^  P^^'^-^y'^g'  even  in  this 

:e;A.„eut,;ttS^-rir^^^^^^^^^^ 

pari "rtre'SrSle",!';;''  ';°  "'""""^  r.^  "atisfaotoril,  e.ecutej  are 

™i  so  i^ii.d'diSed'rh.rT.r  ■■;'  'iri'^' '!-'  '°"f. '» -"■ 

»«^  t.m  most,  .or  those  uoblc.,uaUtie,-ofhead'aud  t,^':ZJZ^ 


310 


Legacy  op  Hisiorical  Gleanings. 


uously  marked  him  in  all  his  domestic  relations :  to  his  children,  he  was 
endeared  by  all  the  holiest  and  strongest  affections  of  the  human  heart- 
his  estimable  private  character  and  his  worth  as  a  man,  they  knew  and 
appreciated.     Our  heroic  Father's  name  stands  f^  oond  to  none  in  self  sacri- 
ficing  true  patriotism  ;  and  in  noble  daring  deeds,  -vhich  gave  additiooal 
lustre  to  the  renown  and  glory  of  our  Arms;  he  was  an  illustrious  scion 
of  his  most  heroic  Sire.     His  name  will  justly  stand  recorded  on  the  pages 
of  history  as  the  virtuous,  honorable,  and  valiant  defender,  or  asserter  of 
his  country's  rights;  and  posterity  will  read  of  his  exploits  with  delight 
And  it  IS  always  well  to  remember  that  to  transmit  the  honors  of  one  age 
to  another  is  our  duty ;  to  neglect  the  merits  of  our  fathers  is  a  direful 
disgrace.  Unfortunately,  "  the  public  good"  required  that  this  upri«'ht  Pede- 
rahst  should  be  sacrificed  to  the  Democrats,  being  the  dominanr  party  of 
the  day,  and  to  that  party  he  became  obnoxious  because  he  defended  those 
who  were  wronged,  and  consequently,  justice  has  boen  measured  out  with 
but  a  meagre  hand.     And  he  found  more  than  one  barrier  to  the  accom- 
plishment of  his  wishes,  because  he  held  in  utter  abhorrence  the  intri-^ues 
of  democracy  and  the  spirit  of  mob  government.     His  own  words  are"  re- 
corded thus  :  "  After  the  battle  of  Queenstown,  General  Dearborn,  profess- 
ing to  be  satisfied  and  pleased  with  my  conduct,  told  my  friends  General 
Lewis  and  Van  Rensselaer,  at  Greenbush,  that  a  separate  corps  would  be 
organized  for  me,  of  which  they  informed  me  by  letter  while  still  confined 
with  my  wounds  at  Buffalo;  but  owing  to  the  public  defence,  which  as  a 
man  of  honour,  I  found  myself  obliged  to  set  up  against  the  political  attacks 
on  the  conduct  and  character  of  General  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,  who 
then  was  a  candidate  for  the  governorship  a  rainst  Governor  Tompkins  i 
became  obnoxious  to  the  dominant  party  of  the  day,  and  the  intention  was 
never  carried  into  effect. 

Dr  Eustis,  before  he  resigned  as  secretary  at  war,  entered  my  name  upon 
the  list  for  the  appointment  of  Brigadier  General.  He  afterward  told  me 
when  in  Congress  together,  that  he  was  astonished  that  his  successor 
General  John  Armstrong  had  not  appointed  me. 

The  present  venerable  .Mayor  of  Baltimore,  General  Samuel  Smith  and 
the  Hon.  D.  R.  Williams,  chairman  of  Commitee  on  Military  Affairs  in 
Congress,  called  together  of  their  own  accord,  upon  the  Secretary  of  War, 
to  urge  my  appointment  in  the  army.  General  Harrison,  with  whom  I 
had  served  in  General  Wayne's  army,  also  solicited  my  appointment,  as 
his  second  in  command  in  the  northwestern  army.  It  will  be  recollected 
that  I  never  resigned  my  commission  in  the  regular  service,  but  lost  it 
when  the  army  was  curtailed;  my  claim  to  promotion,  therefore,  was  valid 
still,  whenever  any  augmentation  took  place.  Beside  this,  the  validity  of 
such  claims  was  admitted  in  the  case  of  other  oflScers  of  Wayne's  army, 
and  they  were  promoted  accordingly.  Harrison,  who  was  a  lieutenant 
when  I  commanded  a  troop,  was  commissioned  a  major-general ;  Covington, 
a  subaltern  in  our  corps,  a  brigadier-general ;  Ball,  my  cornet,  a  lieutenant 
colonel  &c.  &c.  Yet,  the  above  applications  in  my  behalf —  and  they  were 
certainly  entitled  to  some  consideration,  on  the  score  of  the  character  of 
the  applicants  —  were  all  superciliously  denied,  on  the  ground  as  alleged  to 
Wilkinson  and  others  —  that  1  was  too  unpopular  to  raise  a  corps.  Where 
18  the  evidence  of  this  fact  ^  Was  Gov.  Tompkins,  with  whom,  unfortunately, 
I  had  been  at  political  variance,  aware  of  it  when  I  accepted  his  invitation, 
as  a  member  of  iiis  own  family,  to  assist  him  in  defending  the  city  of  New 
York  from  an  expected  invusioa  i*  [As  Adjutant  General,  Solomon  Van 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  3ii 

Rensselaer  was  superseded  for  a  few  months  antecedent  to  and  during  the 
late  War,  but  wi.eu  D  1).  Ton^pkins,  Esqr.  rea«cended  the  gubernaforial 
cha.r,  he  was  re-.nstated  in  that  office.]  Was  it  indicated  in  the  resolut km 
unammously  passed  by  the  council  of  appointment,  to  confirm  nrbrevet 
as  xMajor  General,  in  the  militia  of  this  £     .„  ^ 

Copy. 

"The  commander  in  chief  having  raised  by  brevet  Solomon  Van  Rensse 
aer  to  the  rank  of  major  general  in  the  militia  of  this  state  on  accouSrof 
his  d>stmgu.shed  ga  lantry  and  public  spirit  in  the  n.ilitary  servTe  o?  his 
country  and  especially  during  the  late  war  on  the  Niagara  frnnt^lrtl, 
fore  resolved,  that  the  said  Brevet  be  confirmed  and  tl^fcotSs^^^^^ 
issued  to  h.m  as  major-general  accordingly,  in  the  militia  of  t^Sate 

,«•       ,.         „  Dkwitt  Clinton,  Governor. 

(Signed;        Stephen  Uarnum,     ^ 

William  Ross, 

George  Rosecrantz,  f  Members." 

Stephen  Bates, 

Or  was  my  election  to  congress  by  ray  neighbors,  without  opposition  "in 
one  uistance,  and  by  a  triumphant  majority  in  another,  any  eWdence  of 
It?  No,  1   only  existed  in  the  brain  of  a  calumniator  ^ 

(xeneral  Armstrong  was  at  that  time  governed  by  the  basest  of  f««l 
ings  and  motives,  and  in  the  antipathies  Engendered"       i^rtn  5  p" 
and  by  circumstances  which  should  be  forgotten,  is  to  be  found  Swhole 
Z%tir  '"""'  P"'^""  '"^"^^^'  ^'^^•^  *«  ^--^1  VL  Rensselat 

When  the  much  persecuted  and  unfortunate  General  Wilkinson  was 
rdered  by  General  Armstrong,  then  Secretar,  of  War,  fron/New  OrleZ 
to  take  command  of  the  Northern  army  he  too  ur,rpH  mv  „  ^^.^f'^^"^ 
but  was  refused.  On  his  arrival  at  MLy\lZ7£irLlT^^^^^^ 
wished  me  to  accompany  him  to  the  frontiers  I  rPnlipH  1V«V  T  ^j 
willingly  do  so,  if  I  LJ  thought  he  had  ^he  least  itt  TeLltt 
thing  of  consequence  ;  but  knowing  that  the  deficiency  of  almost  everv 
necessary  article,  and  the  want  of  a  proper  organization  i^  any  iep    tmenf 

d      W^'  """-'^r  ^'ZT  ^''  ^'''''''  "P«"  ^^""treal  that^easin  I  de: 

hn  d.     When  informed  by  me,  of  the  state  of  his  command    he  could 

ardly  credit  it,  for  General  Armstrong,  in  reply  to  writTen  queries  nuUn 

Inm  on  the  subject,  had  stated  everything  to  be  in  compWe^ordTr  ^  fl^ 

0  only  as  bad  as  1  had  represented,  but  much  wor,e,  it  was  a  "wretZd 
^tate  m  which  he  found  the  army  in  all  its  departments." 

Col.  Van  Rermelaer  to  Gen.  Wilkinson. 
My  Dear  Friend.  Mount  Hope  3rd  October  1813 

I  received  your  very  interesting  letter  several  days  since  and  I  bei  you 

will  do  nie  the  justice  to  impute  the  delay  of  my  answer  to  the  truecl^L 

tis  hard  sitting  in  judgment  when  inclination^nd  a  sense  of  du  v  aro 

P  s.ng  advocates  ;  it  requires  time,  and  mature  deliberation     \£\Zl 

gratitude  and  respect  for  the  repeated  evidence  of  your  friendshin  Z,\ 
honorable  notice,  I  will  state  that  decision,  nn.l  th.  X;  je'a'  '  P-  ^ 
-ve  entrained  me  to  make  it.    A  Soldier's  canao7 willpaidou^ 


I 


312 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


■I      fl 


frankness.  After  the  most  charitable  review  I  can  make  of  the  relative 
discharge  of  duties  between  myself  and  Country,  I  find  insuperable  bar- 
riers against  resuming  my  sword. 

You  Sir,  know  the  general  history  of  my  life ;  I  will  spare  you  the 
trouble  of  minute  detail  and  only  glance  at  prominent  points. 

The  sufferings  endured  by  my  Father  from  wounds  received  in  the 
Revolutionary  war,  was  one  of  the  first  serious  subjects  of  my  puerile  con- 
temptation  and  why  it  should  have  been  so,  Nature  alone  must  tell ;  but 
the  more  I  witnessed  his  sufferings,  the  more  I  became  enamored  of  arms, 
As  I  advanced  in  years,  the  charms  of  a  Military  life  brightened  upon  my 
view,  and  at  18  years  of  age,  I  resolved  on  the  Profession  of  a  Soldier,  and 
entered  upon  it.  In  the  School  of  the  gallant  Way.ie  and  yourself  I  was 
happy.  I  found  the  camp  was  my  home,  my  sword  my  companion,  and 
my  duty  my  pleasure  ;  particulars  are  unnecessary.  At  the  close  of  that 
War,  I  was  unfortunate  and  suffered  much  ;  but  a  consciousness  that  the 
Sword,  bequeathed  me  by  the  brave  CumpheU  vaxa  sheathed  untarnished; 
and  that  my  Commissions  which  bore  the  sacred  name  of  WashinytonhJi 
never  been  dishonored,  bore  me  above  all  considerations  of  loss  of  property 
or  blood. 

It  is  true,  I  received  the  necessary  vouchers  tr  -  atitle  me  to  that  re- 
muneration from  my  Country  which,  while  disable  /  wounds  was  very 
necessary  for  the  support  of  myself  and  growing  family.  But,  intending 
to  devote  my  life  to  my  Country,  in  my  profession,  I  disdained  to  ask  for 
the  pittance  allowed.  I  have  not  done  it.  I  loved  service,  but  hated 
the  Pension  List.  I  wished  only  the  restoration  of  my  Rank  when  my 
Country  might  call  for  service.  I  confess  I  though.  I  had  a  right  to  ex- 
pect it,  but  in  vain. 

"The  Administration  have  called  to  the  field,  and  honored  with  Colonel's 
and  even  Brigadier's  Commissions,  men  who  were  not  in  service,  and  some 
who  only  ranked  as  Subalterns  in  the  Army,  when  I  was  a  Major  of  Cav- 
alry! In  Silent  mortification  I  witnessed  the  progress  of  events;  at  last, 
under  the  impression  that  the  Administration  might  still  have  supposed 
me  incapacitated  for  service  by  wounds,  I  took  measures  to  have  intimated 
to  them  both  my  ability  and  willingness  to  return  to  the  Army. 

The  result  you  know.  I  here  too  forbear  particulars  but  too  well  cal- 
culated to  add  indignation  to  mortification.  To  have  been  long  neglected 
was  enough  —  but  to  be  proscribed,  and  that  too,  at  the  instance  of  pri- 
vate pique,  in  men  whose  lives  are  but  a  tissue  of  baseness  and  intrigue  is 
too  much.  Of  the  part  I  acted  during  the  last  Campaign  in  the  capacity 
of  Aid-de-Camp  to  Maj.  Gen.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,  sufiice  it  to  say 
that  I  yielded  partly  to  the  earnest  request  of  a  friend,  whose  wishes  with 
me,  could  have  no  less  influence  than  legitimate  command ;  and  partly  to 
the  universal  solicitation  of  the  Soldiery  who  had  long  known  me  as  their 
friend  in  the  capacity  of  Adjutant  General.  Of  that  Campaign  I  will  only 
say  that  after  all  the  shameful  mismanagement  of  those  whose  imbecility 
attempted  to  direct  its  operations,  it  would  have  been  closed  with  a  splen- 
did victory  had  I  not,  iii  the  hour  of  trial  been  deserted  in  the  most  das- 
tardly manner  by  wretches  who  had  pledged  every  thing  sacred  to  stand 
by  uie  while  I  was  actini>-  in  obedience  to  their  irresistible  iniportunities 
to  General  Van  Rensselaer.  Indeed  with  the  few  brave  lads  who  remained 
with  me,  I  could  have  preserved  the  won  victory  but  for  the  severe  wounds 
which  compelled  me  to  quit  the  field.  Although  for  the  past  year  I 
have  nursed  my  wounds  in  silence,  yet  1  am  assured  through  sources  not 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  313 

to  be  questioned,  that  the  chiims  to  my  own  rank  in  tho  Arn,,,  1        u 
ur<;ed  upon  the  Adniinistnfinn  K^  ,-,.«,     V-  .  ■  ,  ^^^^  "^^^  ^^^^ 

poiiticaI^arties,7e    thf  S^  '"""'  ^- '^"'^'  distinction  of 

though  at  the  cioJe  of  the  late  Lh  ion  on^  r  ^^^^^  ""rescinded,  al- 
ally  burned  up  with  no^ninluon?^^'  ThL  ^^^  lirT!?"  "'''^!,- 
statement  of  my  situation  •  an<]  fl,ofi.„f    u         :  .  j  '  '^  ^  compressed 

■"/."" '"'fr.\  'T^  '"«»■'"  I  til  Tade''  ■"""  '  "  '""""^'^' 

.ill  destroy  ,ha.  pr„„fs"S\'r\  S^^^.S  '2  V^Tfl^/"^''" 
.,™co  o,  aa  oftco.,  a„d  which  aU.  render.  hi^ihletrTr^hl^'f  iL?- 

m,,e(  ,„j,srf/  "'^'MIOD  towards  me,  that ,« tl,ar  mice  I  cannot 

Jtts  tZtrfort[f™Vpa,"?,.riorn'°^  ^°"  ■'-  ;r  p'  -^ 

Soldier  whom  the  "oaeral  voico  „^-    h„  I?'    j  I       '  f°"'""'  ''■»""  *e 
-..e.mpoto„t.oC%m,:.„drrirmres      '"''  ^'*'  '""  ■">" -i'"'"'-' 

P  «?  ivi.^  r,^*         1^-  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer. 

i.  .sit  iV„    :'pC„'^'r  G^otTf";"'  °'  '™  ^"'"  ^««'»  °f  "-e  aeet 

Uiverand  carry  Vorafmfhrtt'^il-^Vr  "^  "°'"'  ^''""^  '"» 
i>I.jor  Geal.  James  VVikins„„,  Commaodor  in  Chief  of  the  N.  A. 

jIj  ^"'-  yxmpK'u  to  Solomm  Van  Hmmlmr. 

I  lave  notiacd  a  meeting  of  the  r„„„.ll'^'f'"'°^  '^""""^  '^'  '*'*■ 
4.  22nd  Instant  for  the  ^Srp^     f  ^n^b     .Mh'r'if  tT'^V  l"""^'^ 

I  am  Sir,  yours  .'"',0. 


Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  Esq.  Adjutant  General. 

h  ^''ew  lor..       it  uicc  on  the  ord  of  .January,  1«14      General 
40 


•Si 


814 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


in 


Dearborn  was  the  president,  and  he  was  assisted  by  three  brigadier  pen- 
erals,  four  colonels,  and  five  lieutenant  colonels.  General  Hull  was 
charged  with  treason,  cowardice,  and  neglect  of  duty  and  unofEeer  like 
conduct.  After  a  session  of  eighty  days,  the  court  decided  on  March  2(5th 
that  ho  was  not  guilty  of  treason,  from  the  evidence  brought  forward,  but 
found  hira  guilty  of  all  the  other  charges.  He  was  sentenced  to  be  shot 
doad,  and  his  name  to  be  struck  from  the  rolls  of  the  army.  The  presi- 
dent of  the  United  States  approved  the  sentence  on  the  25th  of  April.  The 
court  recommended  him  to  the  mercy  of  Mr.  Madison  who  pardoned  him." 

Uon,  John  Lovett  to  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer. 

My  dear  Colonel,  Wa.shington,  28th  Jany.,  1814. 

Don't  chide  my  silence,  I  do  declare  to  you  I  never  was  so  wholly 
buried  up  as  I  am  at  present.  I  have  to  aid  Elarsou  all  I  can  :  there  are 
a  number  of  the  first  members  in  the  minority  who  really  seem  to  think 
much  more  of  my  poor  services  than  I  can  possibly  think  they  are  worth. 
Never  did  you  see  a  finer  corps  of  follows  than  our  Minority,  and  the  poor 
fellows  are  almost  worried  out.  We  are  upon  the  Army  Bill  and  pre- 
paration for  a  great  campaign.  Argument  has  for  some  days  past  assumed 
an  almost  unlimited  range,  and  every  one  says  pretty  much  what  he 
pleases.  The  day  before  yesterday,  Taylor,  of  Saratoga,  attempted  to 
prove  the  War  in  the  State  of  New  York  ^aa  popular,  and  he  endeavored 
to  prove  it  by  the  great  partiality  which  had  been  manifested  towards 
Gen.  Vanllcnsselaer — yourself — and  me.  lie  noticed  the  manner  in  which 
the  General  was  received  on  his  return  ;  your  appointment  to  the  office  of 
Adjutant  General ;  and  my  election  to  Congress,  Clerk's  ofl5ce  &c.  This 
of  course,  drew  collaterally  the  affair  of  Queenstown  into  debate.  Taylor 
and  Fisk  slapped  at  it  a  little.  You  know  I  have  for  many  reasons,  been 
very  desirous  to  keep  silence  on  this  subject.  But  the  discussion  now, 
assumed  such  shape  that  the  duty  I  owed  to  the  General,  yourself  and 
myself  would  no  longer  allow  me  to  be  silent.  I  refute  all  Taylor's 
arguments,  and  then  touched,  not  minutely,  but  pretty  generally  at  the 
occurrences  of  the  Campaign  which  could  in  any  shape  invade  character. 
Upon  this  occasion  I  availed  myself  of  the  opportunity  to  say  a  few  words 
of  your  history,  merits,  wrongs  and  suflFerings.  I  perceived  I  was  listened 
to  with  much  attention  both  by  the  members  and  a  vastly  crowded  gallery, 
I  therefore  ventured  on  a  little  further,  and  stated  your  removal  by 
Tompkins ;  the  deaf  ear  of  the  Administration  to  all  applications  for  your 
appointment  —  pointed  out  the  real  cause. 

But  I  must  close  :  you  may  rest  assured  that  the  General  and  his  Aids 
stand  well  on  the  floor;  and  as  I  took  the  liberty  of  throwing  out  some 
pretty  bold  menaces  of  telling  ugly  tales,  I  think  they  will  be  willing  to 
let  us  alone  and  respect  U8  in  future. 

Augustus  Porter  tells  me  his  Account  is  settled ;  he  has  had  a  $7000 
writ  tucked  on  him  here. 

I  enclose  you  the  Intelligencer  —  see  the  Generals  and  Colonels  marked 
on  the  margin  ;  Also  Armstrong's  project  for  Conscription. 

Ever  truly  yours. 

Col.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer.  John  Lovett. 


Dear  Colonel, 

I  have  not  a  moment  to  spare,  enclosed  is  a  Skeleton  of  what  was  said. 
No  one  attempted  a  lieply.     Suffice  to  say,  our  friends  here,  are  not  only 


to  debate.    Taylor 
uany  reasons,  been 


Leqacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  815 

sati8fiod  hMi  gratified.     They  are  pleased  to  say  it  was  delivered  in  fh« 

Col.  Sol.  Vau  Eonsselaer.  Albany.  ^^^^  ^^^^^  tZLo  W 

JTore.  JolmLovctt  to  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer 
My  dear  Colonel,  Washington,  Feb,  20  1814 

ha  e  el^esse7tE"hiT"'^'/''?-^^  "'  '\'  '^''^      ^'  «-  ^-nds  t^. 
ha^e  expressed  the  r  h  -h  gratification  at  the  matter  and  manner  of  the 

R,.fii,htmg  oi  the  Battle  of  Queenstown,  1  needed  nothi„<.  more  to  nut 

u.y  heart  at  rest,  on  that  subject,  but  the  approbation  of  the  ^Z\" £ 

tary  family. ;     You  g. ve  me  that ;  saying  that  "  the  members  of  It      til 

tiuon  their  side.       My  heart  responds,  Amen,  I  am  satisfied 
You  express  your  solicitude  lost  my  "  Speeeh  and  strktures  on  the  War 

111  such  event.     Ihank  y3  ;  In  such  event  you  shall  be  with  me      Lon.' 
ago  I  wrote  our  dear  General  that  plunging  in  among  a  set  of  rap-scalUons 
wearing  long  swords  was  a  very  pokerish  "kind  of  b^usiness  j  bJt  th  Hn 
c  so  ot  emergeney  my  privilege  would  protect  me  until  I  could  send  for 
^.fomo«  0  do  the  J,jhtln;j.     The  truth  is  there  is  no  milksop    rSiddfe 
course  left  for  us;  the  rascals  in  power  must  be  ousted,  ousteror  we  a  a 
undone     This  is  my  sincere  opinion,  and  under  this  conviction     ThiJk 
speak  and  act.     The  Federalist  that  will  not,  now,  keep  the  deck  or 
mount  the  maintop,  to  give  or  receive  shot,  as'oeeas  on  mVoffer    is'not 
worthy  of  his  hammock  on  board.     I  have  been  threaten  J  hut   \T    7 
re.au  undisturbed.     The  truth  is  that  whatTs  here  111  d''^t  mZ), 
q>.M    IS  .omewhat  dreaded.     <^  Lichequln"  has  been  slain,  and  soZ 
others    deservedly,  rwe  wage  no  wanton  war)  been  severed  wounded 
And  being  a  companion  of  yours,  they  all  think  I  may  fi.^ht  like  a  vorv 
evil !    I„  short  I  do  not  apprehend  anything  serious  :  s^hould  that  happea 
you  will  know  It  of  course.     The  nearest  I  have  come  to  a  squabble  Jou 
may  learn  from  a  late  letter  I  wrote  the  Mayor.     I  caoped  itro«^jlS 
but  he  w  11  shew  to  you.     You  know  little  Lisban,  of  Batlv  a tnd    f / 

in  htMh  '  '"'  '^'T'""'  '""^^'"^  ^^"°^'  ^"^  ^^^  knock  poor  Brisbau 
down,  but  they  graciously  spared  me,  and  have  fled,  but  I  am  pressin- 
measures  to  have  them  brought  back  pressing 

Augustus  and  Peter  Belligerent  Porter,  are  here.     Au-^ustus  is  verv 

1  r?'  ^".  ^r  ^•'^""^^^  ''  '^'  «"'V  Commander  who  ke^t  hln  /s 
"ou/cr  upon  the  frontier.    Peter  B.  I  apprehend,  keeps  close.     I  have 

h       o"ulZ'   ■'  ^'f^'  '""t  ''"l^  P^P^*-^  '«  A"g"«^"«  ba«  had  put  uooa 
h    shoulders  since  here.     How  they  will  come  out  I  know  not     I  have 

just  received  a  line  from  Gen.  Huntington,  he  says:  "  WhoTs  the  ZT^^o 
of  Wallanisaek  that  dandled  Solomon  V.  R.  upoa\  s  wounded  kneef  ? 
ZZAT^r'"'^   '^^^•"    ^''''  "••"d,  thats^usily  rxpTainld-T  in 
In     S    T-  ''^^T''^^  y^^  ^^lorris  S.  Miller^s  speech  upon  that  ocia 
mirvin'^lrn^V""  fr  '7  ^  ''T^^'^'''^  ^^^  ^^^  palfiotic  efllts  I 

aad  aIrt,o.7c;eed  tTufexpresseT"'""  ""  """^  '"'^"'"-P""  '^'^ 


! 


ii 


r| 


m 


ii 


1:^1: 


if 


816  Legacy  of  Historical  Qleaninqs. 

"  Thy  apint,  Indepondenco,  lut  me  sharo, 
Lord  of  till)  Lion's  henrt,  and  Ea.g\u  »iye, 
Tliy  Btt']m  I  follow,  with  my  bononi  hare, 
Nor  heed  the  etorm  that  howls  alon^  the  sky." 

llospects  to  the  family  and  the  Bethlehem  Member  of  Assembly. 

John  Lovett, 

Dear  Colonel,  Washington  Feb.  23,  1814. 

You  know  I  have  been  laboring  all  winter  to  get  the  Administration 
and  their  Generals  to  play  a  game  of  Billiards,  and  to  use  Jfeath  for  Bnlls, 
I  have  no  doubt  the  game  has  commenced  two  hours  ago.  and  that  your 
old  friend  Wil/cinsun  is  the  6rst  ball  played  at;  but  whether  with  intent 
to  pocket  him  or  to  play  for  a  cannon  at  Armstromj  and  llnrnpton,  I  know 
not.  But,  as  I  have  but  one  moment,  figures  must  bo  dropt  and  I  will 
speak  plain.  I  do  not  understand  what  it  means,  but  an  Express  left 
here,  two  hours  ago,  to  arrest  General  Wilkinson  !  1  do  verity  bp.lkve  it; 
I  map  be  deceived,  but  I  cannot  believe  I  am.  My  Ariel  who  never  has 
deceived  me,  assures  me  it  is  so.     Tell  our  General  what  I  say. 

11  oclock  p.  M.  —  My  dear  Colonel,  In  mi/  way  t  have  a  little  game 
blood  as  well  as  you :  Yoti  love  powder,  ball  and  steel :  them  1  hate  as 
poison ;  but  1  love  to  play  my  pen,  ink  and  paper  battling  with  success. 
We  both  aim  at  the  same  victory. 

I  dropped  you  a  hasty  line,  to  day,  telling  you  what  I  believed:  and 
late  as  the  hour  is,  I  will  jog  once  more  to  the  Post  office  to  say  that  my 
opinion  is  every  hour  confirmed.  Col.  Hawkins  has  been  with  me  this 
evening,  he  says  I  am  right.  And,  now,  one  word  more :  liawkius  has 
spent  the  winter  here ;  has  generally,  kept  good  Federal  Company  —  wants 
to  continue  in  service.  lie  says  General  Armstrong  will  have  not  au  offi- 
cer under  him,  but  lick-spittles  and  toad-eaters.  He  quits  here  in  dis- 
gust—he has  been  much  with  Van  Ness.  I  think  Van  Ness  is  disgusted 
too.  I'll  bring  something  out  of  my  "  Strictures  "  yet !  One  word  more, 
fori  grow  sleepy:  Hawkins  is  your  great  friend  —  he  expects  you  are 
going  to  raise  4  Regiments  of  State  Troops.  He  wishes  t/ou  to  Command 
them,  and  he  wishes  to  serve  under  you  —  that's  all.  You  have  your  cue. 
Can't  /go  Secretary,  the  old  white  Coat  is  good  yet? 

Yours  ever 

Col.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany.  John  Lovett. 

John  Lovett  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

My  dear  Colonel,  Washington,  March  11, 1814. 

Should  the  State  of  New  York  raise  the  Foxir  Regiments,  I  will  never 
forgive  it,  if  you  are  not  appointed  to  command  them,  /am  too  old  to 
go  "  Secretary  "  again,  but  I  am  authorized  to  promise  you  a  much  abler 
member  in  your  military  family,  should  you  command  that  Division.  You 
shall  have,  by  your  side,  a  scholar,  a  soldier,  a  statesman  ;  this  I  am  fully 
authorized  to  promise  you.  The  man  will  be  Thomas  P.  Grosvenor- 
of  this  you  may  rest  assured.  1^ you  spend  tlie  ensuing  season  upon  the 
frontiers,  //;  will  spend  the  Campaign  in  your  family,  you  cannot  wish 
more.  I  write  this  at  his  request.  (This  never  will  be  allowed.  Two 
such  Blood-hounds  should  never  be  trusted  together.  I  am  well,  and 
ever  yours. 

Col.  Sol.  Van  llensaeiaer.  J.  Lovett. 


Leoacy  op  Historical  Gleaninc  ;. 


317 


George  M.  Bibb  to  John  J.  Crittenden 
Dear  John  Washington  City,  April  24,  1814 

J   e  court-nmr  ,al  sentenced  Hull  to  be  cashiered  an,/  Ihot,  but  recom- 

n.e,u  ed  \um  to  the  mercy  of  the  Prenident,  [on  account  of  his  ago  aThTs 

rcvolutH^nary  services,]  who  I  understand,  intends  to  remit  the  sentence 

ot  death.  What  weakness     If  cowardice  such  as  Hull's,  which  surrendered 

a  ortress  an  army,  a  terr  tory  without  firing  a  gun,  which  surrend  r  was 

ol  owed  by  such  loss  of  lives  and   treasure,  is  not  punished   with  de.-rth 

bu    pardoned   by   the  commander-in-chief,   what  ian  we  expect  T  No 

nnh.ary  ofhcer  hereafter  can   be  punished  by  the  loss  of  commi    ion  Z 

cuwuro  ce      A  negotiation  ks  going  on  between  an  agent  on  ou    pa  t  and 

.eneral  Prevost,  for  an  armistice.     Prevost  is  willing  to  an  armiS  on 

and ;  our  government  wishes  it  also   by  sea.     The  negotiation,  ,  ay   per- 

Laps    erm.nate  n.   an  armistice  on  the   land,  the  lakes,  and   on  our'  sea- 

c..,st   leavmg  our  coast  to  be  blockaded,  and  the  war  upon  tl'e  ocea,   to 

pru,Mess   that  .s     o  say,  that   no  expedition  on    land,  nJr  any  enterp  i  e 

against  towns   or    or.s,  shall  be  attempted,  such   an  ;rmistico^o  be  C- 

t.nucMl  for  a  limited  tune,  or  until  our  negotiations  at  Gottenburg  aJe  broken 

of},  or  until  either  party  shall  give  reasonable  notice  that  it  slfall  cea«e    i 

speak  of  the   probable  i,ssue  from    what  our  government  would   agree  to 

and  what  ,t  may  well  be  supposed  the  JJritish  government  would  not  a'ree 

0  e  .nantime  superiority  of  Or^.t  Britain  she  will  not  yield   bYa^i 

„       T    T  ri  •        ,  iour  Irieud,  as  ever, 

Hon.  J.  J.  Crittenden.  q^^^^^  j^,   ^^^^^ 

U.  Col.  Jno.  R.  Femoick  to  Col.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer 
My  dear  Colonel,  ^^^  y^^^  ^, 

It  would  appear  that  the  man,  who  draws  his  Sword  for  the  1  efenct  of 
h,8  Country's  honor  and  welfare  is  doomed  to  Suffer  in  l/ody   Mind  ind 
Fortune.     I  can  Sm.le  at  Pain,  created  in  the  path  of  Glory    I  soS^  ?t 
was  my  duty      I  can  submit  without  murmu;  to  the  Sevie  Dec.'Ves  of 
Justice,  bu     I  abhor  Villainy,  and    Persecution.     The  Miscre^^uTwho 
during  our  \\  estern  Campaign,  in  vain  sat  their  Snares  to  entn  P  me  pur- 
enie  n.meven  to  the  threshold  of  power  ;  and  under  th.  ba  e^lSeCe 
tleir  Avarice  are  determined,  since  they  cannot  assail  my  KeputaUon 
attempt  my  llu.n  by  filching  me  of  my  property,  to  pay  for  Z^w   "eh 
they  never  owned  and  if  they  did,  I  had  never  injured      Secretlv   but 

eSrZ'lw7  ^^'^^r-J'^^  '\'''''  ''''''  ^^''  ta\en  postesTo  '^f  S 
eioct  that  liattery,  which  as  you  know  not  only  .saved  Nia-ara   bnt  nVn 

ueed  the  Destruction  of  Port  George,  that  my'holding  p^  s^  .^ion  of  ?1  is' 
Salt,  produced  to  Mr.  Augustus  li.  Porter  a  Loss  of  1400  Dollars      T  u^ 

til    r  f "  i"r''""fr  "''^\^  ^^^''"'•"*'-  ''  ^he  Departm  at  of  ^t 
whifh  he  found  he  could  not  substantiate  in  a  (>,,,t  of  Justice      Youto 

e"'f„;:-;rd   tf^-^""-  T""  ''^"f-^'r^  ^"""^'  '"«  ^-m-and'^muS 
fh  ,  /      ^  Circumstances  which  relate  to  this  Case.     You  will 

ceru  ug  the  Salt  of  which  so  much  has  been  said  with  so  little  truth  from 

in  cluie^s  —  thus  these  people  impose  upon  honest  Folks  '  ^ 

mp  n!"  ^°?  1"'^  ^  ^'"^'""^  ^'''''™  °'^'"  ^^•i  ^"'^"d  Wilkinson  ?  Pray  write  to 
mjoou.    I  beg  you  to  accept  the  assurance  of  my  Sincere  loIteJm  and 

Col.  Solomou  Van  llensselaer,  Albany.  '^°''''  ^'-  ^^^  '"''''■ 


'I 


i 


1 


818 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


U 


h' 


"  Gonoml  Wilkinson,  by  an  ordor  from  tho  War  Depiirtinont,  on  March 
24,  IMI4,  wuM  ruliovud  of  tlio  coiupjuml  of  tho  iirmy  in  tlio  !X'|mrtnii!iit  uf 
tho  North,  imd  liiH  comluot  whilo  in  commuud  of  that  district  wum  subso- 
uucntly  couimitted  to  tlio  Bccurin}^  of  a  court  inartiul.     IJo  proved  that 
during  tho  most  imporUuit  operations  of  tho  diHastrous  campaign,  which 
ondod  at  French  Mills,  tho  War  Department^  in  tho  person  of  Minister 
Armstrong,  was  on   the  Northern  frontier,  and  that  he  aotod  under  the 
Becrotury's  inimodiiito  instructions.    These  proofs  being  positive,  Wilkinsoa 
was  acquitted,  and  the  public  placed  tho  chief  blamo,  where  it  seemed  to 
properly  belonir,  on  the  Wur  Department.     Jiiko   Harrison,  who  had  felt 
the  janeful   effects  of  the  administration  of  that  department,  Wilkinson 
threw  up   his  commission    in  disgust."     General  .John   Armstrong  was 
called,  in  an  evil  hour,  to  assist  in  tho  administration  of  tho  goveruuieDt, 
during  the  arduous  and  eventful   period  of  our  second  war  with  Great 
IJritain.     As  the  head  of  the  war  department,  he  I.ad  it  in  his  power  to 
perpetrate  the  most  extensive  mi.schief,  not  only  by  his  want  of  capiieity, 
but  in  the  indulgence  of  an  unhappy,  restless,  and  malignant  temper;  a 
power  which  he  did  not  spare  to  use,  at  first  to  the  oppression  of  ail  in. 
dividuals  whom  he  honored  with  his  enmity,  and  finally  to  tho  disgrace 
and  degradation  of  his  country.    His  interference  with  tho  plana  of  General 
Wilkinson  may  servo  as  a  commentary  on  this  text. 

General  Wilkinson  wished  to  attack  Kingston,  and  there  rest  for  the 
winter  in  good  quarters,  to  organize  the  different  departments  of  the  army, 
build  boats,  &c.,  and  carry  Montreal  early  in  the  spring.  This  delay  could 
not  operate  against  us ;  as  the  St.  J^awrence  opens  between  the  two  places 
before  it  does  below,  the  attack  could  have  been  made  before  any  reiuforce- 
ments  could  arrive  from  Europe.  If  Gen.  Wilkinson  had  been  suffered 
to  take  his  cou.-se  the  IJritish  fleet  at  Kingston  would  have  fallen  into  his 
bands,  and  the  millions  of  dollars  afterwards  expended  in  ship  building 
for  the  two  lakes  would  been  saved  the  country;  but  the  secretary  was 
on  the  spot  and  manocuvered  to  defeat  his  plain.  It  was  said  he  had  an 
eye  on  the  presidency,  and  if  Montreal  could  be  taken  that  season,  it 
would  facilitate  his  object,  for  if  successful  ho  would  have  assumed  all  the 
credit;  as  it  was,  he  managed  to  avoid  the  responsibility  by  throwing  all 
the  blame  on  poor  Wilkinson. 

Our  country  was  fated  to  purchase  its  release  from  the  hand  of  this 
functionary,  at  no  less  a  sacrifice  than  the  overthrow  and  sacking  of  the 
national  capital,  by  a  feeble  and  insulting  foe.  Here  justice  did  overtake 
him ;  and,  finding  that  no  artifice  could  suflico  to  enable  him  to  throw  off 
the  just  responsibilities  of  the  position  he  had  occupied,  he  passed  into 
retirement.  The  affair  at  Bladensburgh,  August  24, 1814,  occurred  under 
General  Armstrong's  own  immediate  supervision  as  secretary  of  war. 

In  this  case,  although  an  attack  had  been  long  apprehended,  a  much 
larger  force,  it  is  true,  than  absolutely  required  for  the  purpose  of  repelling 
it,  was  collected,  but  no  organization  or  system  of  defense  having  been 
arranged,  our  army,  composed  of  the  regular  cavalry,  artillery,  infantry, 
and  a  large  body  of  militia,  were  disgracefully  routed  without  a  show  of 
fight,  except  from  the  gallant  Commodore  Joshua  Barney,  by  compara- 
tively a  handful  of  British  troops,  who  were  exhausted  by  the  fatigue  of  a 
long  forced  march.  Near  three  weeks  before  the  attack  was  made  upon 
Washington,  I  received  a  letter  from  an  officer  of  high  rank  in  the  army, 
who  writes,  "  such  is  the  want  of  preparation  for  acfense  at  this  place, 
that  three  thousand  men  can  destroy  it."     Can  ifc  be  supposed  for  a  moiucut 


Leoaoy  op  HrsToRroAL  Qleaninqs. 


819 


that  if  (Ion.  Arin^t 


rmi;,',  tlio  dispenser  tii 


jf  h 


.1  I    1    -I      •,.'"'.  .7  — ' ■  "•""""'   "uiiurs  and  prnmotion^  in 

ho  army,  had   .dent.faed   himself  with  our    tro„p«,  they   would   have  ro- 

reutcMl  «„  the  approach  of  the  enemy  ?  No  nevof  !  yet  he  was  an.on,"  the 

i.nt  to   net  the   cowardly  exan.ple.     If  a  n.ore  manly  oourne   had  been 

pursued,  thouKh  driven  fron.  the  tirnt  «tand,  the  road  piing  over  a  roll  ,!« 

country  skirted  by  woods,  afforded  many  positions,  er  ually^s  etro,  «  aid 

an  admirably  calculated  for  the  most  effcclivo  disposilion  Jf  the  dilrent 

kinds  of   troops  emp  byed,  and  they  might  have  fallen  back   fromone 

poH.fon  to  another  with  equal  advantage  and  have  harranne.!  even  aTarZ 

or  0  of  the  enemy,  so  that  they  never  could  have  reached  Washington 

u  had  every  effort  under  this  course  failed,  a  f.^y  hundred  men    hrown 

to  the  oap.tol   would  have  saved  the  city.     The  six  pounders  used  bj 

tl«  enemy,  could  have  made  no  in.prension  upon  the  walls  of  this  building 

wlalo  a  brjHk  fire    rem  Us  win.lows  and  from'  the  stone  parapet  surround- 

m^  .ts  roof,  would  eflectually  have  arrested   their  progress^    The  same 

defenses  might  have  been  made  at  the  president's  house:  flanked  as  it  w"s 

on  the  left.      I  he  navy-yard  was  equally  susceptible  of  defense.  ^ 

Ihe  ofiic.a   report  of  Major-gc  >eral  Koss,  the  British  commander  says- 

'J  he  enemy  8  army,  amounting  to  eight  or  nine  thousand  men,  with'  tluee 
or  four  hundred  cavalry,  was  under  the  command  of  Gene  al  Winder 
bong  formed  of  troops  drawn  from  Baltimore  and  Pennsylvania  His  aS 
lery,  ten  pieces  of  which  fell  into  our  hands,  was  commanded  by  Con  modte 
Barney,  who  was  wounded  and  taken  prisoner.     The  artille^ry  I  d?  eS 

0  be  destroyed.     Having  halted  the  army  for  a  short  time,  I  deter  inned 
to  march  upon  VVashington,  and  reached  that  city  at  eight  o'clock   that 
n.^  t.    Judging  It  of  consequence  to  complete  the  destruction  o   the  puS 
1.C  buddings  with  the  least  possible  delay,%o  that  the  army  mtht  re   re 
mTJZ  1„c,"5'-  *^^«j'^''--gb"il'ii4s  were  set  fire  to  a'nd  c"onsuS 
IheUpitol    including  the  Senate  House  and  House  of  llepresentatives 
Uie  Arsenal,  the   Dock-yard,  Treasury,  War-Office,   President's  Pallce' 
B  pe-walk,  and  the  great  Bridge  across  the  Potowmack  :  in  the  dockyard  a 

r^a  e  nearly  ready  to  be  launched,  and  a  sloop  of  war,  were  eoLumed  " 
in    British  destroyed  the  "  barracks  for  almost  three  thousand   tmors 

nd  per  ormed  deeds  worthy  of  barbarians ;  after  remaining  till  the  ei 
eut  of  devastation  was  sufficient  to  satiate  even  their  vandalism  in  their 
ovu  time  returned  unmolested  to  their  shipping."  ""''"^«».  i"  t^^eir 

Johi;  LoveU  to  Solomon  Van  Eemselaer 
My  Dear  Colonel,  Washington  Nov.  12   1814 

-i  r  rpl'sEilT"  'h  "'  ''^^'■'"'■^  Gharacters,  last  winter  -  bear'them  ihe 
pZ,i.t^  K      .      T^"""^  'Jommenced,  freely,  with   Majorku  men,  on  that 

Sun   i  ^  ^' M     •{"''  P"'"'"'^  "*  ""^  ^^^^  '»«"••'  11  ^'^l^^'k  Saturday  Sight 
Suppose,  on    Monday  next,   a  motion  to  dismiss  from  service  Generals 
Dearborn,  Wilkinson  and  Lewis &c.  &c.  !  !  ha   ha-  what  thin  i  Tff.« 

yon  know  enough  of  all  these  wretched  leeches  —  Adieu. 


John  Lovett. 


I  can. 
I  want  poor  Erotic's  SeaF—  my  Son  has  it. 
boloiiion  Van  Rensselaer,  Adjutant  General. 

"The  invasion  which  resulted  in  the  capture  of  Washinc-ton  citv    th« 

o'Akr'/'^  public  buldings  and  nav/yard,  the  sur  eiTd  r  a  7pl^|! 
aerot  Alexandria  was  simnlu  ^.!,rKnr,^.,o   «^a  „„..„.j  .j  .        <.      i"u|jiun 
and  huniiliflftnn  ^f  *k     a^""  •" .'  '"     ^""=^"  "^t:  profound  regret 

humiliation  of  the  American  people.     The  slight  resistance  offered 


If  s 

-1 

i 

■  '] 

'i 

i    1  ' 

'^^Hj 

1  ■■   ' 

B 

'I 

^B 

i^^^li 

!^H' 

^ 

I^Bi 

r 

I^^Hj 

'H 

i  K' , 

Hi: 

n 


320 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


to  the  invaders  during  their  operations  in  the  space  of  twelve  days 
excited  great  surprise,  alarm  and  indignation.  The  national  honor  re- 
quired an  investigation,  and  early  in  the  next  session  of  congress  a  com- 
mittee for  that  purpose  wns  appointed  by  the  house  of  representatives. 
Their  report  exculpated  the  president  and  Gentral  Winder,  but  left  con- 
gress and  the  people  to  form  their  own  judgment  from  the  facts  pre- 
sented. 

The  extent  of  devastation  practiced  by  the  ungenerous  victors  brought 
a  heavy  censure  upon  the  British  character,  not  only  in  America,  but  out 
the  Continent  of  Europe,  it  was  condemned  in  unmeasured  terms," 

Intelligence  of  the  capture  of  Washington  city,  reached  New  York  on 
the  28th  of  August,  three  days  after  that  sad  occurrence.  The  zeal  and  patr 
riotism  of  the  citizens  were  increased  thereby.  In  General  Orders,  Dan- 
iel I).  Tompkins,  governor  of  the  state  of  New  York,  who  had  been  un- 
tiring in  his  exertions  for  the  public  good,  called  on  the  inhabitants  tu 
send  arms  of  every  description  to  the  State  Arsenal,  where  all  fit  for  ser- 
vice would  be  paid  for.  The  call  was  promptly  answered.  New  York  was 
likewise  fearfully  excited  by  apprehensions  of  danger  during  the  summer 
and  autumn  of  1814.  The  mayor  of  the  city,  De  Witt  Clinton,  issued  a 
stirring  address  to  the  people.  He  recomended  the  militia  to  hold  them- 
selves in  readiness  for  duty,  and  called  upon  the  citizens  to  offer  their 
personal  services  and  means  cheerfu''y  to  the  United  States  officers  in 
command  there,  to  aid  in  the  complei.on  of  the  unfinished  fortification 
around  the  city. 

Colonel  Van  Rensselaer  was  still  suffering  from  his  severe  wounds,  and 
had  only  been  able  to  leave  off  using  crutches  a  short  time  previous.  He  was 
not,  however,  placed  in  battle  array  against  the  enemy  again  at  this  place, 
as  the  expected  invasion  was  not  attempted,  he  therefore  returned  this 
time  without  any  additional  scars  to  his  family.  At  the  close  of  1814 
active  war  had  ceased  at  the  North  but  now  its  chief  theatre  of  operations 
was  in  Louisiana  and  on  the  ocean.  On  the  11th  of  September,  fciir 
George  Prevost  with  an  army  of  fourteen  thousand  men,  made  a  descent 
upon  Plattsburg  and  after  a  severe  engagment  was  compelled  to  retire 
with  great  loss.  The  British  fleet,  under  Commodore  Downie,  was  capt- 
tured  by  Commodore  Macdonough,  on  the  same  day.  The  war  was  ter- 
minated by  the  treaty  of  Ghent,  signed  by  the  commissioners  of  both 
countries,  December  24th,  1814. 

8ol.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife. 
My  dear  Harriet.  New  York,  14th  November  1864. 

The  Governor  is  in  his  new  quarters  with  all  his  suit ;  we  have  an  elegant 
establishment;  live  in  perfect  harmony,  and  in  style;  much  to  do  and 
attend  strictly  to  all  duties.  "  Pouey  "  as  you  call  him,  got  down  safe,  but 
was  eight  days  on  board  in  all  that  storm  :  he  is  the  finest  horse  here,  and 
much  admired,  as  well  as  his  rider  I  I  wish  our  poor  little  Mag's  broken 
arm  was  well  kiss  her  for  me.  If  there  is  no  attack  on  this  place  this 
fall,  (and  none  is  expected)  I  shall  be  with  you  in  a  few  weeks  when  the 
Governor  will  return  to  Albany.  The  Militia  are  sickly,  and  heartily  tired 
of  a  military  li.'e,  desertions  are  frequent  and  furloughs  asked  for  by  doz- 
ens every  day.  We  have  visited  the  fortifications  at  the  Hook,  Narrows, 
this  Island  and  on  the  3rd  while  on  this  duty  on  Long  Island  the  Gover- 
nor's horse  fell  with  him  in  the  ditch  of  Fort  Greene  a  liight  of  ten  feet, 
without  much  injury.  Ho  dislocated  his  thumb  and  otherwise  is  a  little 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  321 

bruised,  but  not  so  much  as  to  prevent  him  from  attending,  to  dutv    hnf 

e  ma<  ea  very  narrow  escape.     He  treats  me  very  civMly  and  insistdthn 

I  should  take  up  niv  nuartors  whli  1,;..,   ,.  u-  i    /  ,. ,  'v' '"'^ '"•^••^tea  that 

uiiue  will  be  at  the^Tb  Ic  expensranS  ,L°/''' T'^  '^'=,'''  ^^"  ''' 
n.y  time  is  taken  up  in  my  nrofess  on  T  tt  T-V  '!5'  '"'"'^^  *«•  ^H 
General.  All  exprLs  th^i^satisfrti^n  ^  \-'^  'u^  ""'  ''  ^^J"*^"* 
fideuce  is  placed  in  rr^eTvlfrnrK-f  "^  ^  n""  'i'''"'  ^"^  ™"«''  ««"- 
tl:e  Ilecorde'r  Hoffmar^i  (  a  a/jfpt;.^;'^-^,^^."  ^^.^  6th  I  dmed  with 
SoD-in-Lawof  Mr.Rayand  on  thefthZul'n  V  n  m  ^''^^.^'^h  King  the 

that  I  command  their  Br^^ade     T  h..^  i^  R^S'«^ents  on  condition 

S-^  ?.txS  Si' ?  -?^?orr.T. 

at  Utiea  on  account  of  the  witt^s  bei"  "a   t  efch      wTlkl^    ^  •"  •'' 

e'en.  Fare  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife. 

Ye^terdiv  yr^r,  A        rr     .       „    ^^'^  ^'^'■'^>  ^Oth  November,  1814 
Ivi'lAecni    Lr^^'^'^S^^^^  ^'^'  •»  the  Steam  Boat  for 

^^tisa  d  wff;.^'  ;i1     "^^^  «f  ^'^f  Governor,  &e„  like  a   man,  much 
'«lH.^    t       stnd     J'lfT''  '""^  ^'''  ^1''^  -loternuned  to  attond'closely 


51 


41 


juse  were  much  pleased  with  him,  he 


IS  a 


^r 


322 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings, 


fine  boy.     Kensselaer  arrived  here  on  the  24th  and  was  delighted  with 
the  Parade,  he  staid  with  us  at  Head  quarters  and  on  the  26th  went  down 
with  the  Governor  and  his  son  (who  are  very  civil  to  him)  to  Staten 
Island  to  see  the  fortifications ;  and  I  took  him  to  see  every  thin"'  worth 
seeing  on  his  return.     On  the  25th  we  had  a  splendid  day ;  ten  thousand 
troops  were  under  arms,  marched  through  thj  City  and  were  reviewed  by 
the  Governor,  after  which  we  dined  in  the  City  Hall  by  invitation  from 
the  Corporation.     I  wrote  you  that  in   two  or  three  weeks  the   Militia 
would  be  discharged  all  idea  of  an  attack  from  the  enemy  being  given  up- 
after  which  Governor  Tompkins  would  return  to  Albany,  and  I  should  be 
made  once  more  happy  in  the  bosom  of  my  Harriet  and   our  little  ones. 
You  know  I  delight  in  a  Military  life,  but  never  can  I  be  at  ease  without 
you  —  my  Wife  and  my  Sword  must  go  hand  in  hand.  Tompkins  is  friendly 
and  sociable  as  ever,  and  although  our  separation  is  painful,  much  good 
will  come  out  of  it  I  am  sure.     As  the  Militia  are  now  all  discharged-  I 
asked  permission,  last  night  of  the  Governor  to  return  home  on  Saturday 
on  the  ground  that  there  was  now  not  much  to  do.     He  told  me  if  I  had 
business  of  Importance  to  attend  to,  he  had  no  objections,  but  he  preferred 
that  I  should  stay  until  the  following  Saturday.     He  wished  to  consult  as 
to  future  operations  after  his  dinner  parties,  (which  are  now  three  times 
a  week)  were  over,  and  then  we  would  go  together.    I  of  course  acquiesced 
as  he  is  every  thing  to  me  I  could  wish,  and  as  the  chain   between  him 
and  Tyburn  is  broke,  I  am  certain  he  will  act  a  manly  and  Independent 
part. 

Yesterday  abou:  twenty-two  officers  dined  with  us.  Armstrong  was 
one  of  the  party.  I  designedly  was  the  last  in  the  room,  and  entered  it 
after  most  of  the  Company  bad  taken  their  seats  in  Military  order  to  see 
if  my  place  at  the  Head  of  the  table  was  kept  vacant.  The  moment  I 
entered  the  Governor  asked  me  to  take  the  head  of  the  table.  I  had  him 
and  Armstrong  on  my  right;  the  latter  old  rascal  and  others  stared,  and 
all  who  knew  how  I  had  been  treated  by  him,  were  gratified.  Our  horses 
I  fear  will  have  a  bad  time  of  it  in  this  storm  ;  let  me  know  when  they 
reach  you;  and  I  will  thank  you  to  let  some  one  ride  my  horse  morn- 
ing and  evening  about  the  hill  in  view  of  the  house,  for  I  fear  he  will  be 
stiflF.  Let  them  lead  him  out  of  the  back  stable  door,  as  he  mpy  get  injured 
in  front,  as  it  is  high  from  the  ground.  Give  directions  that  my  horse  is 
not  brought  out  of  the  stable  to  water  until  my  return  as  he  is  fond  of 
play  he  may  get  hurt;  let  them  carry  water  to  him  and  they  must  not 
give  him  too  much  grain.  This  day  J.  R.  V.  Rensselaer  and  myself 
dined  at  Mr.  Coles,  and  I  have  invitations  for  every  day  in  the  week  when 
the  Governor  has  no  company.  All  this  would  be  pleasant  if  you  were 
only  with  me ;  if  I  return  in  the  Spring  you  must  break  up  housekeeping, 
then  you  and  the  two  girls  accompany  me  and  the  rest  go  to  school.  Tell 
Mag  I  have  her  Doll  and  other  pretty  things  for  her;  how  happy  I  am  to 
find  by  your  letter  that  her  broken  arm  is  mending ;  kiss  the  dear  children 
for  me.     Adieu  for  a  few  days  longer  —  truly  yours 

Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Mrs.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Mount  Hope. 


■11 


LmAc^  OF  Historical  GLEANiNGr.. 


323 


N  Rensselaer. 


CHAPTER  XV. 
Honors  to  Maj.  Gen.  Richard  Montgomery. 

Eon.  John  Lovett  to  Sol.  Van  Semselaer. 
My  dear  Colonel,  tit-    u-     ^      r,  ,    -^ 

iu  .,eda„i;,ab„„ethe  wo.Id  so  rtafmffhe  i'tfalL. 

,..st,on  ha,  been   whether  we  should  notice  any  oK  concerned  in  anv 

once  agreea  to  —  1  have  this  day  reversed  t  —  at  least  I  think  so      A  t  p 1 1 
events  you  will  stand  with  IIonLr.     I  think  also  wUh  a  X^.i  of  vour 

111.  ';°"°r^^'y-     ^'^  ;  can,  as  you  know,  with  wife  and  ei-ht  on  mv 

Solomon  \  aa  Rensselaer,  Esq.  J.  LoVett. 

Son.  John  Lomtt  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
My  dear  Colonel  Washington,  20th  Februarv  1815 

You  must  pardon  mj  seeming  neglect  of  you.  '  Although  1^1'  as  sij;nt 
ere  as  a  seamstress,  I  am  by  no  means  idle  ;  and  since  our  glorious  cha„l 
ot  prospects  we  have  all  to  work  double  tides  at  the  heel  of  th^W  ° 

nm  t  of  our  happy  change  of  circumstances.     To  accomplish  this  treat 
fclt7v'YhT""" '^  pulling  with  their  best  oars /and,  happy^  for 

anv  ;S't  '''  ""'^  P".'  '"S  ^'th  ■'^^^^^^  and  hearty  unanimity 

at  any  late  I  can   assure  you  this  is  the  case  in  Military  Committee  we 

petite  ;i;rt'th?1  ^'"V"^.-^"'  ^^^"^  ^^^  ^^«^»^«^^'    ^^-  "n    eadu; 

S  r  rt  P     1?'  '^"^■"^  of  this  committee  are  of  a  most  extensive  and  im^ 

im  ot  ""T*^"?'"'^  important  to  40,000  individuals  and  uT 

SSp   "'  r?"ur'?'^  ^^'''""  those  deep  interests  involved  in   the 

iilitary  Peace  Establishment  of  our  Country      Part  of  thp  Armv  i    f  .1 

(lisbanded,  and  satisfacf.rv  nrovi-iop   „,.,^,,  ^  tWm  k^-  •       ^"^ 

wbekentnn  m„af  k-.    ff  !-•''■"  "'^''-/'>r  them  •— the  establiaUment 

"t  Kept  up,  must  be  effectually  organized  &c. 


324 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


John  Lovett. 


An  important  duty  remains  also  to  be  performed  to  memories  of  the 
pliant  dead,  and  to  tlio  livin-,'  who  have  distinouished  themselves.  This 
IS  a  most  delicate  and  trying  task  —  we  know  wo  cannot  do  justice:   but 

we  must  do  as  well  as  we  can. 
Upon  this  subject  we  have  already 
submitted  some  resolutions  to  the 
house  ;  tomorrow  we  shall  submit 
more.     Suffice  it  for^ow  to  know 
that  your  name  will  appear  at  the 
head  of  a  catalogue  in  which  the 
names  of  Gibson  —  Wood  —  Fen- 
wick —  MonUjomcry  &o.  will  fol- 
low.     What  will  be  the  disposi- 
tion  of  the  house,  remains  to  be 
seen  —  it  is  happy  for  me  that  in 
committee  there  is  no  diversity  of 
sentiment  respecting  my  friend. 
One  thing  I  venture  to  assure 
you,  you  will  go  oxit  of  the  house 
as  you  go  in  :  with  honor  ;  but, 
whether  with,  or  without  a  Swonl 
I  can't  predict.    Nor  is  it  of  first 
importance;  you  know  that /made 
a  most  excellent  officer  without  a 
sword.     To  be  sure  the  British 
,  r  r-  1        .  ,       ,    ,  ^^'"^^  Officers  used  to  stare  a  little, 

and  I  (in  my  sleeve)  laughed  a  little ;  but  I  did  my  duty,  that  was  enouHi 
As  to  the  compensation  to  be  made  to  that  party  of  the  army  which  wilfbe 
disbanded;  and  the  numerical  force  of  our  peace  establishment,  there  are 
many  various  and  conflicting  opinions.  Some  most  extravagant  ones  have 
been  submitted,  one  of  these  proposes  40  Hkeleton  regiments  of  Infantry 
and  ot  Artillery  one  !  Fine  apportionment  for  Garrison  duty. 

On  these  several  subjects  I  can  only  give  you  a  sketch  of  what  has  just 
been  unanimously  agreed  upon  in  our  committee,  this  evening,  and  we 
shall  report  a  Bill,  subject  to  amendments  in  the  house  as  usual.  To  the 
part  ot  the  army  to  be  disbanded  immediatclj ,  we  give  three  months  Pay. 
Iheir  grants  ot  Land  in  the  following  proportion  :  To  all  those  Officers 
who  have  been  i^ix  months  in  service  (you  know  many  have  been  appointed 
within  that  period)  we  give  :  Major  Gens.  25G0   Acres.    Brig    Genls. 

;?i  •,  r.'-  p.''''-  ''"'^  ^''''^^-  ^'*^'«-  1-80  Acres.  Majors  960  Acres. 
(While  this  subject  was  uirder  discussion,  I  could  have  wished  you  in  the 
corner.  Depend  upon  it,  all  parties  think  alike  of  some  Old  Ftuhes.) 
Captains  640  Acres.  Lieuts.  and  Ens.  480  Acres.  Privates  320  Acres. 
You  see  we  have  Lot  preserved  the  relative  proportions  either  to  rank  or 
pay  ;  we  could  not.  The  fact  is  the  enormous  bounty  given  to  our  sohlim 
destroys,  ot  necessity,  all  just  proportion ;  for  had  we  undertaken  to  carry 
the  thing  out  per  scale,  we  must  have  purchased  he  Moon  and,  for  aught 
1  know,  even  JtJercur)/  to  have  made  out  premises.  I  confess  I  think  the 
latter  planet  would  aiford  excellent  location  for  soldiers.  Indeed  I  think 
yoursc//  would  mightily  enjoy  a  snug  Manor,  and  a  iMount  Hope  farm  up 
there.  ^  ^ 

inT.lln  V"™!"'".^^  '''■"f'*^'^  **^  continue  the  Military  Peace  Establishment  at 
10,000,  leaving  it  to  the  Secretary  nf  War  to  .say  h.ow  it  shall  be  apportioned. 


3S. 

a  memories  of  the 
themselves.     This 
ot  do  justice:  hut 
IS  well  as  we  can, 
ect  we  have  already 
e  resolutions  to  the 
•ow  we  shall  submit 
I  it  for  1/ou  to  know 
e  will  appear  at  the 
logue  in  which  the 
m  —  Wood  —  Fen- 
ornery  &o.  will  fol- 
ill  be  the  disposi- 
)use,  remains  to  be 
ppy  for  me  that  in 
"e  is  no  diversity  of 
)ecting  my  friend, 
venture  to  assure 
;o  out  of  the  house 
with  honor;  but, 
)r  without  a  Sword 
■    Nor  is  it  of  first 
u  know  that /made 
'o^oer  WITHOUT  a 
sure  the  British 
led  to  stare  a  little, 
,  that  was  enough. 
rniy  which  will  be 
shment,  there  are 
ivagaut  ones  have 
iients  of  Infantry, 
duty. 

I  of  what  has  just 
evening,  and  we 

as  usual.  To  the 
hree  months  Pay. 
all  those  Officers 
ve  been  appointed 
es.  Brig.  Genls. 
ajors  960  Acres. 
ivished  you  in  the 
me  Old  Fudijes.) 
■ivates  320  Acres. 
either  to  rank  or 
/en  to  our  sold krs 
dertaken  to  carry 
on  and,  for  aught 
infess  I  think  the 
Indeed  I  think 
int  Hope  farm  up 

Establishment  at 

II  be  apportioned. 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  826 

eno'  for  An  old  slldier.     In  hasr-ever  Jourl  '  "^  ^'''''  '  '^'''' 

Colonel  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Adjutant  General.  '^'''''  ^'''''"• 

Hon.  John  Lovett  to  Solomon  Van  RensHdaer. 
Pear  (Jolonel,  -nr    i.-  ^  , 

Among  others,        John  LovEir. 
Resolutions  expressive  of  the  sense  entertained  bv  Con«res»  nf  t),.  r.T 
ZSi'sf  t"";"  1"°''"'='  "'"■  "'"«'■  ""»  KeputS  of  ?reTm*  U t 

.-.,.ed  to  a  oon..itte^e  of  S^HoKnt  '  xUtSte'^Itl-a^ 

Appling,  :ienten;,„t  oolonel  MiSl,*      I  W  I  ia.r  and°"°e  pLtt 
layior;  and  that  the  president  of  thp  Tlnit^H  '^f..f.o  i  capwin  L. 

..  elegant  s„ord  to  d  presen^°d\;':a^b°"o'?'lbfreS:inSs..'°  """ 
Judge  Van  Ness  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

•^6'"'  Sir,  vr  -IT       I       ^         , 

I  .rote  to  ,„„  from  Claveraeh  on  the  1  h  1  wLh^d'to  h.  I'  ''"' 

t     k  Udt  .r        r  "r^'J"""'"^^  ^"  *^'^  attachment  or    onfidence 
1  milk  It  due  to  you  to  make  th  s  communication      Tf  is  of  fV,„  >J'"uence, 

-H.ent  .hat  nothing  should  be  said  abor^t  a"  comii?  rl  me"'  '"' 
•  The  ■•  ,i.y,at  sword,"  however,  was  never  presented  tt^^^Jil^aRTus^^i^^r 


fi 


'^' 


\ 


326 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


lift 


can  contribute  to  get  patronage  fr  ./ilkinson's  work,i  I  will  do  it  — my 
efforts  will  be  circumscribed  however,  for  reasons  which  I  will  detail  when 
I  see  you.  The  course  1  am  to  pm-sue  in  relation  to  the  next  Election 
will  be  decided  in  a  few  days  here.  1  think  from  present  appearances,  it 
is  after  all,  not  improbable  that  I  shall  be  let  off.  You  may  rely  upon  it, 
that  W  —  s  views  in  relation  to  the  Presidential  question  are  wholly  incor- 
rect and  his  plans  completely  impracticable.  We  never  can  support 
Tompkins  and  as  for  Clinton  he  is  so  perfectly  torpid  that  nothing  can  be 
done  by  or  for  him.  I  would  prefer  Monroe  to  Tompkins,  Wilkinson  is 
a  better  Soldier  than  Politician.  His  plans  are  visionary  you  may  rely 
upon  it.     I  enclose  his  letter  which  is  a  very  interesting  one. 

Yours  very  sincerely,  in  great  haste. 

W.  W.  Van  Ness. 
Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Esqr.,  Adjutant  General,  Albany. 

Gen.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
My  Dear  Friend,  New  Vork  Feb.  18,  1816. 

I  owe  you  an  apology  for  not  sooner  answering  your  letter.  I  assure 
you  it  was  not  from  want  of  attachment.  You  will  believe  me  when  I 
assure  you,  that  next  to  my  own  family  you  are  most  dear  to  me.  I  have 
been  engaged  in  a  round  of  company,  and  part  of  the  time  the  children 
have  been  indisposed  with  severe  colds.  Nothing  would  give  lae  greiter 
pleasure  than  to  see  you  rewarded  by  our  Country,  for  your  services,  at 
least  our  Country  ought  to  take  the  lead  in  placing  you  in  Congress  or 
the  Legislature  as  you  may  select.  I  have  long  since  determined  to  retire, 
at  least  for  the  present  from  the  bustle  of  public  life.  I  return  Wilkin- 
son's letter  —  I  hope  he  will  give  an  impartial  account  of  our  affair  and  I 
do  not  fear  the  investigation  either  as  it  respects  courage  or  conduct.  I 
am  conscious  of  our  having  acted  from  the  best  of  motives  and  feel  proud 
that  our  enemies  cannot  attach  any  disgrace  on  either  of  us  notwithstand- 
ing their  endeavours.  I  am  happy  to  hear  that  Rensselaer  improves  — 
keep  him  to  his  studies.  I  want  him  to  have  a  regular  education.  Ke- 
member  me  to  your  good  wife  and  daughters  and  believe  me 

Col.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer, )  Yours  truly 

Ad.  General,  Albany.         )  S.  V.  Rensselaer. 

Henry  K.  V  Rensselaer,  B.  0. 
DrED  —  This  morning — Monday,  Sept.  9,  1816.     General  Henry  K. 
Van  Rens.selaer,  in  the  73d  year  of  his  age.     His  friends  and  acquaint- 
ance, are  requested  to  attend  his  funeral,  tomorrow  afternoon,  at  3  oclock, 
from  his  late  residence. 

On  Tuesday  the  10th,  his  funeral  solemnities  were  attended,  by  a  large 
concourse  of  citizens,  and  by  a  masonic  and  military  procession  in  the 
following  order: 

Capt.  Olmsted's  City  Guards, 

Capt.  Judson's  Volunteer  Infantry 

Capt.  Stilwell's  Artillery 

Under  the  command  of  Capt.  Ira  Jenkins,  and  Adjutant  Gilbert, 

and  accompanied  by  the  Albany  Band  of  Music 

with  drums  muffled,  &c. 

'  The  "  Memoirs  of  My  Own  Times  by  Gen.  James  Wilkinson."  were  published 
in  1816,  the  next  year. 


327 


)n,"  were  published 


Lkgacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 

Albany  Military  Associ.ition  in  full  uniform 
n      .    .        „  M:isonic  Procession 

Consisting  of  Masters,  Temple  and  Mount  Vernon  Lodges, 
i'all  supported  by  eiyht  officers  of  the 
War  of  Independence,  Viz  : 
Sf3,    T"?*^""'  «  Matthew   rrotter, 

JohnH-We^ndell  6         ITlo^^^' 

Gen.  Van  Rensselaer's  Horse, 

Suitably  comparisoned,  and  led  by  two  servants  dressed 

m  mourning  with  white  turbans. 

Mourners.-  Clergy.-  Physicians.-  Citizens. 

After  a  solemn  and  eloquent  prayer  by  the  Rev  Dr  Kr^Hft..^   ♦!, 

ETc'Tlh  'T  ""^  r^i  Autanttne/al  Solo™  vl  'lllrZ- 

Jaer,  SOU  ot  thi    deceased,  in  North  Pearl  strppt    flirm,„K  a     *i-    i^      i 

ZT  BaVr  f  "•  "^  'r''  -r.Uhrdt.;„t7a  „i  e"    o^T 
.hen  th.  usial  n„.„oic  bo&S  e»  »7e  poZLed  t"!  ^      H^'°°'  P'""!' 

The  scene  was  thn.aghout  solemn  and  imoresfiivp      Thn  «<.,».„ 
conducted  with  great  order  and  decor.  n,f hi      ..l,''^  ceremonies  were 

though  made  on  fhort  m'fce,  were  ex  cu^Tin  a  ^e'  v ^  ?"'°°''"^"^^' 

jlTf  ^^"  liensselaer  went  early  into  the  Army  during  the  War  of 
Officers,'and  particutrl;  oTth   CoSiltriTcm^^^^^         ''  ^"  '^"'^^ 

er  ninety-ninth  birth  day  rth^Sh  darof  oltober'm  tr.'^^'"'^ 
residencein  RnnrlnlrvV,   m  v       j  •'^.       wcioner  l»74,  at  her  son  s 

w  co„stlEi^;lri4far»:'" '''"'*'■'''."!'' "'"-''-- 

'Jet.  25, 1875.]       "  ""•'  "    "  geuciutiuns  at  tliis  grand  reunion 


328 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


Oen.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
My  Dear  Sir,  New  York  Nov.  22d,  1810. 

Your  letter  and  the  enclosed  General  Order  was  received.  Will  you 
have  the  goodueas  to  aak  Sutherland  to  issue  a  Division  Order  respectin" 
the  Uniform.  [Under  new  General  Orders.]  I  have  determined  to  adopt 
the  Uniform  of  the  United  States  as  the  most  plain  and  less  expeisive 
than  the  present  fashion.  Perhaps  you  had  better  give  him  a  draft  ia 
the  regulations  for  the  several  departments  of  the  Army  of  the  U.  States, 
the  uniform  is  minutely  described.'  I  agree  with  you  that  we  have  no 
choice  between  the  contending  parties  farther  than  the  promotion  of  the 
public  good  may  demand  when  we  are  called  to  act.  Let  me  hear  from 
you  often,  I  will  send  Wilkinson's  letter.  Your  friend 

Adjt.  General  Van  llensselaer,  Albany.  S.  V.  Eensselaeb. 

Oeneral  Lewis  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  .  ^  Staatsburg  Nov.  17,  1817. 

I  have  been  rather  dilatory  in  performing  my  promise,  though  I  hope 
the  inclosed  will  reach  you  in  time  for  your  purpose.  I  wish  you  a  success- 
ful result  to  your  Application,  and  that  your  allowance  may  be  adequate 
to  your  merits.  Present  my  best  respects  to  your  Wife  and  family,  to 
whom  also  Mrs.  Lewis  sends  her  love.  Your  friend, 


Adjt.  Gen.  Sol.  Van  llensselaer,  Albany. 

Oov.  Clinton  to  Oen.  Tahnadge.  , 

Dear  Sir,    _  Albany  29  Nov.  1817. 

No  man  in  this  State  has  a  deeper  hold  on  the  public  sympathies  for 
his  sufferings  by  wounds  received  in  1794  and  \n  i812  than  the  present 
Adjt.  Genl.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  and  no  man  is  better  entitled  to  a 
liberal  compensation  from  the  National  Government.  His  case  will  be 
laid  before  the  President,  and  his  remuneration  ought  not  only  to  be  liberal, 
but  retrospective.  Let  me  solicit  c'\e  earnest  interposition  of  you  and  your 
Colleagues  in  his  behalf.  I  am  yours  with  great  regard, 

DeWitt  Clinton. 

Major  General  James  Talmadge,  M.  C.  Washington. 

Rufus  King  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Bear  Sir,  Senate  Chamber,  Mar  17,  1818. 

I  may  hcive  omitted,  but  I  think  I  did  not,  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of 
your  Communication  of  the  13  of  feby,  it  come  to  hand  in  due  course,  and 
is  in  the  possession  of  a  Com"^^  of  the  H.  11.  which,  as  I  have  been  encour- 
aged to  hope  will  report  a  Bill  in  your  Favor. 

I  beg  you  to  be  persuaded  my  dear  Sir,  that  your  friends  here,  and  they 
are  many,  are  doing  what  they  are  able  to  accomplish  your  very  just  Expect- 
ations. Very  faithfully  and  respectfully  Yr.  ob.  Servant, 

Col.  S.  Van  Rensselaer.  Rufus  King. 

'  The  uniform  of  the  Division  of  Cavalry  by  a  General  Order  of  the  Gth  November 
1810  of  the  late  Commander  in  Chief  (Gov.  Tomi)kins)  was  left  bv  Gov.  Clinton 
to  be  fixed  by  Major  Uen.  Stephen  Van  liensselaer. 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  829 

April  11  1818  Since  the  detemitiation  of  tho  friends  of  the  \Hii, 
tant .  enerul  _«oIo,„u„  Van  Rensselaer,  -  to  eleet  thi.^en  le,n  n  a  ttl 
sen  a  .  e  to  Oon.M-eHs  has  been  .nentioned,  and  particularly  siuce  his  nomt 
naf  n  by  the  County  Convention,  we  have  hea?d  many  doub  s  s™ ted 
whether  >t  wou.d  be  e.ther  prudent  or  expedient  for  him  to  Srdize 
the  oftee  wh.eh  ho  now  fills  with  so  umeh  credit  to  himself,  atThonor 

fni"  ??M  "  ''"''^  ^^  accepting  another  which  canno  b^a  source' 
ofproh.  Itthereisa  u\an  in  the  Republic  who  has  claims  upon  the 
gratitude  and  support  of  his  country,  thit  man  is  Solomon  VanXnsse 
LAEH.  But  as  our  present  object  is  not  panegyric,  weTbear  ^o  recouat 
the  services,  the  exploits  and  tl«)  sufferings  of  this  honorable  an  iS 
minded  citizen  soldier  They  are  well  known,  and  wi  '  briX'en  he 
page,  of  our  history,  when  many  of  those  tinselled  insects  wl  om  chai  ce 
has  elevated  within  a  few  years,  to  the  highest  stations  in  ourcoun  rv 
will  be  forgotten,  or  remembered  only  to  be  despised.  But  he  ^  a  Fede' 
RALIST  And  It  IS  a  truth  of  notoriety,  that  owing  to  the  nar  ow  [oZ 
0  the  (.eneral  Government,  since  the  days  of  Ge„°  Washington  instead 
ofbe.tow.ng  upon  him  those  honors  and  rewards  which  he"  h";  earned 

::iVi;init°2;g,:c'r  '^^^  -'''''''  -^^  -  -  ^^^-^  «^  persecuti:^:? 

As  the  General  advances  in  years,  tho  wound  through  his  lun-s  become, 
more  roublesome,  and  it  is  feared  will  take  him  prem'^turely  to  his  ™ 
His  Physicians  have  repeatedly  recommended  to  him  a  temWary  clnnle 
of  climate;  and  inconsequence  of  this  recommendation,  le  Generals 
induced  to  accept  the  nomination,  in  order  to  trv  th^offpof  If  fi  ? 
at  VVashington.  His  Physicians  'are  oro^nioi!  fh  the  m^J^:  uC 
efiectH  upon  his  constitution,  will  flow  from  this  measure  ^ 

With  respect  to  his  office  as  Adjutant  General,  the  matter  is  satisfactorily 
arranged,  so  that  the  public  service  will  not  suffer  bv  his  ahrnf  f  '  ^ 
t  ese.sion  or  that  the  State  will  be  deprived TfSs'fnvXabrservtsiS 
o>^sequence.  llis  duties  and  arrangements  can  principally  be  attended 
to  before  ho  will  be  obliged  to  leave  this  city;  and  His  ELeLncv  the 
Governor,  impressed  with  a  full  belief  of  the  necessity  of  the  measur?  hal 
magnanimously  offered  to  perform  himself  the  iucidentaldutL^o?  his  Office 

T^^tZ"'  "  ^'  1."?^'^  -'""^  «^""^^«^«  P^«tf«r  «f  Governor  Clint^a 
April  24th  of  this  year,  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer's  appointment  as  Ad^»" 

party  spirit  and  much  acrimony  on  both  sides,  was  confirmed  for  still 
aaot  er  term  ;  and  in  May  there  was  no  opposition  to  the  e Lctfon  of  ti  e 
Adjutant  General  as  a  member  of  Congiess. 

Our  Father's  politcal  and  civil  services  'rendered  to  his  Country  and 
S  tt  irrespec  ive  of  party  or  personal  considerations,  are  ent'ded  to  as 
great  a  celebrity  as  his  Military  career.     Viewed  from  eithr!  .n  J         . 

MomTtjll'""'-  ,"*>'?   ""   '''^y  ^'y  I  '^^'■"^d  to  admire  Genl 

".y  e'^it7br  :pon\t.'"r"?bitri::k  i^;'j^;ra'^    ?r'' 

l.-bancland  father'or  kinder  hearted  fHendi^.'^r,!;^^"'  "'"'°^"^ 

42 


II 


tB  h 


•= 


330 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


De  Witt  Clinton,  Governor  of  the  State  of  New  York,  General  and  Com- 
uiander  in  (^hief  of  all  the  Militia,  and  Admiral  of  the  iNavv  of  tho  nuwe- 
Jo  bOLOMON  Van  Kenkselakr  —  Greeting : 

Reposing  especial  Trust  and  Confidence  in  jour  Conduct.  Patriotism 
and  Valour,  I  do,  by  these  Presents,  Commission  by  Brevet,  and  a,s8i<;n' 
you,  the  said  Solomon  Van  JJensselaek  to  be  A  Major  General  in 
'he  Mihtia  of  the  said  State,  until  the  pleasure  of  the  Council  of  Appoint 
niciit  in  the  premises  shall  be  signified  and  made  known.  You  are  there 
fore,  in  the  mean  time,  pursuant  to  the  trust  hereby  reposed  in  you,  to  take 
the  said  Mihtia  into  your  care,  as  Major  General  thereof  and  faithfully 
to  observe  and  follow  all  Instructions,  Directions,  and  Orders,  which  you 
may  from  time  to  time  receive  from  the  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  said 
State  for  the  time  being,  and  from  others  your  superior  Officers,  accordin.^ 
to  the  Laws  organizing  and  regulating  the  Militia,  and  the  Rules  and  Din". 
C!plin"(.i   vVar. 

^  In  Testimony  whereof,  I  have  caused  the  Seal  for  Military  (^ommiQ. 
Bions  to  be  hereunto  affixed,  at  the  City  of  Albany,  the  twenty-fourth  day 
of  June,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eighteen 
and  in  the  forty-second  year  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  f^ta'tes. 

De  Witt  Clinton, 

This  Commission  has  the  Seal  with  the  word  "  Excelsior"  —  State  of 
■       y*^'^'^— stamped  on  it,  and  was  given  June  24,  1818.     The  Comniis- 
Bion  ot  3Iajor  General  was  subsequently  confirmed  by  the  Council  of  Ad- 
pointment.  ^ 

"In  consequence  of  an  act  passed  at  the  session  of  the  leigislature  of 
JMewlork  state,  entitled  "an  act  of  honor  to  General  Richard  Mont- 
gomery,  authorizing  the  governor  to  take  such  measures  as  he  should 
deem  expedient  to  obtain  the  consent  of  the  government  of  Canada  to 
the  removal  of  the  remains  of  the  general,  it  was  expected  that  a  formal 
delegation  would  have  been  sent  by  his  excellency  to  Quebec  Infor- 
mation, however,  had  been  received  that  the  provincial  government  deter- 
mined not  to  comply  with  any  formal  request  from  the  government  of  this 
State  upon  the  subject ;  although  the  governor-in-chief  (Sir  John  Sher- 
brooke)  had  expressed  a  perfect  willingness  to  surrender  the  remains  at  the 
request  ot  the  widow  of  the  lamented  general.  In  order,  therefore,  to  effect 
the  benevolent  and  patiioticobject,  Col.  Lewis  Livingston,  a  nephew  of  Gen. 
Montgomery  at  the  request  of  Mrs.  Montgomery,  and  with  the  approbation 
ot  the  governor  of  NewYork  state,  proceeded  a  few  weeks  since  to  Quebec 
for  ti.at  purpose.  The  request  of  Mrs.  Montgomery  to  Governor  Sher- 
brooke,  to  allow  his  remains  to  be  disinterred  and  conveyed  to  New  York 
was  readily  complied  with,  and  Col.  Livingston  was  treated  with  much 
politeness  and  attention   on  this  interesting  occasion  in  the  year  1818. 

Mr.  James  Thompson  of  Quebec  who  was  one  of  the  chief  engineers  at 
the  time  of  the  storming  of  the  city,  and  assisted  in  burying  the  general, 
also  assisted  in  the  disinterment,  making  an  affidavit  to  the  identity  ofthe 
body  ;  he  was  ninety  years  of  age  when  the  remains  were  taken  up.  Richard 
Montgomery  was  born  in  Ireland  in  1737,  was  with  Gen.  Wolle  at  the 
storming  of  Quebec  in  1759  when  both  Wolfe  and  the  B'rench  General 
Montcalm  tell,  he  then  quitted  his  regiment  and  returned  to  England. 
.  ,  J.J/  he  again  came. to  America,  espoused  the  cause  of  the  colonists  aud 
in  177d  heleft  on  the  rock  of  Quebec  his  blood,  and  to  his  country  the 
legacy  of  his  fame  ;  purnhased  at  the  sad  moment  when,  with  his  sword 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  831 

w.ivinp?  over  his  hof.  •  ho  rushed  forward  to  the  pickets  to  meet  the  dis- 
ch«r.^e  oi  a  wall.p.ec  oru  a  .,oi^M.borinf,.  house  which  stretched  the  truly 
noble  man  lifeless  on  tne  bloody  show.  Ilisman^lod  body  had  been  carefully 
deposited  ,n  the  sepulchral  vault,  where  it  rested  unmindful  of  the  stormy 
Btr.te  of  contending  armies.  Hut  now,  after  a  lapse  of  forty-th^e^ 
years,  the  prec.ous  rehcs  were  to  be  restored  to  his  country's  care  and  re' 
cewe  the  honors  so  justly  h.s  due.  Having  obtained  and  with  great  care 
secu  d  the  remains.  Col.  Livingston  repaired  without  parade,  and  with 
a.  httlo  delay  as  poss.b  0  to  Whitehall,  from  whence  he  immediately  an- 
nounced  his  arrival  and  sucesg  to  his  excellency  the  governor. 

Gov.  Clinton  to  Sol.  Van  Renmlaer. 

^'^I'^ii'"'     ■  uv.  T.  Staten  Island  16  June,  1818. 

My  knee  v  much  better  Dr.  Hosack  says  that  every  thing  is  in  it« 
proper  place,  and  that  I  will  recover.  Mrs  C's  health  is  rather  worse  I 
.end  you  all  the  brevets  in  my  possession.     On  the  book  case  in  my  front 

hi.  P  b,  Parker]  procure  ana  forward  the  whole  to  me  to  the  care  of 

r    ;  wm  'r?''''  ^''''•r  ^  Wove  of  your  arrangement  relative  to 

Cupt.  Will  am  s  Company.     I  return  the  paper ;  as  soon  as  possible  I  will 
).sue  the  General  order  in  the  case  of  Montgomery's  remains. 

Ever  Yours  Sincerely, 

DeWitt  Clinton. 

Amongst  my  other  afHiotio.is  it  is  some  satisfaction  to  inform  you  that 
Drs.  Post,  Ilodgers,  Krancis  and  others  concur  in  the  opinion  that  every 

fect'^cure  "^  ""^  "  '"  '^'  ^''°^^''  P'*""^  '"''^  *^'''  *''""  *"'"  ^^^"^  *  P*^'' 

Sol.  Van  Rensselaer  — Adjutant  General,  Albany. 

TUP.  A      •     ^v..  ^^^^*?Q«»''*er.s,  Albany,  29th  June  1818. 

Ihe  Lommander  in  Chief  having  received  intelligence  from  Col    L 
Livingston,  that  the  remains  of  Ge.vkral  RicirARD  Montgomery  have 
been  agreeably  to  instructions  given  to  him,  conveyed  from  the  city  of 
Quebec  to  the  village  of  White  Hall,  in  this  state ;  and  being  desirou^s  of 
manifesting  all  proper  respect  for  the  memory  of  a  distinguished  hero 
whofel  gloriously  fighting  for  the  liberties  of  imerica,  has-tSought  pro! 
per  to  direct  the  following  arrangements  on  this  solemn  occasion.  The  re- 
mains ot  General  Montgomery  will  be  conveyed  to  the  city  of  New  York 
and  deposited  near  the  monument  erected  to  his  memory  in  St    Pauls 
hiVl/       "  "'u''  tbat  this  may  be  done  in  the  most  respectful  and 
honorable  manner,  the  Adjutant  General  is  specially  charged  with  itsex^ 
ecution  and  will  proceed  immediately  to  White  Hall  for  that  purpose 
»l5;°  .r^^?"""'  ^^f'^^'^^  ^i"  Sive  orders  for  suitable  escorts  of  cav- 

aK.  ?.  ?•  "  •r'^'i.'-  '^1^'  "^"'^'''^  °^  Washington,  Rensselaer  and 
Albany  counties  will  perform  this  service  in  their  respective  counties. 

mi!  ttJIT"'  ^^  ''"''u ',^  ^^  '^'  "^'''^'^  °^  **^«  ^'^y  «f  Albany  with 
t?  h  ^..niM"'.'^''^'  """'t  ''1°  t'^'  '''y^  ""^  '^'  4th  of  July,  escorted 
0  the  Capitol  and  deposited  in  the  Council  Chamber  under  a  guard :  min- 
ute guns  will  be  fired  on  the  entrance  of  the  procession. 

ChtfvSr'''^"'^""*-^'^'-  '^.'""^y  Livingston,  aids  of  the  commander-in- 
i^'ii  er,  will  in  conjunction  with  Col.  L.Livin.rst,on  nroo»-i  on  ^h- '■'•h  nf 
July  horn  tiie  city  of  Albany  with  the  remains  to  the  city  of  New  York, 


i 

I 


11 


^Hfli 


i^fil 


832 


Legacy  of  HisToiircAL  Gleanings. 


and  cause  them  to  ho  convoyed  to  t!io  Governor's  room  in  the  (Mty  Tfall' 
and  on  Wc(ine»diiy  the  8th  ot'July,  tho  liinenl  .soloinnitios  will  take  ],ln(y' 
under  the  direction  of  tho  Society  of  tho  Cincinnati,  who  will  Heiect  uffi. 
ccrH  oi  tho  revolutionary  army  to  bear  the  pall. 

Miijor  UcnurulM«>rton  will  direct  tho  military  nrrangcments  in  the  city 
ot  Now  Vork.  Tho  ConimisHary  (Jeneral  and  tho  Commissary  of  the 
J3ivision  of  Artillery,  will  see  to  the  necessary  issues  of  ammunition.  Tlie 
municipal  authorities  of  the  cities  of  New  York,  Albany  and  Troy  are 
respectfully  invite.l  to  co-operate  ;  and  tho  Commander-in-Chief  tikes 
pleasure  in  tho  persuasion,  that  all  liis  fellow  citizens  will  unite  with 
alacrity  and  cheerfulness  in  these  solemn  demonstrations  of  respect.  In 
renderin<;  due  honor  to  illustrious  heroes  and  statesmen,  we  not  only 
reward  distinj,'uiMhed  merit,  but  excite  to  new  achievements  of  patriotism 
and  j,rh,ry  ;  and  an  enli-htened  and  public-spirited  people,  under  the 
guardmu  of  justice  and  policy,  will  never  withhold  their  cordial  co-oDe- 
ration.  ^ 

By  order  of  the  Commander-in-Chief. 

tioii.  Van  Rknsselakh,  Adjutant  General, 

General  Orders. 

_  ,    _  ,     _  Head  Quarters,  Albany  June  29th,  1818. 

Lol.  John  Williams  will  order  out  a  Troop  of  Dragoons  from  his  Re"!, 
moiit  to  asHciuble  at  Whitehall  in  Washington  County  precisely  at  six 
o'clock  on  the  morning  of  next  Thursday,  to  escort  the  remains  of  the 
gallant  but  unfortunate  Montgomery,  by  the  way  of  Salem  to  Ikskirk's 
lindge,  where  the  troop  will  be  relieved  by  one  from  Col.  Knickerbocker's 
Regiment. 

The  adjutant  general's  official  report,  to  Governor  De  Witt  Clinton, 
on  the  occasion,  will  bo  found  very  interesting. 

"In  conformity  to  the  orders  of  your  Excellency  of  29th  Inst.  I  pro- 
ceeded on  for  White  Hall  in  Washington  County,  and  after  making  on 
my  rout  some  :)reliminary  arrangements  with  Cols.  Knickerbocker  and 
Williams  in  relation  to  an  escort  of  Dragoons  for  removal  of  the  remains 
of  the  gallant  but  unfortunate  Gen.  Montgomery,  I  reached  that  place 
early  on  the  morning  of  Wednesday  1st  July,  where  I  found  Lewis  Liv- 
ingston Esqr.,  to  whom  I  delivered  the  brevet  Colonel's  Commissions  with 
which  your  Excellency  had  intrusted  to  my  charge.  The  remains  of 
Genl.  Montgomery  were  safely  lodged  in  a  store  house  on  the  steamboat 
wharf.  That  evening  Col.  John  Williams  of  Salem  appeared  at  the  head 
of  two  troops  of  Dragoons  of  his  Regiment,  under  the  command  of  Cap- 
tains^ McClelland  and  Took,  and  early  the  next  morning  this  detachment 
paraded  to  perform  the  solemn  duty  for  which  they  were  assigned.  The 
line  of  March  was  taken,  precisely  at  7  o'clock  in  the  following  order: 
lirst.  Col.  Williams  Dragoons.  Next  the  Corpse,  followed  by  Col.  Liv- 
ingston and  myself.  3d  Citizens;  and  la.stly  a  rear  guard  of  Dragr;ns. 
Minute-guns  were  fired  from  Navy  Point  by  order  of  the  gallant  Lieut. 
Rudd,  who  with  a  great  number  of  the  most  respectable  citizens  of  White 
Hall  accompanied  the  procession  to  West  Granville,  a  distance  of  nine 
miles;  where  I  found  a  great  concourse  of  people,  and  salutes  were  fired 
on  the  occasion. 

At  East  Granville  a  large  collection  of  people,  and  a  fine  Rand  of  Musie 
were  in  waiting  and  the  usual  expression  of  regret  for  the  unfortunate 
dead  was  shown.     At  about  5  o'clock  that  afternoon  we  reached  Salem 


e  Witt  Clinton, 


were   x 
ma  tided  b 
by  iibduf    w 
hcjidun  by  Co 
whose  )  rius  ■ 
of'tlu'ir  *■    h. 


Legacy  op  riisTORroAL  Gleanings.  888 

and  were  escorted  into  tl.oTown  by  tl.o  Militnry  and  CitizoPH  with  mourn 
iMj,  bLd^'OH  on  tbo  l.Jtarm;  their  Colorn  an/l)rum8  dresMo/i     tr  likJ 
...anner,  and  by  re.,ue,st  tho  Coffin  was  conveyed  to  the   h  use"  f   Jul 
Hiancbard  and  guanled  for  the  night  by  the  Military.     A     iTo'c  o  ^  he 
next  .uornmg  the  osnort  roHumed  its  umroh,  in  a  HtLdy  rah    whic    con 
t.nued  all  d- y.     At  ten  o'ch,elc  reached  tho  division  lino  between  VV„h" 

.   n  an  Knickerbocker  who  was  to  have  been  accon.panied 

ectablo  and   wealthy  old  farmers  from   Schagh  icoko 

■■  mckerbocker  and  (Jroesbeck  from  75  to  90  years  o^' 

■  n  I  adjoining,  and  who  still  retain  the  habits  and  customs 

I'Ut   were  prevented   by  the  incessant  min  nf  thm   i 

j:riovaNce  U>  the  old  veterans.     IJofore  I  rpnn  .ITr        •  t"    '^''^'  * 

I     M  •       -hf  «->v-iaun.     iminiQ  X  rcaciied  JjanHins''  urc  T  wn^  mnf 

by  Majors  Marcy  and  Deforest,  and  the  Officers  of  C..lonel    Fa  e"  K  "  i 
n>en>nu„,fonnw.th  a  number  of  Citizens  in  carriagesand  on  I  o  sebS" 

d.  s  who,,  M„,„K„„,cry  fell.     The  c.afade  wa,  u„u»„allv  Jne  ^    " 

^u,ru,  wnc  e  1  found  Mr.  Mead  of  Albany,  with  the  superb  Coffin  mn.lV. 
mi.r  the  direction  of  your  Excellency  and  in  which  theCains  of  Gen 

1110  Mirporation.     J  he  arrangements   of  the    Cornoratinn  nf  Tm,,   „ 
BO  perfect,  and  the  military  part  under  the  cormSTZttKl,  T' 

.en  ins  of  Cxcnl.  Montgomery,  moved  into  the  boat,  under  the  dischar. « 
ot  Mu.ute-guns,  and  attended  to  the  waters  ed.-e  bv  fhp  (\  rn.?  .-        " 

ff""^i^:^s;-i;j\&STSit 

Arsenal,  mu.ute-guns  also  were  fired^nd  Major'l  araby  S^h      dehch' 

-uiieriffiT  '"a':^'  would  naturally i  expected  f^om  such  "is 
t'".u..hed   Officers.     A  detachment  of  a   Subalterns   guard  of   Major 


'  -July  lath,  Major  Birdaafl  was  assassinated. 


I 


if 


334 


Legacy  op  HidTORicAL  Gleanings. 


Worth's  Company,  under  the  Command  of  Lieut. performs  the  military 

duty  on  board  of  the  Steamboat. 

I  hyve  only  to  add,  the  arrangements  this  morning,  under  Major  Ten 
Eyck,  my  Aid-deCamp,  were  prompt  and  military,  and  that  he  gives  e*i. 
dence  of  future  promise.  Before  I  close  this  hasty  report,  I  cannot  refraia 
from  repeating  the  great  obligation  I  foel  myself  under  to  Cols.  Williams, 
Knickerbocker  and  Livingston,  for  their  zealous  support  in  the  discharge 
of  the  duty  your  Excellency  entrusted  to  me. 
.  I  am,  with  great  respect 

Your  Excellency's  Obedt  &  humble  Servt. 
To  His  Excellency,      }  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Adj.  General. 

De  Witt  Clinton,  j       Albany,  July  6,  1818. 

On  the  lid  of  the  splendid  coffin  was  placed  a  superb  piece  of  silver 
plate,  engraved  by  Messrs.  Shepherd  and  Hoyd  of  Albany,  with  the  fol- 
lowing inscription ;  also  another  plate  of  gold,  bearing  the  arms  of  the 
state. 

"  The  State  of  New  York 

In  Honor  of 

General  Richard  Montgomery, 

who  fell  gloriously  fighting  for  th>i  independence  and 
liberty  of  the  United  States  before  the  walls  of  Quebec, 
the  3Ist  of  December,  1775,  caused  these  remains  of 
the  distinguished  hero  to  be  conveyed  from  Quebec,  aiid 
deposited,  on  the  8th  day  of  July,  1818,  in  St.  Paul's 
Church,  in  the  city  of  New  York,  near  the  monument 
erected  to  his  memory  by  the  United  States." 

The  bearers  were,  John  Lansing,  ju.i.  (chancellor),  Stephen  Lush, 
John  H.  Wendell,  John  Gates  [was  also  at  Quebec],  John  Visscher, 
Matthew  Trotter,  Wilhelmus  Ryckman,  Nicholas  Van  Rensselaer,  Elias 
Willard,  John  Shaw,  Samuel  Lewis  of  Saratoga,  and  John  Ten  Broeck  of 
Hudson.  On  Monday  the  pal!  was  borne  to  the  steamboat  by  the  same 
gentlemen,  with  the  exception  of  Mr.  Lewis  and  Col.  Ten  Broeck,  and 
with  the  addition  of  Abraham  Ten  Eyck,  and  Matthew  Gregory,  also 
revolutionary  soldiers. 

During  the  movement  of  the  procession  to  the  Capitol,  minute  guns 
were  fired  and  the  bells  of  the  city  tolled  The  remains  were  kept  at  the 
Capitol,  guarded  by  Capt.  Lansiiigs's  company  of  artillery,  until  Monday 
morning,  when  they  were  removed,  escorted  by  the  military,  and  attended 
by  the  corporation,  and  a  great  number  of  citizens,  to  the  steamboat  Rich- 
mond, and  Ccls  H.  Livingston  and  Peter  Gansevoort  (aids  to  Hi.3  Excel- 
lency the  Governor)  and  Col.  L.  Livingston,  accompanied  them  to  New 
York,  escorted  by  a  subaltern's  guard  of  Utiited  States  troops  from  Major 
Worth's  detachment.  On  Sunday,  the  adjutant  general,  very  obliginirly 
attended  several  hours  at  the  Capitol,  for  the  purpose  of  gratifying  those 
of  our  citizens  who  desired  it,  with  a  view  of  the  remains. 

The  whole  proceedings  from  Whitehall  to  this  place,  upon  this  occasion, 
and  the  eagerness  displayed  by  dl  classes  and  description  of  people,  to  testify 
their  profound  respect  and  veneration  for  the  memory  of  the  deceased,  is 
highly  creditable  to  the  feelings,  patriotism  and  character  of  our  citizens. 
The  peculiarly  appropriate  time  of  the  arrival  of  the  remains,  rendered  the 
occasion  doubly  interesting  —  it  being  the  anniversary  of  that  Freedom, 


forms  the  mililary 


LEOiCY  OP  HiSTORIOill,  Gleaninos.  335 

for  llie  achievement  of  which  Montoomeev  Fell  !    The  resoect  doe 
0  he  mcmor,  o   ,o  cwlted  a  character  a,  that  of  (Jen.  M™„3rv  was 

00  .Lmbled  on  t he  balk  „fl^  ^'*  ""''  """''"'  '■"  *"  ""'"''«'  °''  "b""' 
"u„«  were  fi  ed  a.  fh.  hi,  ,""'''  ?"  ';PP'»P">'e  >"">'ler  of  minote- 

wl,a„:,  also  appeared  with  fhei?  coi:,,':!  ha  L«.  '"'I'STf^l  't 
.  ° Th/r"'  M""*""-?  "-«  deposited  with  ti,"  aod  m  Htar? 

Tk.  .         Jne  exhibition  was  imposing,  oasn Mcout  and  solemn 

The  annexed  inscription  was  copied  from  the  Monument    ^S^'  I>,„l'» 

p/am1i^?he'-:;.t'd!Z:rii:  "r^^n'lS'tS-if  L  VtfT  "'• 
OuEBFP  81  St  Don    TTTK        J  •i-''    '^  "luicuuies,  icu   in   the  attack  on 

M    d       S-         '^'"'"  '^'''*''  '^''"'"  '"  -Sc^^^^mon  F«n  Rensselaer. 

for  a  reconciliation   between  J„d4wiria"v/°"v''"l'™8  """»»»'««<' 

itrTt^'i'iik'T"'-'  r^'f "™' ''""°-^'«  «-Shir^  ss 
.r;::;t\,VJ'  ■  :r^Tc:cd'i;:;''fl,!rtr^"^^"i'■""'■^V""-^^^^ 
:':it"xr::,di:;irt\"^'"t^ 

««t  injured   I  'sl»n  d  hi  donel,  T     H  '"  ''"?"'"'■;   ■"^"'»'  "'»'  '  "» 

fcSni  7  ■ -3r ?-''^^-  -  -  i-:  ^^;^;r 

l--kJdccTded  b.H'of  the  Z;™"/    ''^^  ""''  P""'"'  ""'''"'  «>"= 


•  Albany  July  4th,  1818. 
lo  Henry  Shaw. 


«wd.  payment  C.  A.  TenEyck  for  Heniy 


Shaw. 


$C.0O 


336 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


1- 


m 


and  resent  it;  if  inadvertence,  I  am  sorry  it  was  not  promptly  avowed. 
If  a  presumption,  too  far  urjied  upon  good  nature,  1  grieve  that  the  siiaf't 
was  not  withdrawn,  when  it  was  manifest  that  the  wound  festered. 
Whether  I  was  right,  or  wrong,  Judge  Van  Ness  ought  to  have  spoiien  to 
mo.  If  I  was  right,  the  path  was  clear  —  he  owed  me  an  apology.  If 
wrong,  it  was  the  duty  of  his  friendship  to  chide  me.  You  know,  that  I 
seek  not  to  multiply  the  thorns  which  beset  my  path  :  and  God  knows, 
that  my  mangled  heart  can  bear  but  few  more  thrustf  But  my  life  and 
my  honor  must  make  a  contemporaneous  exit.  I  would  never  press  a 
friend,  in  error,  to  the  extreme  of  apology;  to  know  that  he  is  sutUjied 
thereof,  and  re'jrcts  the  vircumstnnce,  is  enough  for  me.  /ask  no  more; 
honor  cannot  ask  less.  On  that  ground  I  will  give  Judge  Van  Ness  my 
hand,  and  my  heart  will  warm  it.  I  seek  friendship  with  all  men  ;  but 
mostly  those  who  are  my  Country's  friends ;  yet  I  cannot  reach  so  far  for 
friendship  as  to  lose  my  balance  and  plunge  into  disgrace.  I  cannot  be- 
come the  object  of  my  own  contempt ;  'tis  the  worst  of  suicide ;  nor  can 
I  play  the  hypocrite,  and  reach  my  hand  while  my  heart  says  no,  I  write 
this  in  haste  (7  o'clock  a.  m.),  as  I  must  go  early  to  my  office.  If  I  ad- 
vaiice  a  single  incorrect  sentiment,  be  you  my  impartial  judge,  and  point 
to  it  with  the  finger  of  friendship.  Yours  most  truly. 

Gen.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Cherry  Hill.  John  Lq-'ext. 

"  lu  June,  1817,  Mr.  Lovett  went  on  an  excursion  to  the  western 
country,  for  the  purpose  of  providing  a  residence  for  himself  and  family 
from  which  he  never  returned.  He  located  at  Fort  Meigs  on  the  river 
Mauniee;  the  bank  of  the  river  at  the  little  village  of  Perrysburg  — com- 
menced by  Mr.  Lovett  and  named  after  Commodore  0.  H.  Perry  — is 
almost  one  hundred  feet  in  height.  The  change  in  the  manner  of  living 
and  the  hardships  incident  to  an  unsettled  country,  proved  too  severe 
at  so  late  a  period  of  lite,  and  brought  on  a  degree  of  debility,  under 
which  he  languished  many  months,  and  to  which  he  finally  fell  a  victim: 
Died.  At  Fort  Meigs,  Ohio,  on  the  12th  of  August  1818,  the  Hon.  John 
Lovett  of  Albany,  N.  Y.,  aged  58  years.  As  a  companion  and  friend, 
rarely  has  the  world  beheld  one  his  superior.  His  coloquial  powers  were 
almost  unrivaled,  his  wit  flashed  on  every  occasion,  his  humor  was  proba- 
bly never  excelled.  He  twice  represented  the  district  in  the  house  of 
representatives  of  the  United  States.  In  that  situation  he  discharged  his 
duties  with  great  fidelity  and  punctuality.  His  devotion  to  his  country 
was  unbounded,  and  he  was  ever  deeply  interested  in  its  prosperity.  He 
was  a  staunch  federalist,  but  went  with  his  party  when  in  1812  the  Fede- 
ralists coalesced  with  the  Clintoiiiao  Democrats,  because  conscious  of  their 
inability  to  elect  a  candidate  of  their  own." 

Oen.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
My  dear  Sir,  Charleston,  Jany  9th,  1819. 

Your  letter  was  very  interesting  to  me  at  this  distance  from  all  whom  I 
hold  dear.  I  am  happy  to  find  our  Agricultural  Society  was  organized  so 
harmoniously  and  I  am  satisfied  with  the  judicious  choice  of  Managers, 
with  one  exception  —  myself.  Watson  has  written  to  me  that  now  he  is 
going  to  organize  one  in  Ren,«selaer  County,  and  modestly  asks  from  me 
the  same  patronage  that  I  afford  to  Albany  ;  and  also  to  ofl'er  a  Farm  in 
fee  to  the  best  Cultivator  of  a  Farm  &c.  &c.  I  shall  not  be  backward  in 
fcubscribing  provided   it  is  supported  by  Men  of  Property  in  Troy  ami 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  337 

Lansingburgh  Your  Bill  T  am  advised  will  pass  the  Senate  -as  well  ns 
the  othe  Vanch  as  honorably,  i  Pray  write  to  me  what  is  doiL  at  ATbanv 
who  will  be  Senator  and  wbn     fuA^^c  x,^       u  1.1      •     ".  '"o  »•' -fJ^'oany, 

Clinton  stands.     I  1  pleased  that  hSt  tl  •  i"^"^"^^  "°^'  '^°^ 

a.     i  am  pieasea  tnat  he  is  to  be  married  so  well      Mrs  TJ 

,".'11  L„'.  'l"'°  y  I'-^f  '•"  J""  e""""  ^">y  ^"-l  amiable  Dau^he^- 
Z'i:Zl'°"  ""'  '"'  '-y«'»Jio-/ Respects  .0  Jacob"  a„T  all 
M    I     Ku  •    •  .  xour  friend. 

My  health  IS  improved  in  this  mild  climate.         S.  V   Rensselafr 
Gen.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Adjt.  General,  Albany  NY 

,r    J       o  ,  '^"'^^^  ^"'^  ^^^^  '^  ^^-  Van  Rensselaer. 

My  dear  Solomon,  Hudson,  14th  July,  1819. 

mu     r.         -11.,  -■■  '■eceived  your  letter  &  thank  vou  for  it 

The  Council  has  done  nobly,  Lho'  there  are  several  removals  which 

ought  to  have  been  made  as  well  in  this  County  as  elsewherrat  the  same 
time  must  not  be  considered  as  a  grumbler -much  good  ha  been  doTe 
and  he  effect  I  do  not  doubt,  will  be  extensively  useful  and  benefidal' 
The  (xovernor  has  certainly  acted  with  the  utmost  liberality  &  firmnes' 
Th.Cr  ^/•t«'-«^'^'-  \  his  administration  which  is  very  much  reded 
The  batt  e  IS  however_  but  barely  begun,  and  unless  he  himself  and  his 
Si  4  yitTJ  lir'^'^^'^^^'^  -  ^h-  -rtions,  you  may  rel^up'on 

-enmn  Jafleff  A^n^  '^"'  ^'"  ^"'••'"  ^"""^  ^^"  S^^"'  -"orney- 
eneral  J  has  left  Albany  on  an  excursion  which  will  take  him  about  a 

right-  where  has  he  gone  ?  I  have  no  doubt  he  is  on  a  visTt  to  such 

of  the  Democratic  members  in   Montgomery  &  elsewhere  as  he  can  well 

operate  upon      It  ought  to  be  counteracted  at  once  by  the'viends  of  the 

Uvernor.     I  will  see  you  at  the  August  term.  ^  ^^ 

Pn.,   a  1   ir      T.         ,  Yours  affectionately, 

Gen.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer.  ^y,  -yf'  y^^  j^^^^ 

The  coimcil  of  revision  consisted  of  the  governor,  chancellor    chipf 

ineciancuioi    bmith  Ihompson,  chief  justice;  Ambrose  Spencer  William 
JJ^lan  Ness,  Joseph  C.  Yates,  Jonas  Piatt  were  justices'of'S  supreme 

Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  had  received  his  commission  to  bfi  a  maio'- 
'tin  fT  '^"  ''""'f  of  appointment  in  March,  and  subsequently  ie 
M  him  laboring  on  the  political  arena  at  Washington.  He  served  the 
cwo  consecutive  sessons  as  a  member  in  congress"  faithfully  and  ablv 
H  MV  aT"  '^t''^'^^'^'^}^  congressional  career,  general  ^"LtioJ' 
He  left  Alb;  ,y  November  21),  1819,  and  on  Monday,  the  Gth  dav  of 
Decer..er    be.ag  the  y?r.y  ,e...b«  of  the  sixteenth  eon^gress  h  la  un^d'r 

e  co,..t.  ution  of  the   United   States,   Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  took   In 
d    rin,     "••I     f°  unanimously   elected   representative,  ^^om  the  -mnh 

S!;  iu'-         T^"'^''""'.  '"   '^''  ^'''''  '^f  representiltives.     "  \  t^  I 

e  n  i  .  T*^  comprehensive  survey  of  the  respecc've  spheres  of 

poll  ical  bodies,  he  took  his  stand  on  the  platfom  of  the  party  he 

«prcened  and   became  a  '  working  man.'     iL   was  conscious     '^  I, 

nim     Pt'""'^'^'';^"?  'r  '"'  '^'''^y  '"^"^'"^  ''''■'''''^  •"'ich  practical 
;;^-_jVgain  in   1821  the  same  distinguished  honor  was  conferred 


I 


838 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


upon  him,  by  an  overwhelming  majority  over  his  Democratic  competitor 
and  fellow  townsman,  the  Hon.  Harmanus  Bleecker,  who  was,  in  the  year 
1839,  appointed  United  States  minister  to  the  Hague.  He  well  knew 
and  could  say  "  the  more  I  have  observed  of  the  world,  the  more  I  am 
satisfied  that  little  reliance  is  ever  to  be  placed  on  what  is  c&Wed  friemh. 
When  the  hour  of  trouble  comes,  and  you  call  upon  these  friem/s,  and 
request  a  little  sacrifice  to  be  made,  in  ninety  cases  out  of  a  hundred, 
they  turn  their  backs  upon  you,  and  desert  you  with  all  imaginable  in- 
difference." It  was  clear  to  him,  that  every  one's  duty  was  to  try  to  be 
in  a  situation,  where  he  would  have  no  favors  to  ask  and  such  he  wished 
to  obtain. 

Officers  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States  :  James  Monroe,  presi- 
dent; Daniel  D.  Tompkins,  vice  president;  John  Q.  Adams,  secretary 
of  state ;  William  H.  Crawford,  secretary  of  the  treasury :  John  C.  Cal- 
houn,  secretary  of  war;  Smith  Thompson,  secretary  of  the  navy;  Return 
J.  Meigs,  postmaster  general ;  William  Wirt,  attorney  general. 

Representatives  of  the  State  of  New  York  in  Congress :  XVITH  CoN- 
GRESS.  -  Silas  Wood,  Ebenezer  Sage,  Henry  Meigs,  Peter  H.  Wendover, 
Caleb  Tompkins,  Randell  S.  Street,  James  Strong,  Walter  Case,  Jacob 
H.  De  Witt,  Robert  Clark,  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  John  D.  Dickinson, 
John  W.  Taylor,  Nathaniel  Pitcher,  Ezra  C.  Gross,  Harmanus  Peck,' 
John  Fay,  Robert  Morrell,  Joseph  S.  Lyman,  Henry  R,  Storrs,  Aaron 
Hackley,  Jun.,  William  D.  Ford,  George  Hall,  Jonathan  Richmond,  Caleb 
Baker,  Nathaniel  Allen,  Robert  H.  Tracy. 

Senators,  Nathan  Sanford,  Rufus  King. 

1820.  OJicers  of  the  Government  of  the  State  of  New  York :  His 
Excellency  De  Witt  Clinton,  governor;  Hon.  John  Tayler,  lieut.  gov.; 
Jame.s  Kent,  chancellor;  Ambrose  Spencer,  chief  justice;  William  W. 
Van  Ness,  Joseph  C.  Yates,  Jonas  Piatt,  John  Wood  worth,  justices  of  tbe 
supreme  court.  Gerrit  Y.  Lansing,  judge  of  the  court  of  probates ;  John 
V.  N .  Yates,  secretary  of  state  ;  Archibald  M'Intyre,  comptroller;  Garret 
E.  Dox,  treasurer;  Simeon  De  Witt,  surveyor-general;  Thomas  J.  Oak- 
ley, attorney-general ;  Anthony  Lamb,  commissary  general. 

Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  adjutant-general. 

Peter  Gansevoort,  judge  advocate  general. 

Samuel  L.  Mitchill,  surgeon  general. 

Gen.  Van  Eenssclaer  to  Jiis  Wife. 
My  Dear  Harriot.  Washington,  Dec.  18,  1819. 

I  have  been  so  much  pressed  with  calls  and  calling  on  others,  dispatch- 
ing papers  and  documents,  that  I  have  not  been  able  before  to  give  you  an 
account  of  our  Mess.  There  are  ten  of  us  together,  Rucktails,  Democrats, 
and  Federalists ;  Wendover  of  New  York,  and  Tompkins  of  Westchester 
(brother  of  Vice  President)  are  among  the  number,  all  political  discussions 
are  prohibited.  We  pay  ten  dollars  a  week  for  cur  board ;  cider  and  ale 
are  the  only  drinks  at  our  table  which  are  at  our  cost,  and  as  to  eatables 
we  are  well  furnished.  My  expenses  including  everything  will  fall  short 
of  what  I  contemplated. 

The  climate  is  fine  and  well  calculated  for  my  shattered  frcme,  we  have 
neither  had  snow  or  rain  since  I  have  been  here,  and  the  weythcr  is  al- 
most like  June  with  _u^  at  the  north.  I  wish  Klizaboth  would  send  lue, 
without  delay  the  printed  orders  organizing  the  Militia  into  twentj-five 
Divisions ;  if  there  is  no  order  to  be  found  iu  my  office,  let  her  lake  it 


IS. 

ocratic  competitor, 
10  was,  in  the  year 
B.  He  well  knew 
d,  the  more  I  am 
it  is  called  fricmh. 
these  friends,  and 
)ut  of  a  hundred, 
all  imaginable  in- 
.y  was  to  try  to  be 
id  such  he  wished 

nes  Monroe,  presi- 
Adams,  secretary 
ary  :  John  C.  Cal- 
the  navy ;  Return 
general. 

ress :  XVITH  CoN- 
iter  H.  Wendover, 
Salter  Case,  Jacob 
ohn  D.  Dickinson, 
Harmanus  Peck, 
R.  Storrs,  Aaron 
1  Richmond,  Caleb 


New  York:  His 
nyler,  lieut.  gov. ; 
tice;  William  W. 
rth,  justices  of  tbe 
of  probates ;  John 
imptroller;  Garret 
;  Thomas  J.  Oak- 
eral. 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


339 


num- 


,  Dec.  18,  1819. 
in  others,  dispateli- 
ifore  to  give  you  an 
cktails.  Democrats, 
ns  of  Westchester 
lolitical  discussions 
T.'d ;  cider  and  ale 
md  as  to  eatables 
ling  will  fall  short 

:ed  frcme,  we  have 
the  weythcr  is  al- 
ii would  send  lue, 
a  into  twentj'-five 
!0,  let  her  take  it 


from  the  Orderly  Book.     I  only  want  the  Major-General.^  and 

bar  of  the  brigades  attached  to  each.     I  am  one  of  the  Military  Committee 

and  my  military  duty  will  be  this  winter  amusing  to  me.     Let  Rensselaer 

lathers  office.  I  am  in  high  repute  here;  Mr.  Clay,  the  Speaker,  Mr. 
Randolph  and  other  great  men  are  very  friendly  to  me.  Clay  wished  to 
pace  me  at  the  head  of  the  Committee' upon  Military  Affairsf  the  Si  s 
0  which  are  very  extensive,  and  I  could  only  get  rid  of  it,  by  sayin^  that 
t  e  M.htary  duties  of  my  own  State  (as  Adfutant  General)  would  no 
allow  me  to  pay  the  attention  that  was  necessary.  He  then  appointed  the 
noted  General  Smyth  who  is  every  thing  my  ideas  had  formed  of  him  -a 
very  great  fool!  I  attend  a  party  at  the  French  Ministers  to  night  and 
have  been  to  the  party  of  Mrs.  Adams.  '' 

Your  affectionate  Husband,        Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Oen.  Lewis  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
My  dear  General  Staatsburg  31  Decem.,  1819. 

Accept  my  unfeigned  thanks  for  your  polite  attention  in  transmitting 
me  a  copy  of  the  President's  Message,  and  accompanying  documents,  relat- 
ing to  he  Spanish  Negotiations.  I  feel  the  obligation  the  more  sensibly 
by  contrasting  it  with  the  conduct  of  some  pretended  friends,  who  were 
assiduous,  on  every  occasion,  to  load  me  with  civilities,  as  long  as  I  had 
the  power  of  serving  them,  and  no  longer.  Selfh,  sogenerall?,  the  great 
incentive  to  human  action,  and  so  few  have  been  the  exceptions  I  have 

^  with,  through  the  course  of  a  long  life,  that  when  they  do  occur  the 
H     ihcation  is  much  heightened  by  the  reflection. 

Jongre.ss  have  at  this  Session,  to  act  on  two  very  interesting  Subjects. 

J:  I  f "'.  {^"l?.  "".'^^  ^P"'°'  ^"'^  the  question  of  admitting  the 

new  States,  west  of  the  Mississippi,  into  the  Union,  on  condition  of  their 

fir !  i'nf    %7'^^     ^  ^Pr'  *'  '''  ^^^  ^''^  conducted,  with  firmness  and 

moderation.  The  Second,  I  view,  as  far  the  most  important.  My  feelin-s 
n'lv  ^^^J^"- °f  ^'•°^^««»  -^nd  I  have  uniformly  indulged  them,  with  respect 

to  niy  own  Slaves  -  having  liberated  all  that  were  old  enough.  But  all 
hat  has  been  said  and  written  on  the  Subject,  has  not  been  sufficient  to 
1  L7t  '•""^'  '•^**'^  right  of  Congress,  to  impose  conditions  of  admission 

into  the  Union   unknown  to  the  constitution,  and  repugnant  tj  the  Idea 

■Ifr     f;    "'^"''^^•'*  ^'  P^'''^''^'^'^  '"'  ''  ••^1"ir««  »«  i^rophet  to  forsee 
tnat  It  will  terminate  in  a  Severance  of  Empire. 

pv.r,?!  ''^•°i'^  opinions  at  Washington,  among  men  who  do  not  sacrifice 
evorj  consideration  to  parf>/  (if  any  such  you  are  acquainted  with)  as  to 
the  Ques, on  between  the  Vice  President  [Daniel  D.  Tompkins]  and  the 
Comptroller  [Archibald  Mclntyr.]  of  this  State?  Much  pains  has  been 
taken  here,  to  make  it  altogether  a  party  Question,  particularly  by  those 

h^wishtobringforwardtheVicePreside'nta^ 

t  the  next  election  for  President ;  under  the  idea  that  he  will  be  the  most 
P-  J>-  jpponen^  I  have  little,  if  any  thing,  to  do  with  politicks  :  and 
nln  '  /  """r  «'^7'o«»'ied  by  persons  very  hostile  to  Mr.  Clinton.  Yet 
amon^  chose,  I  can  discover  that  the  ComptrolLr's  Statements,  of  defalca- 
tion, have  made  a  deep  Im.M-essinn. 

Accept  assurances  of  sincere  friendship  from     Your  faithful 

Morgan  Lewis. 


X        Genl.  Solomon  Van  Ren.s3elacr, 


in  Congress.  uifSliiaijrtoa. 


mm 


840 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings, 


General  Jackson  had  been  very  demonstrative  respecting  our  Spanish 
aifairs;  his  conduct  was  censured  by  veiy  many  but  approved  of  by  the 
president.  He  had  marched  into  Florida,  taken  posyession  of  St.  Marks  • 
and  two  of  the  principal  men  in  the  Spanish  garrison  being  accused  of  excit^ 
ing  the  Seminole  Indians  to  hostilities,  were  tried  by  a  court  martial  and 
executed  by  tiis  orders.  ' 

Ge  o.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife, 

Washington  Jany.  3,  1820. 

I  thank  you  my  dear  Harriot  for  your  affectionate  letter,  nothing  since 
I  left  home  has  given  me  half  the  pleasure.  Indeed  if  it  was  not  for  the 
interest  of  you  and  our  dear  ones,  nothing  would  induce  me  to  be  here, 
the  sacrifice  of  feeling  and  comfort  are  too  great  in  being  separated! 
Were  you  with  me  I  should  be  perfectly  happy,  this  would  be  my  home 
as  well  as  Albany  or  any  other  place,  and  if  fortune  smiles  on  us,  you 
must  accompany  me  next  Session,  and  divest  yourself  of  the  cares'  of  a 
family  at  least  for  a  season  ;  my  heart  is  now,  as  it  always  has  been  entirely 
devoted  to  you.  I  told  you  of  my  fixed  resolution  to  go  only  once  to  the 
parties  of  the  Head  of  Departments,  the  foreign  Ministers  and  to  Col. 
Taylor,  who  formerly  belonged  to  the  Dragoons  with  me,  and  then  I  halt 
I  have  nearly  finished  those  I  intended  to  go  to  —  the  Presidents,  the 
Secretary's  of  War  and  Treasury  are  the  last,  excepting  the  one  for  to 
morrow,  and  there  I  shall  go  out  of  curiosity ;  was  you  to  see  me  at  those 
places,  as  well  as  all  others,  you  would  be  gratified.  Tell  the  girls  as  >oon 
as  I  have  time,  I  will  give  them  an  account  of  those  parties  — but  of 
course  fhei/  would  think  them  not  equal  to  those  at  Albany.  How  grati- 
fied I  feel  at  the  good  conduct  of  Rensselaer,  nothing  can  be  more  grateful  to 
the  heart  of  a  parent  which  you  do  and  can  feel.  I  have  procured  you  a 
fine  pair  of  Spectacles,  and  a  pair  for  myself,  as  I  can  only  write  at  nij^ht 
and  now  can  do  so  as  well  as  in  the  day.  From  the  inclosed  letter  to  the 
Patroon  —  which  I  wish  you  to  read  —  you  will  see  how  my  time  is  taken 
up;  seal  and  send  it  by  Itensselaer.  I  now  return  xMargaretta's  honora- 
ble school  Certificate,  and  inclose  a  little  present  for  her.  I  am  much 
gratified.     Good  night  my  dear  Harriot,  kiss  our  flock  for  me. 

Yours  Unalterably 

Mrs.  Van  Rensselaer.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Judge  Van  Ifess  to  Sol.  Van  Itensselaer. 
My  dear  Friend,  Albany  5th  -January  1820. 

We  yesterday  obtained  a  glorious  victory.  John  C.  Spencer  is  Speaker 
by  a  majority  of  13  —  our  actual  majority  is  about  17  in  the  Assembly  and 
I  think  we  shall  increase  it  in  a  T-jw  days.  F]very  thing  here  at  present 
jooks  well ;  and  of  one  thing  you  may  rest  assured  that  Daniel  D.  Tomkins 
is  utterly  and  totally  disgraced  and  annihilated.  Yet  I  believe  he  will  be 
the  Jacobin  Candidate,  but  we  shall  beat  him  from  ten  to  fifteen  thous- 
and. We  are  however  obliged  to  be  industrious.  The  powerful  Bucktail 
Corps  is  here  in  all  their  strength.  They  are  violent  and  abusive  be- 
yond example,  the  great  attack  on  me  is  to  be  made  in  the  Assembly  in  a 
day  or  two.  [As  to  legislative  corruption,  in  regard  to  the  charter  of  the 
bank  of  America,  which  was  bought  through,  ii  was  said,  in  which  trans- 
action Klisha  Williams,  William  W.  Van  Ness,  and  other  eminent  men 
were  thought  to  be  dis>;racel'ully  implicated.]  I  am  ready  for  them.  I 
wish  you  was  here.     The  Patroon  has  behaved  like  a  man.     Why  don't 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  841 

yon  write  to  rae  ?  There  is  a  report  here  that  J  D.  Dickenson  is  hostile 
nnd  that  he  has  become  more  so  at  Washington.     I  know  thi    i    a  ?'   e 
ood    but  I  want  you  to  see  him  and  to  let  me  hear  from  you      Sp  ak 

have  behaved  nobly.  We  are  nearly  unanimous.  In  fact  there  are  but 
aboo  four  apostates.  George  Tibbits  andElisha  B.  Stronro?  Ontario 
are  th?  only  unexpected  apostates.  Rufus  Kin.-  will  be  chosen  Sen  Z 
though  u.any  of  the  bucktails  are  violently  oppo'^ed  to  him  It  would  be 
my  easy  to  defeat  h>m,  but  I  am  decidedly  in^^favor  o:  his  appdn  ment 
^e  feel  well  and  strong,  but  wo  may  be  deceived.  I  wanJTi^t"  be 
comeacqua.nted  with  Henry  R.  Storrs  of  Columbia  County,  a  member  of 

Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Esq.  In  Congress,  Washington  '" 

This  eminent  jurist,  Judge  Van  Ness,  was  just  and  discriminating  and 
possessed  highintelectual   elements   which   enabled  him  To  adim   the 
bench    and  made  hn«  very  careful  ot  the  reputation  of  others      PoM 
cal  parties  however,  then  as  now,  in  the  zeal  of  heated  conte  ts    ffreadv 

The  Pairoon  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer 

V'^^'^^'l      ^     ,,.  Watervliet  Jan  II    1820 

This  morning  Mr  CHnton's  Council  was  elected.    Mr.  Dudley  rCharles 
E,   obtained  several  Federal  votes,  Mc  Kown  [James]  amon^.  he  number 
and  George  T.bbits  I  understand  voted  the  whole  Buiktailticket      Joha 

StSs  Thfv-™T  ^r  ^'^^^  ^"^^^^-  T'^^  CHntontns  are  in 
high  spirits  The  Vice  President,  it  is  said,  will  be  too  heavy  a  weiL^hfc 
nd  u  IS  probable  Judge  Yates  will  be  the  Candidate.  I  thin k7very  doubt 
ful  who  will  succeed.  Pray  tell  me  how  you  are  pleased  at  wTshin'ton 
Remember  me  to  n.y  friend  Randolph.  I  hope  you  have  visK  CoWi 
Johnson  of  Kentucky,  he  was  our  friend.  ^  ^^^""^'^ 

I  was  last  evening  elected  President  of  the  Board  of  A-riculture    nn» 

M.jor  Gc„.  Sol.  Van  Ren^eker,  M.  C.  WaAingto:  '^'  ''™"'*"^- 

Judge  Van  Ifess  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Vhf;^^         .     .  Albany  18th  Jany,  1820 

he  e  kV.ilv  TT^  i^"^''  ""'^.  '"^"'^  y"'^  '""^  '''      The  .tate  of  things 
ti  n  fll  T   ^  fi",    ^?"'"'y  improving.     It  is  with  equal  pride  and  exult?! 
■on  that  I  confidently  assert,  that  I  have  never  known  any  administrafion 
rrounded  and  supported  by  such  a  combination  of  tafent-vTrtue 

rehpectdble  federalist  who  is  not  w  th  us.     The  few  wVia  hnvo  ,„>„    .« 

0  jects  of  disgust  and  contempt.     We  are  eiect  ^gtpo     th'mos  !oHd 

Tll  .         -J      X.     ^""^  '-''^^'■**^  '^^  character  both  at  home  and  abroad 

1  eS  "bt'  ^'""^  ''''  ^.'^^^  ^'  Washington  last  winter  I  know  hTve 
n    much,  too  much,  to  misrepresent  and  degrade  us,  but  we  shall  give 

the  he  to  our  calumniators,  by  such  a  demonstration  of  moral  power  and 


? 


842 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


wisdom,  as  will  extort  applause,  when  otherwise  it  would  be  withheld  by 
envy,  meanness,  or  niali{,'nity.     1  repeat,  the  good  and  great  of  all  nations 
are  rallying  about  our  State  Administration  with  a  vigor  and  zeal  that  is 
unexampled,  while  you  see  collected  in  the  opposite  ranks  every  specula- 
tive-disgraced petifogger  and  public  defaulter.     The  whole  phalanx  of 
public  plunderers,  who,  under  the  great  leader  of  all  that  is  base  and  dig. 
honorable —  Tompkim,  lived  upon  the  treasury,  is  in  dismay,  and  shudder 
at  the  appalling  denunciation  which  now  thunders  from  the  Capitol  "the 
day  of  plunder  shall  be  no  more."     I  rejoice  to  hear  my  worthy  friend 
Dickinson  feels  as  I  knew  he  would  feel.     He  is  not  the  only  honest  man 
who  has  been  claimed  by  the  apostates  among  us.     John  W.  Wheeler  has 
been  wavering,  but  I  believe  he  is  now  settled  down  with  us.     It  is  yet 
doubtful  who  will  be  the  opposing  Candidate.     Tompkins  is  daily  expected 
here,  and  I  suspect  will  finally  be  nominated.     Great  efforts  are  made  to 
induce  Thompson  to  stand,  but  he  is  too  wise  I  hope  to  consent,  tho'  don't 
however  cure  a  rush  who  is  taken  up,  we  challenge  the  whole  field,  and 
will  beat  any  man  by  more  than  10,000  majority.     Our  friend  McKown 
does  not  behave  well.     He  split  his  ticket  in  the  question  of  Council,  and 
separates  himself  from  all  those  to  whom  he  owes  his  election  as  Member 
of  Assembly.     However  we  don't  give  him  up  —  he  is  a  man  of  honor 
and  will,  we  hope,  finally  do  what  is  right.     Your  family  is  well.     In  great 
haste  my  Dear  Solomon,  I  am  yours,  W.  W.  Van  Ness. 

Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  In  Congress,  Washington. 

"  The  New  York  legislature  about  these  times  had  some  few  members 
to  represent  their  constituents  who  cared  but  little  for  etiquette.  Among 
these  was  a  major  who  manifested  his  singular  indifference  to  the  most 
common  observances  of  cultivated  life,  by  his  inveterate  habit  of  spitting 
in  every  direction  upon  the  carpet.  One  day  when  preparing  a  speech  to 
be  delivered  before  the  august  body  of  his  peers,  a  servant  came  into  his 
room  to  perform  some  office,  and  observing  this  filthy  habit,  shoved  the 
spittoon  in  front  of  him  :  the  major  was  oblivious,  and  out  went  another 
mouthful  to  the  left;  the  servant  moved  the  polished  receptacle  of  filth  to 
the  left.  The  eyes  of  the  major  were  still  bent  upon  his  paper,  and  his 
mouth  was  working  nervously ;  it  soon  filled,  and  away  went  another 
copious  ejectment,  this  time  to  the  right.  The  major's  salivary  glands 
rapidly  secreted  again,  and  while  his  lips  were  gathering  for  one  grand 
discharge  in  front,  the  servant  gave  the  appurtenance  a  desperate  shove 
with  the  broom  in  that  direction.     'Now,  see  here!'  said  the  major,  'do 

you  take  that  d d  thing  right  out  of  the  way,  or  I'll  spit  in  it ! '    This 

story  soon  leaked  out." 

Oen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife. 
My  dear  Harriet,  Washington,  Jany  22d,  1820. 

I  this  evening  received  your  letter  of  Jani/.  17 th;  thanks  to  my 
Spectacles  or  I  could  not  answer  it.  I  hail  that  day  [the  anniversary  of 
marriage]  as  the  happiest  of  my  life ;  if  some  part  of  the  time  since  has 
been  checkered,  it  was  owing  to  Rascah  who  have  injured  me  in  private 
as  well  as  in  public  life.  No  young  man  who  started  in  life  as  I  did,  has 
made  greater  exertions,  in  public  or  private  life,  to  provide  for  a  wife  I 
adored  and  her  children,  than  I  have  dotio.  And  after  surmounting  all 
difficulties  to  be  cut  short  in  both  —  the  one  purchased  with  my  blood, 
and  the  other  with  the  sweat  of  my  brow  —  had  nearly  overcome  my 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  343 

reason;  and  I  know  the  effects  of  which  had  nearly  destroyed  n.e    Those 
00,  for  whom  those  feelings  were  excited  on  some  occa^ions'l  regret  were 

all  1  can  for  you  and  ours;  if  my  means  were  only  equal  to  mv  wishes 
pu  should  be  completely  happy/  You  and  they  deserTe  and  «  the 
teuderest  feelings  of  husband  and  father  ;  dismiss^hen  J/'XlTnTmake 
yourself  as  happy  as  our  separation  will  admit  of.     Thi^Xce  ufv^ou 

rt:it'if  ttVo7dTS:u\%"or^';'/^^ '  '-'^'-r-  f^^^'^^^ 

ce^ted      la  return  ?Tv"'^'""%^°'^''^  ""^  '^^^''^  ^'«»>  "P«»  '"^^  is 
s- 1^^  f^~  I  -  -^ -^.  -4.  -  and  S 

'  UeSi'toT'?"  "f  ^'"^^  ^^"  ^--  •^-"Sb  any  thing  Tr  them 

th.Lrvr'^  S;  ^'""'  f  l-«t,Monday  [March  20th,  1820, J  for  which  I 
th  nk  you.     Ihe  account  of  the  winking  and  nodding  of  n.v  dear  littl^ 

sX  m7  "Wrltf^  '"r?  "'^  ^'"^'^^'"^'  *«  "  P'^P^  "     K'ss'he        e 
bv  me   as   oVf.n  f '•  ^'  ^^"  '""'  ^^^'^^^   ^'"  ^'  reciprocated 

Lr    T  1^  ,?    "'  .^"^   ^"«'ness,   which    is   beginning   to  press    will 

&Ies     bu  it  ;.  nnr^        r?\  ^  ""'  ^""^  P'^''^""^'^  «''"«t«d  in  a  pru- 

M.S.  boiomon  Van  Rensselaer.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

ouJ litMp  i'?^'  ''•^'"'^  ''^'"'^  *"'  ""y  "^t'ler  l^ad  written  :  "  The  prattle  of 

chattPr-^L  ^^  ashington.'     You  can    have  no  idea  how  she  does 

£  1/     ,         f  «»t  from  the  front  room,  the  other  day  and  slid   'Via 

true  wh.,f  H    •'^     ?  your  portrait  so  long  that  they  really  fancy  as 

£t         V^^^  each  other  with."  ^Vhile  General  ^anTens! 

celebrired  F.m    A        °     J  ""■  '"'S'  P°'''''^'*'   P^'"^^^  ««  canvas  by  the 

father  CZ.l'  ..         ,  "'"'^  ""^  ""^  ^"^"''  .V'^'^'-^'  ^ad  not  seen  our 
t,  e  w.«       ^  months;  she  was  present  wh^n  th^  strikingly  conect 

r  hunlriT'"''^;-     ^''  '  ^•^'■^  ^^«  ^P^l^^"  till  the  little  one  clapped 

P  e.sion  p'.n?         r  '''^'''-  ^'T^  "'  ''  ^"^  '^  •"«"^«»t  with  a  surprised  ex 
Prj^  ion,  exclaimed  in  a  grieved  toneof  voice,  after  ruu„i„.-  to  our  mother -1 
^oor,a^a  .jot  no  leys!"  Ail  of  the  inter;sted  family  Jresen;,  we'e  dl 


w 


844 


Leqacy  op  IIistorioal  Glbaninos. 


i^hted  with  tho  child's  nilivctc,  and  Mr.  Ames  declared  ho  desired  no 
better  ovidoneo  of  its  hoini,'  a  perfect  liiveness  aud  a  boautifiii  puiiitinj,'. 

"  Mr.  AmcH  took  aSV/-  Joxhna  liri/nolUn  for  hit)  fi;uido  in  ouvly  lile,"aiid 
throufjh  hiin  became  accjuaiiited  with  every  really  eminent  painter 
ancient  or  modern  ;"  and  many  years  proviouH  to  this  satisfuctory  produc' 
tion,  It  was  said  "friends  have  witnessed  the  mighty  efforts  of  Ames's 
genius  in  tho  lino  of  hiw  noble  profession,  aud  the  day  is  not  far  distant 
when  tho  brush  of  Stuart  shall  meet  its  rival  in  Albany.  An  elegant 
portrait  of  the  Hon.  Georok  Clinton  when  vice  president  of  the  United 
States,  painted  just  before  his  death  in  1812,  by  Mr.  Amos  of  Albany 
was  sent  to  the  Academy  of  tho  Fine  Arts  in  Philadelphia."  [See  froutis' 
piece  for  portrait.] 

Judyc  Spencer  to  Sol.   Van  Rensselaer. 

^""Z.f}''-     ,  ,  ,  Albany,  Feb.  15,  1820. 

Will  you  have  tho  goodness  to  hand  tho  oncWed  to  Gen.  Br^wn  it 
willreach  him  safer  in  this  channel.  So  Tompkins  stands  his  hand  — and 
thus  ends  the  deception  practised  upon  tho  federal  tamnaniesatthe  beginnin" 
of  the  Session.  We  will  cure  his  itch  to  come  before  the  people  — rely 
upon  it  he  will  fail  by  many  thousands.  Is  it  true  that  he  was  again.st  any  re- 
striction in  regard  to  slavery  in  Missouri  ?  It  is  very  important  that  we  should 
be  able  to  fix  that  charge  upon  him  if  it  be  true  —  let  me  know  us  soon  as 
possible.  You  may  remember  that  we  conversed  about  some  Manyle 
Wurtzel  seed  before  you  went  on  —  don't  forget  to  procure  me  a  pound  of 
it  as  you  reti^-n  thro'  Philadelphia,  enquire  lor  the  best  kind.  Is  there 
such  a  thing  to  be  procured  in  Philadelphia  as  Orchard  Grass  seed'! 
What  is  the  prite  and  when  is  it  to  be  sowed  ? 

Your  friend  Judge  Van  Ness,  I  have  no  doubt,  will  come  out  as  pure  as 
gold  from  the  rofuiers  hand.  Yours  Sincerely 

Geul.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  A.  Spencer. 

llepreseutative  in  Congress,  Washington. 

The  late  Chief  Justice  Ambrone  Spencer  was  a  severe  and  stern,  but 
also  a  just  and  humane  judge.  Ills  mind  was  remakable  for  the  quickness 
of  its  perceptions,  for  its  penetration  and  its  comprehensiveness.  He 
died  March  13,  1848,  in  the  eighty-third  year  of  his  age. 


t!' 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

The  Missouri  Compromise. 


Judge  Van  Ness  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
My  Dear  Friend,  Albany,  Feb.  20,  1820. 

I  have  no  time  to  say  any  thing  more  about  politics,  except  that  we 
shall  carry  the  election,  and  as  I  verily  believe  by  an  immense  majority. 

rus, 
with 

.  ,.   , J .„„„„„„  ....^.gued 

by  B.  for  attacking  and  endeavouring  to  destroy  me.     The  testimony  of 


snail  carry  the  election,  and  as  1  verily  believe  by  an  immense  majorit' 
The  residue  of  my  letter  must  be  short  and  relate  to  my  own  coMceru; 
[His  Impeachment.]  You  mentioned  to  me  a  conversation  you  had  wit 
Mr.  Fowler  of  Newburgh,  in  which  he  stated  to  you  the  reasons  assigue 


08. 

ured  ho  desirod  no 
iuutil'iil  piiiiilirij,'. 
0  ill  carljf  li!e,  and 
'  etiiiriunt  painter, 
satisfuctory  produc- 
y  efforts  of  Anus's 
y  is  uot  iiir  diHtant 
buny.  An  elegant 
idont  of  the  United 
.  Ames  of  Albany, 
diia."  [See  frontis- 


ny,  Feb.  15,  1820. 

to  Gen.  Bp'wn,  it 
da  his  hand  —  and 
iesatthebeginnin;,' 

the  people  —  rely 
wasagaiii.st  any  re- 
■tant  that  we  should 
ae  know  us  soon  as 
bout  some  Matiyk 
jure  me  a  pound  of 
3st  kind.  Is  there 
hard  Grass scci'! 

ame  out  as  pure  as 

A.  Spencee. 


ere  and  stern,  but 
!  for  the  (quickness 
jhensiveness.    He 


Legacy  of  IIistorical  Gleaninqs. 


Feb.  20,  1820. 
s,  except  that  we 
mmeuse  majority, 
ly  own  eonceriis, 
;iou  you  had  with 
I  reasons  assigned 
rhe  testimony  of 


Mr,  Fowlor  may  be  important  to  mc,  and  I  will  i 
to  ,-ivc  mo  a  doti.iiud  statement  uf  what  Mr.  Fowie 


845 


bo  much  oblif'ed  to 


r  comr 


ited 


V')U 


ymirnamo  shall   not  bo  revealed.      I  un.lorstand  Mr    Kiru,  «.      l    'v  ' 

rcuHon  1  am  afra  d  to  writ«  tn  liim  ou  r  i     i  •  .       "^urus  mc  ana  .or  that 
u,,d.r,l»„d  km  ■!  1  hoar  to  i,  a  vi  ,|L    t'""""'"''  '"  ''"■     ""  "»  J°» 

Ikljou  could  be  horo-l'u    el' t    ,1    ,r  ,!,        '    ,  '"''  ""  '"'"'""'"' 

n««.  S„lo«„  Van  Rc„.ol,„,  I„  Co„°g:r   °''7' w'.' V..v  N.., 
-Or.  Van  Iteimdacr  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer 

""ay  do  me  .    iivor.     I„  1814,  I  had  omplovcd   Mr  fi   V   ?)^       .    ^'" 
.si..ae  busin.  ,  relative  to  my  deceased  brXr  folfn  \-J^^;""'«t»''  ^'> 

that  it  was  dl  settled- wlfen   hTto  d'^  yifjr^av"  '"^'^'^'"^ 

"    ucauj.     lie  say.*^,   that  the  on  y  thiu"  refiiiU  tP   wmiM  i. 
Kxanwnation  of  the  Returns  of  the  2;?rd  Koc.t  fof  lEfrv  T   n     L  •" 
wluch  he  enlisted  on  the  25th  of  Ann!    1814      It  wiM  t  S^  '"V  '" 

much  pay  ho  had  received  and  whunitlanctwas  s  m  dl      v  "'"  '^"^"^ 
fon  to  this  will  much  oblige  me.     Will  you  inform  nn-f  \  '"f "" 

...« of  ,a,.  or  ^l'^:Vi.'j^:':vi:7^z:  ""■"-""'=  -  - 

»    .0  ko  .1,0  largost  that  has  e?er  asiLbST/Alba'  7- Q  o,l=!!°^ow 
many  ot  them  were  entitled  to  vote  for  Governor  '''     tL  u^.\  .     . 

44 


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346 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


their  party  lately  told  me,  "  if  we  can't  prove  him  guilty,  his  reputation 

will  at  any  rate  be  damned."     I  trust  however  that  his  character  will 

stand  Ktill  unblemished  in  the  minds  of  the  most  respectable  part  of  the 

community.     For  the   present  adieu  — If  your  time  allows,  I  shall  be 

happy  to  hear  from  you  —  to  ask  it,  is  almost  too  much  when  you  have 

,30  many  demands  upon  you.     We  are  all  well  here,  thank  God. 

I  remain,  yours  Most  Sincerely, 

Jer.  Van  Kensselaer. 
Gen.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  M.  C,  Washington. 

While  Dr.  Van  Rensselaer  was  traveling  in  Europe,  his  instructive  and 
pleasant  letters  were  frequently  published  in  the  leading  journals  of  the 
day.  He  subsequently  took  his  family  abroad,  remaining  many  years,  and 
in  1852  moved  into  what  was  once  called  the  "  Cralo  Fort"  at  Green- 
bush. 

"  The  following  3xtract  of  a  letter  is  from  Dr.  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer, 
of  Greenbush,  New  York  —  a  young  gentleman  now  in  Europe,  and  where 
he  has  been  for  several  years,  to  complete  his  studies  in  the  medical  art," 
April  20,  1819,    I  begin  my  letter  to  you  on  the  c:-ater  of  Mount  Vesuvius. 
The  extreme  heat  of  the  river  of  lava,  by  the  light  of  which  I  wrote  the 
above,  prevented  my  continuing.     We  have  descended  about  150  feet- 
our  guides  would  go  no  farther.    Our  company  have  gone  to  Naples.    H. 
and  myself  have  determined  to  pass  this  night  here,  ar.d  are  now  writing 
by  the  light  of  a  torch  on  warm  lava,  that  flowed  seven  days  ago.    An 
eruption  of  some  consequence  took  place  last  night,  and  the  lava  is'runniD" 
in  a  stream  of  about  7  feet  wide,  at  the  rate  of  about  three  miles  an  houn 
Nothing  can  possibly  be  imagined  more  subKme  —  the  smoke  issuing  from 
the  glowing  torrent,  is  like  a  cloud  of  fire  — part  oi-  the  mount  seems  on 
fire,  while  below  it  appears  the  very  centre  of  desolation  and  gloom.    At 
break  of  day  we  mount  again,  to  descend  further  into  the  crater,  and  see 
the  sun  rise  from  its  mouth.    I  may  perhaps  try  more  experiments!   I  have 
written  your  name  in  the  burning  lava,  and  it  has  cooled  — the  piece  is 
beside  me,    I  also  put  in  a  five  franc  piece  — the  impression  is  good,  and 
you  shall  one  day  see  it.     Our  torch  is  about  going  out,  and  I  must  stop 
to  finish  to  morrow  at  Naples,     Two  distinct  eruptions  have  just  taken 
place,  and  cast  out  heated  stones  to  the  height  of  100  or  150  feet.    Naples, 
22d.  I  scarcely  know  what  you  will  think  when  you  open  this  letter.    It" 
it  was  not  for  the  sake  of  the  place  where  I  began  it,  you  should  never  see 
it.     We  passed  the  night  very  well  on  the  mountain.    Our  guides  cleared 
away  the  larger  stones,  anu  left  us  none  bigger  than  eggs  —  we  spread  our 
great  coats  in  this  little  hollow,  and  were  comfortable  enough.     We  re- 
quired no  covering  — at  our  feet  issued  a  small  column  of  heated  air- 
beneath  us  too  warm  air  oozed  up  ;  but  the  great  coats  prevented  our  being 
steamed.    II.  found  that  he  was  too  warm,  and  got  up  to  walk  about.    I  laid 
quiet,  to  enjoy  the  superb  sight  before  me.    Some  provisions  were  sent  to  us 
by  the  party  —  it  arrived  about  eleven  o'clock.    Fatigue  was  a  good  opiate, 
and  our  sleep  was  sweet.     Our  guides  slept  on  the  bare  stones  beside  us. 
At  3  o'clock  we  took  some  bread  and  wine,  and  began  again  the  ascent. 
Our  route  .low  lay  in  another  direction.    It  was  not  so  difficult  as  what  we 
had  ascended  the  evening  before.    Before  5  wo  v  ere  at  the  top,  and  waited 
only  a  few  minutes  to  see  the  purple  tinge  of  the  horizon  gradually  change 
into  brightened  gold.     A  sea  of  clouds  floated  far  beneath  us  — it  resem- 
bled an  undulai- d  plain  of  cotton,  whose  edges  were  tinged  and  burnished 


-%mi 


Legacy  op  Historical  GLEANiNas.  317 

by  the  tirsfc  rays  of  the  mornin"-      Thn  aopn^^,,  i,«i«™  i    ■ 

5L„.  took  „a  to  *,  r„t  V'Vhe  lSl'!tS;  "t  "r"' '  ^"'"^ 

stones.     We  could  not  observe  the  bottom  very  plainly —  to  descend  wft« 

influence  than  the  r  entreaties      TIip  lo,ra  ;.  =.,  i^muer  naa  laore 

.„,  through  a  ™bte,m„rn«„al  at  7horiz„^al'^:^^^^^^  "f"'  ''"' 
till  it  force,  through  the  era,,  about  m\ZXot  'the  titer      „T'"" 

.nd3  m.e»  an  hour;  its  depth  cannot  be  told.    The  nrernt  Z.™ 

f.,- hayini  „n\i?he?rr5r„dic"  aru'rnrTnrtt:: 
u:xnr:r^belt^l^:„7^her?3^"{^^^^^^^^^^^^ 
!t;°i;^eo'u^r  ■  t^ ""'  «'^'^«  --.hncSn"  If,  nz 

pace,,  .here  all  ,as  cold,  we  broke  it  and  found  i  quite  tuo„  ben  aS 

appearance.     At  a  distance  it  looks  like  new  ploughed  land  and  of  H,n 
same  colour :  as  we  approach,  it  is  much  more  roSgh  and  hideous      Havn! 

rrjreSrz;rsre'?^oT 
r^z  lf£'^^isrz  :hrd-;Sn.,^L^f  S 

vegetation  relieves  the  eye,  wearied  and  sad  with  the  horrible  and  hilt 
expanse  that  environed  us  :  How  melancholy  are  the  fee  b.  excitel  ?n 
««ch  a  situation!  How  much  more  so  are  the  recollect  1  ft  rS  s  r  I 
felt  as  If  we  alone  stood  on  the  ruins  of  the  universo  L  f  lu  ' 
conieagain;  nor  can  I  think  of  it  without  eirn^'lTon"  ^^r^^^ 
g  walk  on  the  broken  lava  brought  us  to  the  place  where  we  hi-  sLnT 
Our  last  descent  began  here,  and  when  once  at  ^the  foroTthe  uppir  m  t 
of  the  „,ountain,  we  rapidly  went  in  seven  minutes,  the  sameTstance 

n.TJl    t\^  hermitage,  where  we  breakfasted  on  bread  and   wine 
T    cloads  had  now  dispersed,  and  we  enjoyed  a  view  of  the  supe^b  b^of 

SsoAhaTl""-  S""'''  I  know  hi;  far  prejudice  iJuencesm/ 
Buying  so;  that  it  is  inferior  to  the  bav  of  New  Vnrt      tj,-,  f       j    1    ^ 

Scil!::  f  T'  ^'V'  it  a  4Stil?nl'^3Tassici'nt  :^^^^^^^ 

ar    ead  so  on^wi^H"^''  ^T^''  ^'""^^'  "^"^^^  »«-««  -^  P'iny 
denendlf  n? ?K  '  ^*^^  ^''^  "'''*  interesting  in  the  world.     I„. 

t^uviu,,  with  Its  burning  craters,  the  number  of  cities  and  villages  de- 


348 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


ttil 


stroyed  by  its  dreadful  workinp;8,  will  ever  attract  the  lover  of  landscape 
and  the  student  of  nature.  The  cities  over  which  we  walk  —  the  palaces 
over  which  we  sail  — the  lakes,  half  swallowed  —and  mountains  ejected 
in  a  single  night  —  all  add  to  the  interest  of  the  place. 

^  Such  were  my  thoughts  as  my  mule  came  down  the  base  of  the  mount- 
ain,  at  the  little  village  of  Rescina,  fiom  whence  we  had  descended  the 
day  before  into  Herculaneum.     The  theatre  alone  is  now  shown  •  som'^ 
persons  having  been  lost  in  the  excavations,  they  are  closed  to  the  public  - 
and  through  tlie  inadvertency  of  others,  we  are  deprived  of  pleasure  and 
instruction,     lo  Pompeii  is  8  miles,  and  we  took  a  kind  of  chaise  for  the 
day.     Ihe  Neapolitan  chaise,  or  cabriolet,  is  a  very  small  gig,  into  which 
two  very  small  persons  may  squeeze;  one  of  them  drives,  and  the     -ach 
man  stands  behind  to  whip  the  horse,  which  is  exclusively  his  prerogative 
and  the  passenger  cannot  present  him  from  making  the  horse  run  all  the 
distance.     Pompeii,  as  it  is  shown  to  visitors,  is  more  interestin-r  than 
Herculaneum  ;  since  it  is  part  of  a  city  exposed  to  light,  and  open  To  day 
We  walk  by  daylight  in  the  streets ;  enter  the  houses  and  temples  and 
visit  the  forum  and  tombs,  the  same  as  any  ancient  town  — but  cannot 
lorget,  that  since  the  year  79,  till  within  a  short  time,  the  ashes  of  Vesu- 
vius  have  hid  it  from  the  day.     The  temple  of  Isis  ts  the  most  complete  • 
few  houses  have  the  second  story ;  the  first  are  perfect,  and  are  easily 
known.     Ihus  several  cook-shops,  a  bake-house,  a  surgeon's  or  drugaigt's 
a  milkmnn  s  &c.   are  at  once  recognized  by  the  signs  painted  on  the  walls' 
and  trequently  the  name  is  seen  too.     One  of  the  streets  must  have  been 
superb  ;  it  yet  exhibits  the  marks  of  carriage  wheels.     The  workmen  and 
guides  are  very  strict;  I  wanted  a  small  square  piece  of  marble  which 
served  as  a  floor  to  one  of  the  courts  —  although  it  laid  loose  on  the  ashes 
y%^  *"^yj;fP'»^^^  »^J  nor  had  a  bribe  far  beyond  its  intrinsic  value  any 
effe-t.     They  gave  me  to  understand  that  both  their  necks  would  answer 
for  it. 

I  wrote  to  you  frorr.  Leghorn.  We  went  from  thence  to  Pisa,  Lucca, 
and  Florence;  the  latter  is  a  beautiful  and  interesting  place,  in  the  vale 
•  <^,n°°'-?"^  ^  *^^  "°^*  luxuriant  in  the  world.  From  Florence  to  Home 
IS  200  miles,  we  arrived  in  the  Holy  Week,  and  saw  the  ceremonies  of 
.h-aster.  Ihe  religious  ceremonies  were  the  most  splendid  I  ever  saw. 
i«  nnP^P^'  ^  cardinals,  30  bishops,  and  lots  of  deacons  ofliciated- about 
30,000  persons  were  in  St.  Peter's  during  the  service.  We  got  by  chance 
with  the  ambassadors ;  but  though  luck  favored  us  iu  the  cathedral,  it  left 
us  to  shift  for  ourselves  at  the  door,  and  we  mingled  in  a  crowd  of  150  000 
persons,  who  knelt  to  receive  the  benediction  of  his  holiness 

The  illumination  of  St.  Peter's,  and  the  fire  works,  were  superb  beyond 
description.     They  are  said  to  have  cost  more  than  one  million  of  dollars, 
and  still  his  holiness  cannot  clear  his  dominions  of  banditti  — he  is  too 
1  art  of  the  way  from  Rome  to  this  place,  guard  houses  are  built 


poor 


every  quarter  of  a  mile,  and  we  had  frequently  a  soldier  on  each  side  of 
the  carnage  to  protect  us  from  robbers.  Still  the  traveller  sees  every  mile 
crosses  erected  on  the  grave  of  some  murdered  traveller,  or  the  limb  of 
some  wretched  victim  of  the  law. 

From  Rome  we  crossed  the  Pontine  marshes  —  the  travelling  is  10  miles 
an  hour  — the  people  look  as  if  nature  was  sinking  to  rest:  still  they  are 
the  only  contented  folks  I  have  seen  iu  Italy.  Formerly  felons  were  con- 
demned to  act  here  as  postillions;  at  present  things  are  not  so  bad,  and 
only  want  proper  management. 


we  not  so  bad,  and 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  349 

"  The  above  interesting  extract  was  penned  by  Dr.  Jeremiah  Vao  Rensse- 
laer, a  gentleman  of  the  old  school,  distinguished  for  his  lar^e-hea"  ted 
ear.ty  and  courteous  bearing  towards  all,%he  fragrance  of  his  'en tit 

r  ?s  tolr  'X  '  ''"^  "T?  ^">^'^^>  the  appropriate  inscription 
upon  his  tomb  — '  the  memory  of  the    ust  is  blessed.'     He  was  the  son 

mtvn^l^''  Rensselaer,  who  died  in  1828,  and  occupied  he  quui^^^^ 
'OlllanJiensseaer  Mansion'  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Hudson  river 
just  below  the  village  of  Greenbush,  opposite  the  city  of  Albany  Tis 
a  fine  old  mansion,  delightful  in  locution  with  the  broad,  silvery  kudson 
washing  Its  bank,  and  the  sad  and  joyous  associations  of  more  thartwo 
c,  tunes  clustering  around  it.  A  dense  hedge  of  lilacs,  ril  n  the  pro- 
usion  of  spring  flowers,  borders  and  overtops  the  picket-f^nce  which  Ss 
he  house  and  runs  nearly  parallel  with  the  road\nd  river.  Within  the 
hedge,  a  lawn  kept  with  cultivated  taste,  attracts  the  attent L  0^  he  pass! 
ing  traveler,  as  he  looks  through  the  openings  with  a  lonl.  desire  to 

a3l    r?663"an'd  no";'Tr  ^''^T'^'    The  buildinVwas  erected 
as  early  a.  IbhS,  and  no  doubt  was  used  in  those  early  times  as   a  fort 
some  of  the  stone  port-holes  still  remain  visible  in  the  walls  ' 

Around  the  fireplace,  in  the  upper  chambers,  are  a  number  of  tiles 
I<ffl  I.^V^t'  '"'r-'  ««"*f  °i"e  Scripture  illustrations.     One  rep  esents 
the  flight  of  Joseph  into  Egypt.     Another  is  that  of  Dives  and  Lamus 
another  of  the  tiles  represents  the  baptism  of  Christ  in  the  rTver  JorZ' 
There  are  altogether  between  forty  and  fifty  of  these  tiles  all  of  which  have 

nZ'  "ITIT""  '^T  ^''''  *°«  ^««  «een  the  Seavy  wooden 
Che  t,  ,n  which  the  linen  of  our  ancestors  was  sent  to  Hollind  to  be 
washed,  showing  how  exclusive  w-  'heir  entire  dependence  on  the  mother 
country  during  their  early  reside.oe  in  this  western  wilderness  Mtll 
this  old  mansion  had  been  built  more  than  a  hundred  and  twenty  five  ye  rs 

01  me  village  ot  Iroy.  We  may  imagine  the  m  ng  ed  surprise  -jnd  inAi^ 
na  ion  of  the  g^  od  old  burgher's  of  sUid  Albany.^when  th  I  fou.d  thfi 
'Big  Jacob,' grandson  of  the  venerated  Derick  Van  Derheyden  had  fa  len 
mto  the  hands  of  the  Philistines  and  sold  a  portion  of  the  fam  of  igj 
res,  leased  from  the  Patroon,  at  an  annual  rent  of  three  bushels  and 
three  pecks  of  wheat  and  four  fat  fowls."  "usneis  and 

Gov.  Clinton  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

'jiSU  .„  lay  hefore  .he  Legislature  at  thtir'^^^^e"  ^J^ldle'fthe 
..lerferenee  of  the  General  Govt,  ia  out  ISleotion,.     VVith  this  °ie„  I  „  n 

Thousands  and  thousands  of  o/ce  seekJrs  unTr  the  «!  CouncU  * 

Yours  truly, 

U.n.  Sol.  Van  Bensselaer,  I„  Congress,  Washingt™""''  ''"'"'"'■ 


t^-i 


350 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


m 


The  Patroon  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
My  dear  Sir,  w.  Vliet,  March  17,  1820. 

Your  letter  and  the  documents  I  received  and  handed  them  to  the 
Governor.     Both  parties  are  very  sanguine.     I  think  however  the  Buck- 
tails  are  rather  below  par—  ifthe  Western  District  give  Clinton  their  votes 
his  party  calculate  on,  then  he  succeeds.     The  Federals  in  the  State 
except  >f.  York  will  give  him  their  support,  some  however  reluctantly 
We  are  determined  to  rally  under  our  old  banner  and  support  McKowa 
against  Diler  (for  Assembly)  who  has  joined  the  Bucktails  and  Gibbons 
You  have  seen  E.  Clark'o  letter  to  Morris  Miller.     I  think  he  will  feel 
small  when  he  meets  hiy  old  friends.     What  do  you  think  of  our  address 
to  the  Agricultural  Societies  ?     I  sent  one  to  Randolph,  has  he  received 
it?     We  have  excellent  sleighing  yet.     I  hope  to  see  you  the  beginning 
of  next  month.     Mrs.  H.  on  Tuesday  presented  me  with  a  fine  boy,  she 
is  as  well  as  usual  on  those  occasions.         Your  friend, 

S.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Major  General  Van  Rensselaer,  Washington. 

Oen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife. 
My  dear  Wife,  Washington,  March  20,  1820. 

I  wrote  you  we  had  made  up  a  party  to  go  to  Alexandria  and  Mount 
Vernon,  we  returned  on  Saturday  evening,  in  a  fine  moonlight,  at  10 
o'clock,  from  the  Seat  of  the  Father  of  his  Country.  My  time  will  not 
allow  me  to  give  you  a  description  of  the  place  or  of  my  feelings ;  these 
mrst  be  reserved  for  a  happy  fireside  chat,  in  the  midst  of  all  I  love  dearly, 
sometime  about  the  first  of  May.  Ask  the  young  farmer  whether  it  will 
not  be  best  to  sow  the  back  lot  with  peas,  and  the  low  land  with  barley 
and  oats.  If  he  has  not  been  able  to  get  manure  on  the  back  lot,this  crop 
will  be  the  most  profitable  there.  If  the  peas  are  rolled  in  plaster,  and 
plaster  sowed  over  them,  the  ground  will  prodice  a  good  crop,  and  will  be 
handy  to  turn  in  the  hogs.  The  ground  should  be  handsomely  turned 
over  and  lightly  harrowed  before  sowing,  or,  if  it  is  well  plowed,  perhaps 
first  harrowing  will  be  unnecessary.  He  should  sow  twenty  bushels  upon 
this  lot,  or  at  least  two  bushels  to  the  acre,  and  get  thom  in  as  early  as 
possible.     Three  ploughs  will  soon  turn  it  over.  *  *  * 

Dear  Harriot,  Washington,  March  22,  1820. 

I  have  only  time,  after  writing  to  veral,  to  say  that  an  afi"air  of  honor 
took  place  this  morning  between  commodores  Decatur  and  Barron,  in 
which  both  fell  at  the  first  fire.  The  ball  entered  Decatur's  body  two 
inches  above  the  hip,  and  lodged  against  the  opposite  side.  I  just  came 
from  his  house.  He  yet  lives,  but  will  never  see  another  sun.  Barron's 
wound  is  severe,  but  not  dangerous.  The  ball  struck  the  upper  part  of 
his  hip,  and  turned  to  the  rear.  He  is  ruined  in  public  estimation.  The 
excitement  is  very  great.     Kiss  all  my  Coveys  for  me.     In  haste. 

Truly  yours, 

Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Mrs.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Albaiiy,  N.  Y. 

Washington,  March  22, 1820.  A  duel  was  fought  this  morning  between 
Commodore  Stephen  Decatur  —  one  of  the  first  officers  of  our  navy  —  the 
pride  of  his  country  and  Conmiodore  James  Barron.     Commodore  Decatur 


LN  Rensselaer, 


N  Rensselaer. 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  ui 

was  supported  by  Com.  Rodgers  in  whose  arms  he  was  sustained  from  the 
battle  ground  to  hi.  re.sidence.     Evenui!; :  Com.  Decatur  still  lives      Hit 
surgeon  however  says  that  he  cannot  live  until  morning.     I  walked   to 
hm  dwelling  this  afternoon  to  enquire  about  him.     Every  person   in  the 
city  appears  dejected  at  this  unfortunate  and  mclanchol*y  afiV.r      Grief 
and  sorrow  are  depicted  in  the  countenances  of  all,  for  the  late'of  poor 
Decatur.     Barron  is  severely  wounded  and  had  the  ball  struck  one  inch 
above  his  hip  bone  instead  of  on  it,  he  would  have  been  now  in  the  same 
situation  with  Decatur^    The  quarrel  has  been  of  about  five  months  stand- 
ing and  grew   out   of  the   old  Chesapeake   aflFair.     Barron  it   appears 
applied  to  command  the    Columbus.     Decatur  opposed   his  appSoT 
which  gave   ofience  to   Barron  -  Com.  Bainbridge  was    the   fViend   to 
Decatur,  Captain   Elliott  the  friend  to  Barron.     They  fought  at   he  dis^ 
ance  of  eight  paces  on  the  celebrated  battle  ground   near  Bladensburg 
"Ihe  fatal  wound  was  given  on  Wednesday  morning  and  the  noble  Naval' 
Hero  expired  m  agony  at  11  o'clock  the  same  night.     The  sad  news  of 
the  duel  created  unusual  feeling  and  sensation  in  the  House  :  so  -enerallv 
was  Com.  Decatur  beloved  by  the  members  and  so  anxious'  were  they  to 
hear  the  particulars  that  it  was  difficult  for  the  speaker  to  keep  them  in 
ordei.     Ihe  funeral  was  attended  on  the  afternoon  of  Friday  24th  wih 
every  demonstration  of  respect  and  due  Military  honors.     The  voUevs  of 
musketry  which  announced  the  consignment  of  the  hero's  remains  to  the 
tomb,  sounded  as  the  knell  of  departed  chivalry.     Mrs.  Decatur  was  in  an 
agony  of  despair,  distressed  beyond  expression,  they  have  no  children 
Mrs.  D.  died  at  Georgetown  D.  C,  in  1860."  «u"uren. 

Judge  Mc  Kown  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

^T  ^i"'  A     u.  .  ^^^^''y   22nd  March  1820. 

You  have  no  doubt  seen  the  report  of  our  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means 
on  the  subject  of  the  Vice  President's  affair.     Last  night  his  Exce  kncv 
the  ci-devant  and  would  be  Governor,  transmitted  to  the  House,  a  0^' 
pondence  which  he  had  entered  into  with  the  Committee  pending  the  En- 
qmry     The  whole  of  the  Correspondence  goes  decidedly  to  shew  that  he 
had  determined,  and  such  was  his  object,  not  to  do  or  say  any  thine,  de! 
cded ly  on  any  special  part  of  the  subject,  but  to  throw  a  mist  over  it" that 
might  leave  him  some  kind  of  pretences  of  complaint  of  unfair  treatment 
before  the  Committee.     But  the  strangest  thing  of  all  was,  that  on^oThis 
m.n.ons,  it  appeared,  had  got  or  stolen  a  private  letter  written  by  the 
Chairman  of  Ccnimittee,  to  one  of  his  Country  friends,  in  which  he  had 
expressed  an  opinion  pretty  harshly  against  Tompkins,  and  a  copy  with  the 
ofccial  correspondence  of  the  Committee  was  sent  to  the  House  bv  T  —  in 
apparent  great  triumph.     But  he  did  not  stop  here.     In  one  of  his  letters 
to  the  Committee,  which  he  had  the  audacity  to  send  to  the  house  he  saJl 
substantially  that  it  was  not  to  be  wondered  at  that  the  Committee  made 
an  unfavorable  report  as  some  of  them  had  prejudged  his  case,  and  that 
t     source  which  appointed  them  was  personally  and  politically  hostile  to 
hiLi !!  Directly  insulting  the  House  by  saying,  in  very  plain  terms    L^ 
were  a  set  of  perjured  rascals  who  had  detefmined  to^^t  corruTra.d 
udgepart,.ally.     How  his  advisers,  who  certainly  a;-e  shrewd  men   ever 
emitted  Tompkins  to  overshoot  his  mark  in  this  way  I  cannot  conl^eTve 
I  must  beheve  he  did  this  without  advice  of  his  friends.     Every  one  wS 

in  a'flat!  '  ruvf"  ""'^  '?kP'''  ?'  TK'''^  '^  *''^  ^ouse  was  at  on^e 
in  a  flame.    Ot  consequence  they  refused  to  have  his  communication  printed 


862 


LEaACY  OP  Historical  Gleanings. 


or  have  any  thing  to  do  with  it  j  and  ordered  the  Clerk  to  deliver  his  papers 
to  him  aguin. 

Our  Committee  of  enquiry  enter  on  Van  Ness  conduct,  after  an  inter- 
val of  about  two  weeks,  to  re-commence  the  exp.mination  of  witnesses  this 
day.  I  believe  about  a  dozen  new  witnesses  have  arrived  from  N 
York.     I  hope  we  may  be  able  to  finish  the  examination  this  week 

The  Hon.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,        ^  ^"^  ^«"  Sir,_Yours  truly. 


ew 


House  of  Representatives,  Washington. 


James  McKown. 


[Hon.  Daniel  D.  Tompkins  was  vice  president  of  the  United  States 
under  President  Monroe ;  he  had  many  opponents  in  his  political  career. 
Still  he  had  many  valuable  points,  and  as  a  firm,  eflBcieut,  and  zealous 
friend  to  his  country,  in  times  of  great  difliculty  and  need,  he  was  not 
excelled.  He  died  in  the  year  1825.  Judge  William  W.  Van  Ness  was 
strangely  misunderstood ;  but  now  that  the  feverish  state  of  things  has 
passed  away,  and  selfishnesa  no  longer  warps  the  minds  of  men  regardin" 
those  events  in  a  most  remarkable  period  of  time,  full  justice  is  awarded 
to  as  noble  a  man  as  ever  lived.  He  ever  was  distinguished  for  his  hi^h 
intellectual  endowments  and  his  courteous  bearing  in  all  the  relations  of 
life,  and  the  voice  of  history  mourns  over  the  strange  infatuation  that  then 
prevailed.] 

Oov.  Clinton  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Sir,        _  Albany,  27th  March,  1820. 

T  have  received  a  copy  of  Van  Buren's  famous  letter  on  the  "  Rascally 
P.  Masters."     It  is  equally  oflFeus^ve  to  grammar  and  truth.     It  is  per- 
fectly satisfactory  and  will  produce  a  great  effect.     When  were  the  P. 
Masters  mentioned  in  his  letter  removed  J'     They  are — Holt  of  Her- 
kimer—  Howell  cf  Bath  — Smith  of  Little  Falls  —  Chamberlin  of  Oxford. 
Why  iB  Holt  retuined  if  so  ?     I  had  a  hint  about  the  maueuvre  to  remove 
P.  Masters  in  Jefferson  and  have  written  to  your  Colleague,  William  D. 
Ford,  on  the  subject.     As  letters  on  file  are  public  documents,  why  not 
boldly  request  a  copy  —  let  it  by  all  means  be  attended  to.    An  idea  of 
importance  has  struck  me.     Suppose  that  you  and  a  Colleague  desired  a 
private  interview  with  the  President  [James  Monroe,]  stated  the  conduot 
of  the  P.  M.  General  in  removing  Post  Masters  on  the  eve  of  the  elec- 
tion—  that  it  was  reported  that  this  measure  had  met  his  approbation. 
That  you  wished  to  give  a  liberal  support  to  his  administration  and  to 
guard  him  against  misrepresentation,  that  you  respectfully  desired  to 
know  whether  he  had  or  had  not  sanctioned  and  whether  he  did  or  did 
not  approve  of  the  measure.     In  either  case  it  was  due  to  his  candor  and 
magnanimity  to  remove  all  doubt  on  this  at  once.     If  I  were  with  you  I 
would  do  this  at  once.     If  he  denied,  it  will  be  well,  if  he  admits,  then 
the  charge  can  be  brought  directly  home  to  him.     If  he  is  silent  so  much 
the  better.     In  all  respects  the  step  is  proper,  decorous  and  respectful; 
will  do  you  honor  and  is  worthy  of  a  Representative  of  the  people. 

Col.  Livingston,  of  Saratoga  has  a  claim  which  has  been  transmitted  to 
the  Speaker.  Will  you  tell  him  to  notice  it  and  to  write  to  his  consti- 
tuents frequently.  He  stands  well  there  and  our  friends  are  making 
favoiable  demonstrations  in  that  quarter.  Cramer  is  full  of  bitter  de- 
nunciations against  the  Speaker.  Our  accounts  from  the  Counties  are 
very  favorable.  I  am  yours  truly, 

DeWitt  Clinton. 
Gen.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer — In  Congress.  Washington. 


Leoacv  of  Historicai,  GLBANfiias.  858 

lira."!;- Je^f  r^r  r  ™.sr°i?  '"^•'  'v^  ^'»,  '--'"^ 

p..ed  fhrou.h  th/orS'„:L™U'-:    'Zatto  Ta"  p:S  of^L'e: 
excitement  almost  w  thout  a  mnllol      v  ■      "*  P^'^'oa  ot  party 

G^ew.  Faw  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife. 
My  dear  Harriot,  Tir„  i,-     ^        .      .,  „„ 

aneat  subsTanHatrner  and  p^^^^^^^^^^  "^^  T '"^  '  ^°  '^^^ 

..y  aad  »u!.iX,r-  kL'^'LTr  j"  '"°=  "'™  °'"''  "  ^»"'  °» 

Affectionately  Yours, 
Mrs.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany,  N.  Y.     ^'''  ^^"^  ^^^s^^^AEB. 

not  havin.f  been   flit  Tn  ••«P>-^««»tative«,  worthy  of  note,  from 

iswnce  from  the  ladder,  and  escaped  unhurt;  and,  although  the  mem- 
45 


FF 


864 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


bers  were  gnthering  fast  in  the  hnll,  jind  the  fnifinients  of  the  chandelier 
covered  n  eon«ideriible  npnce,  it  happened  the  neats  immediately  within  itH 
roach  were  not  yet  occupied,  and  no  member  was  neriously  hurt.  A  imiro 
providential  escape  can  scarcely  be  in)aj;ined,  the  weij^ht  of  the  chandelier 
being  several  hundred  pounds.  The  chandelier  was  imported  from  Eng- 
land, and  cost  1,  300  dollars. 

The  first  session  of  the  sixteenth  congress,  was  terminated,  about  four 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  May  15th,  by  the  adjournment  of  the  two  houBes 
until  the  second  Monday  of  November  next,  being  the  18th  day  of  the 
month.  The  session  closed  in  perfect  harmony.  No  session  of  conj,'re88 
has  been  marked  by  more  deliberation  and  coolness  in  its  closing  scene. 

Monday,  Nov.  13,  1820,  the  second  xcssion  of  the  sixteenth  congress 
began.  Wednesday  Nov.  15.  The  house  then  again  proceeded  by  ballot 
to  the  election  of  a  speaker,  and  upon  an  examination  of  the  twenty-second 
ballot,  it  appeared  that  John  W.Taylor,  one  of  the  representatives  from 
the  state  of  New  York,  was  duly  elected  Speaker. 

In  Senate  on  November  15,  1820.  "  Kesolved  that  his  excellency,  the 
governor  be  requested  to  lay  before  the  senate  all  the  information  that  he 
may  possess  in  relation  to  that  part  of  his  speech  which  alludes  to  the 
general  government,  or  its  officers,  '  as  an  organized  and  disciplined  corps 
in  our  elections.' 

Ordered,  That  the  clerk  deliver  a  copy  of  said  resolution  to  his  excel- 
lency the  governor.  By  order, 

John  F.  Bacon,  Clerk. 
To  the  Senate, 

Gentlemen  :  Fully  appreciating  the  patriotic  solicitude  of  the  senate  to 
prevent  all  unwarrantable  intrusions  in  the  political  affairs  of  the  state,  I 
have  received  their  application  for  information  on  this  subject  with  plea- 
sure, and  I  shall,  in  due  time  make  them  a  communication,  which,  I  trust, 
will  be  satisfactory  in  its  nature  and  salutary  in  its  tendency. 

Albany,  Nov.  16,  1820.  DeWitt  Clinton. 

Oov.  Clintcm  to  Qen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  Albany  18  Nov.,  1820. 

Can  you  procure  for  me  a  statement  of  the  whole  number  of  Post  Offices 
in  this  State,  and  the  aggregate  of  compensation  ? 

We  have  received  the  President's  Message,  but  no  account,  as  yet,  of 
the  Election  of  Speaker  in  Mr.  Clay's  place.  It  is  to  be  hoped  that  Tay- 
lor [John  W.  Taylor]  has  succeeded.  Our  Legislature  are  yet  in  Session. 
Everything  is  working  right.  Yours  Sincerely, 

DeWitt  Clinion. 

Honorable  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  In  Congress,  Washington. 

Charles  O.  Haines  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  General,  New  York  Nov.  20,  1820. 

The  recent  triumph  of  Northern  politics  has  imparted  joy  and  congrat- 
ulations, among  all  our  friends  in  thi?  City.  To  you  great  Credit  is  given. 
We  feel  confident  that  you  boldly  and  perseveringly  led  the  wfiy  to  victory, 
and  animated  the  courage  of  the  timid  and  desponding.  Next  conies  the 
Jlissouri  Constitution.  For  God's  sake  stand  firm,  and  reject  this  odious 
and  abominable  instrument.  If  it  is  received  by  Congress  in  its  present 
shape,  I  would  not  give  a  single  farthing  for  the  American  Confederacy. 
It  will  be  tramp  ed  under  foot,  openly  violated,  and  virtually  destroyed. 
There  is  a  great  sensibility  here  on  this  subject.     A  few  of  us,  including 


olution  to  his  excel- 
F.  Bacon,  Clerk. 


Leoacy  op  Historical  Gleaninqs.  355 

ill!  parties  combining  men  of  candor  and  roaHon,  met  on  Saturday  Evonintr 
.St  to  co„8u  t  on  tho  propriety  of  calling  a  general  moetinK  ;  but  upon 
the  whole,  alter  lull  debate,  it  waH  concluded  not  to  do  it.     Hut  we  stand 
strong,  farm  and  re.olute.     If  Civil  War  and  diviHion  of  the  Union  come 

V   ;-'  "  •  ""'^'""-  [r  h''\  ,^'*""  ^^'  '^^^^^^^  '»""""  of  Slavery.     How 

0  the  Southern  People  fee  ?  If  we  do  our  duty,  nothing  can  Li,t  Z 
do  ot  Nor  hern  feeling  and  Northern  independence  that  has  set  in.  The 
ucktails  stand  mute  and  thunderstruck.     My  opinion  is,  that  Governor 

Cl.uton  s  Administration  stands  stronger  than  it  did  one  year  ago,  by  many 
thousands.  Our  triumph  nextSpring  is  certain  if  we  do  any  thing  worthy 
ot  our  cause.  In  d  your  operations  at  Washington,  I  hope  nothing  wiU 
be  said  of  making  Mr.  Clinton  our  President.  My  feelin^ns  toward,  him 
you  know  and  God  knows;  but  we  umst  on:Srace'he  whole  ground,  and 
thm  cannot  bo  done,  1  we  Duild  upon  the  nr.^e  and  merits  of  any  pa  t'cu 
lur  individual.  Th..«  is  Gov  Clinton's  own  opinion,  as  well  us^my  own 
Do  let  me  hear  from  you  and  send  me  any  Documents  that  may  be  interest- 
ing.    When  will  Crawford  make  his  Report? 

p.^  a.i  ir      T,         ,  ^*''*  ^^^'•^^  respect  and  esteeuK 

Gen.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Ch  G    Haivs-h 

Member  U.  S.  Congress,  Washington.  ^'''• 

Tfie  Patroon  to  Sol.  Van  Renaadaer. 
Dear  Sir  _  Albany  Nov.  20,  1820. 

1  regret  that  1  was  disappointed  in  not  seeing  you  in  N  York      T  i^AUA 
several  times  at  your  Hotel  and  you  was  out  "^^-^^orK.     i  called 

Mr  Taylor's  election  shewa  that  the  North  have  Strength,  if  united. 

We  had  a  tumultuous  Session,  parties  very  violent.     I  pray  tha  when  they 

«ble  again,  they  will  be  more  moderate.     Make  niy  respects  to  Sff 

Calhoun  and  remind  him  of  the  Son  of  the  old  Soldier  who  wishes  a  place 

t  Wes   Point;  he  is  now  at  our  Academy  and  improves  in  Mathematics 

et/dXMr'H  •''•''••  ''^^"-     ^'''  V '^^^^-''^  defence  was  opS 
yesterday  by  Mr.  Henry  in  very  strong  language.     I  thought  it  had  an 

ffect.     Make  my  respects  to  Mr.  Beecher,  Brush  and  rest  of  your  old  mess 

I  hope  to  see  you  in  January  for  a  few  days.     Your  friend. 

Major  Genl.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer.  M.  Congress,  WasIin^toT^'^""* 

Oov.  Clinton  to  Gen.  Van  Mensaelaer. 

^rm  ^o'    •      ,  Albany  22  Nov     1820 

Ihe  bession  has  passed  over  to  the  mortification  of  the  Jacobins      The 

0  27"  F  T  '""i^'r'  '''  the  express  purpose  of  sustaining  them 
m  power  --Election  in  February  —  Session  in  June.  You  ou-ht^o  writ 
to  all  your  friends  urging  them  to  active  exertions.  The  victory  is  certalnlv 
ours  1  we  act  nobly.  Th  election  of  Speaker  is  very  grat  ?yfn  '  T  ee  u 
le  ^of  f  r^' ^» '"'"  thatcompeLationis  stifl  ^allowed  to  the  Col- 
S  vn5f      •'l"'''  ^'■?"''      ^'  '^''  *^"«  ^  Write  to  me  on  the  subject 

.'  r  c're^nsT ""'  ^"^ ''''-''''  ■'''^' ''''  irjTrTf  r  ^^"^ 

Hon.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  In  Congress,  W^hington^ 

sneTp.!!^'''"'^""''  1-^^f-  T  '"'  "^  *'^«  "^''^  remarkable  in  many  re- 

pects  ever  convened  in  this  State.     De  Witt  Clinton,  as  governor,  had 

such  a  large  majority  of  the  members  who  were  personal  friends  of  hi  and 


* 

I 

1 

', 

1 

1 

856 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleaninqs. 


^  I '  » 


M 


ple.lKod  to  support  his  ciinal  policy,  that  it  was  fumiliiirly    called  the 
'Clintoniari  House.' 

"Additional  interest  is  also  nttaelied  to  tliiH  loKiidaturo  from  the  ."ai-t  of 
the  luipeaeinnetit,  trial  and  triumphant  ac(|uital  of  the  .Jud;,'o  \V.  VV  Van 
NflsH,  of  (Jlaveruck,  Colunibi.i  county,  in  the  conduct  of  wliieh  the  names 
of  hraHtu;i  Koot,  ThoiuuH  J.  Oakley  and  Kli.ha  WillianiH  figure  con.spi,.u. 
ously,  and  which  called  out  the  famous  mathematical  speech  of  iMr  Root 
as  we  1  as  some  of  tho  most  brilliant  speeches  ever  heard  in  the  old  Asscm' 
bly  Chamber." 

Cen.  Van  Jienaselaer  to  his  Wtfe, 
^y  ,<^«"  Wife.  Wo^hinf,Hon  Nov.  24,  1820. 

1  he  Wail  has  removed  from  my  heart  a  load,  which  I  have  sustained 
with  difficulty,  and  the  next  1  hope  will  entirely  remove.  Our  dear 
Adeline's  letter  is  before  me  if  your  soro  finger  only  preventsyour  not  writ- 
ing, and  not  sickne«*s,  I  amsatisaed,  but  lot  me  beg  of  you  to  remove  anx- 
iety as  soon  as  po.>(sib!e. 

^  Kv  ;ry  thing  is  going  on  well  here,  wo  have  received  one  great  victory 
in  <  choice  of  Speaker,  which  like  the  Allies  over  Honaparte,  has  given 
our  ranks  confidence;  and  I  hope  and  believe  we  will  put  down  fhe 
Jfmonri  Ojiistitiiffun.  Our  i)ppo.sors  treat  us  with  great  civility,  for  they 
have  been  made  to  understand  that  thoy  are  men  no  better  than  ourselves 
and  that  their  blustering  ar.d  swaggorinr  will  be  j  -mptly  met.  I  have 
received  several  congratulatory  letters  f. ..  n  the  City  of  New  York  in  which 
they  do  me  more  credit  than  I  deserve,  for  doing  my  duty.  I  wi.sh  our 
friends  to  act  mildly,  but  they  shall  not  yield  one  inch  of  ground  if  I  can 
prevent  them,  and  rest  assured  they  as  well  as  our  opposers  have  the  full- 
est confidence  in  my  firmness.  Carter  sends  the  Statesmen  regularly  to 
me  and  I  send  you  the  paper  of  this  place.  Kiss  our  good  and  affection- 
uto  children  lor  me ;  let  one  or  the  other  write  by  every  mail,  if  only  three 
hnes  they  will  be  more  acceptable  than  I  can  get  from  others. 

Unalterably  Yours, 
Mrs.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany.       Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 

The  slavery  question,  as  connected  with  tho  Mmouri  Constitution,  at 
this  time,  distracted  the  whole  country.  "Good  citizens  wore  appalled 
and  painful  feelings  were  inspired  that  the  traffic  in  public  offices  became 
the  most  formidable  auxiliary  of  the  supremacy  of  the  slave  oli-archy 
many  were  controlled  by  it,  almost  despotically.  The  politicians'^of  the 
tory  and  slavery  school  would  never  have  had  such  a  long  lease  of  power, 
if  they  had  not  been  able  to  hold  out  the  bait  of  office  to  their  most  unscru- 
pulous camp  followers,  from  their  acquired  influences."  The  speaker 
Henry  Clay  wrote  to  John  J.  Crittenden  as  follows:  "  The  Missouri  sub- 
jfjt  monopolizes  all  our.conversation,  all  our  t'loughts  and,  for  three  weeks 
at  least,  to  come,  will  occupy  all  our  time.  Nobody  seems  to  think  of  or 
care  about  anything  else.  The  issue  of  the  question  in  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives IS  doubtful.  I  am  inclined  to  think  that  it  will  be  finullu  com- 
promised." 

James  W.  Barbour  in  a  letter  to  the  same  person  says :  "  you  have  been 
relieved  from  one  of  the  most  irksome  tasks  I  have  ever  experienced,  the 
discussion  of  the  Missouri  question.  Who  could  have  thought,  last  .session, 
that  the  little  .s-^jrc/c  we  then  saw  was  to  be  sw  lied  into  the  importance  it  has 
now  assumed,  and  that  upon  its  decision  depended  the  duration  of  the 
UniouV   The  ilissolutiun  ia  oue  of  the  alteruatives  spoken  of,  rather  than 


NQS. 

niiliarly    called  the 

uro  from  the  i'lii-t  of 
Jucl;,'o  W.  VV.  Van 
of  which  the  iiiiines 
iimiH  Sgurc  conspion- 
iHjieoch  of  Mr.  Hoot, 
tJ  in  the  old  Asscm- 


3n  Nov.  24,  1820. 
ih  I  have  sustained 
remove.     Our  dear 
events  your  not  writ- 
■you  to  remove  anx- 

)d  one  great  victory 
5oniiparte,  has  given 
will  put  down  ^he 
)at  civility,  for  they 
etter  than  ourselves, 
iptly  met.  I  have 
'  New  York  in  which 

duty.  I  wi.sh  our 
1  of  ground  if  I  can 
losers  have  the  full- 
esnien  regularly  to 
good  and  affection- 
y  mail,  if  only  three 

others. 

ours, 

IN  Rensselaer. 

uri  Constitution,  at 
lens  wore  appalled, 
ublic  offices  became 
he  slave  olijiarchy, 
e  politicians  of  the 
long  lease  of  power, 
0  their  most  unscru- 
38."  The  speaker, 
'  The  Missouri  sub- 
nd,  for  three  weeks 
sms  to  think  of  or 
he  House  of  Kepre- 
ivill  be  finally  com- 

s :  "  you  have  been 
er  experienced,  the 
bought,  last  session, 
le  importance  it  has 
lie  duration  of  the 
keu  of,  rather  than 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleaninqs.  857 

.,uhn.it  to  the  .spirit  ..f  aggression  which  n.arks  the  oour.e  or"  our  anta.^o. 
mMs.     A  proi-oH.tion  Luh  now  been  made  for  u  comnr-.miso    the  TZZ 
.ent  prop   J  by  Thomas,  which,  I  bei.evo,  unplcal        '   it  is   wil       '  t 

mto^ contusion.     1  ho  yreut  movcn  ot  this  question  «ro  against  all  compro- 

N.  U.  Carter  to  Oen.  Van  Ilen»»elaer. 
Dear  Sir,  . ,.  o,  ,    »t  '    - 

%  your  politeness  and  that  of  your  friend    )r  £  who      II'  /'f  " 
roon.  on  Wednesd..y  Evening,  1  Ld  tlirlea/ur^o^^  T  ^d.     't,;/ S 
letter;  and  now  take  the  liberty  to  express  to  you  the  satisfaction  I  do 
r.ved    rom   a  perusal  of    ts  contents!^    Permit  n.e   to  r  oiproeate  vou; 
congratulations  on  the  election  of  the  Speaker  —  Mr  T.-vlnr  ^  r?-    •   T  I 

..itins  for  the  now,  of  Taylo-',  ftte     So  wa,  »  ,t™,    '""n     ■-"'"''' 

c»  eJ,  some  ol  ■•  U,e  l„gh.mi„,,„,l  Kentleiuon"  gavo  vool  toXir  ,li,  ™ 
ol  disiiiipoiiKmem  and  ohaErin.     WiUiam  A    n„./iri.      .      •  "' 

(lulian  V„.,,|ank  publicly  .lonou„„od  Mr  Taylor  asa  a,an  of  no 'S.:?'' 
n.  ,|..l,l,ca„„„.  for  .he  office,  and  a  n,i,erabfe  .o„  of  Do  W»  CI  nton'' 
"^ZrJ^t^^  '""•  ""'  ""'  "«v„  agoodeffcorin^dti 

::'■  v„'„  "ii-'So  roEfr""'^ °;  """^ "■•'"'"»" "■»  -A- ^ ; 

rtsis.     lou  Will  greatly  oblige    me  by  conjini.,n  oatin.^  auv  iijlorii,..ti„„ 
pu  aiay  bo  able  to  ob.aia  in  relation  to  .hi,  transuetio,"     Ku  wil  .eobv 

Governor  and  the  Council  of  Revision.     Depend  on  i't   H  !  •  I  "" 

glorious  triumph.  opponents,  and  gain  a 

ter!  Ifuh'  P'r"''  f  P"'T8  'ast  evening  in  company  with  your  dau-h 
e  3  at  Judge  Spencer's,  and  lest  they  should  not  wriie  vou   T  h..!    fi 
a^is  action  to  add,  that  your  family  and  friends  are    nyoa'heahh      If 
you  find  a  leisure  moment  to  spare,  I  need  not  tell  von    Tw  «  i-       r 
you  would  be  very  gratefully%ec'eived      I  have  the 'honor  tnh'  ^""""^ 
r-pectfully  and  sincerely,  Yo^r  friend  and  obedt  «l^^^^  ''  ^'  ^^"-^ 

'jcn.  holomon  Van  Ren.sselaer,  m    tt   n. 

House  of  Representatives,  Washington  City.      '      '  ^^^'^^^- 


NJ 


368 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


Charles  0.  Haines  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 


My  Dear  Sir,  New  York  Nov.  28,  1820. 

I  return  you  many  thanks  for  your  kind  letter.  I  reciprocate  the  noble 
sentiments  which  it  breathes,  with  pride  and  with  pleasure.  Lowndes  Re- 
port has  reached  us.  It  excites  astonishment,  and  kindles  indignation.  I 
never  sav/  a  more  pitiful,  stupid  Document.  It  calls  down  execrations  on 
the  head  of  the  honorab' )  Chairman.  [Hon.  William  Lowndes  of  South 
Carolina  one  of  the  Committee  in  charge  of  the  Missouri  constitution.] 
We  stand  better  in  this  State,  in  my  opinion,  than  we  did  a  month  ago. 
The  Bucktails  are  aidingour  cause  by  their  violence  and  Jacobinism.  The 
Council  of  Revision  are  right,  Woodworth  shamefully  deserted  us.  I  think 
that  Adams  is  gaining  ground,  and  Crawford  losing  his  hold.  The  South- 
ern people  will  kill  him.    Stand  firm  and  God  bless  you! 

Sincerely  yours,  Cii.  Gr.  Haines. 

Gen.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  M.  C,  Washington. 

Governor  Clinton  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Dear  Sir,  Albany  29  November,  1820. 

In  Buel's  paper,  of  last  Spring,  there  is  a  letter  from  the  Post  Master- 
General  to  Mr.  Martin  Van  Buren  in  answer  to  a  complaint  about  "Ras- 
cally Post  Masters, "  which  letter  of  complaint  does  not  appear.  Now  it 
iij  important  to  have  the  whole  correspondence,  which  can  be  done  only  by 
the  consent  of  the  P.  M  G.  or  by  a  call  of  Congress.  The  preceding  let- 
ters of  Van  Buren  will  fix  a  connexion  and  give  a  character  to  the  whole 
transaction.  Charles  wrote  to  you  about  the  allegation  in  the  Argus  re- 
specting the  Speaker.  This  ought  to  be  met.  It  will  injure  him  essen- 
tially and  not  the  Governor.  Great  efforts  are  making  to  frustrate  him, 
Cramer  swears  vengeance  &c.  Every  thing  is  proceeding  nobly  in  our 
quarter.  Yours  Sincerely 

De  Witt  Clinton. 
Hon.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  In  Congress,  Washington. 

Oen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife. 
My  dear  Harriot,  Washington  Dec.  1,  1820. 

I  fee!  much  fatigued  but  cannot  let  the  mail  close  without  inforniinf; 
you  that  I  reached  this  place  this  evening  in  perfect  health  and  without 
injury,  although  our  stage  turned  over  twice  between  New  Yorkaad  Phil- 
adelphia without  detriment  to  any  one.  And  to  day,  when  withi  a  few 
miles  of  this  city,  the  tung  broke  and  we  were  nearly  going  over  a  bridge 
of  about  12  or  14  feet  high ;  the  stage  was  full,  and  for  a  time  we  were 
doubtful  of  our  personal  safety,  but  all  escaped  destruction,  and  nothing 
was  injured  but  one  of  the  horses.  It  has  been  a  tedious  ride,  jolting  over 
very  bad  roads,  though  we  had  the  satisfaction  ofscanning  the  tine  scenery 
and  enjoying  the  jollity  of  pleasant  companions.  I  again  occupy  my  old 
room  where  every  thing  is  snug  and  comfortable  for  me. 

Your  affectionate  Husband, 

Sol.  Van  Rknsselaer. 

Mrs.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany,  N.  Y. 

F.  Pell  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  General,  New  York  Deer.  1,  1820. 

You  have  doubtless  long  ere  this  received  the  warm  expression  of  thanks 
from  our  friends  in  this  City  for  your  intrepid  and  independent  conduct 
in  re8j)ect  to  the  Letter.     It  gave  us  all  u  spur  here,  and  since  that  tiuie 


Cri.  G.  Haines. 


Legacy  op  HtsTORicAL  Gleanings.  869 

wc  have  been  very  alert  in  collecting  information.  I  believe  the  Governor 
w>  give  them  a  stomacher.  Never  were  our  friends  in  hetter  heart  than 
at  t  n«  moment.  We  hear  of  no  defections.  The  office  holders  know  they 
w.II  bo  turned  out  if  they  persevere,  and  not  .  man  flinches  from  his  r  ost^ 
Ibe  lammanies  are  to  have  a  great  meeting  to  night  at  Tammany  Ha  1 
to  denounce,  and  urge  a  Convention  ^  ' 

Our  friends  met  last  night  in  confidence,  appointed  a  committee  to  pre- 
pare  resolutions  and  an  address  for  a  general  meeting  to  be  called,  'ap. 
proving  the  conduct  of  the  Council  of  Revision,  and  I'have  no  doubt  we 
shall  have  an  overwhelming  meeting  in  the  course  of  ten  or  twelve  days 
I  e  assured  the  Southern  distrust  will  show  a  different  tone  next  spS 
All  our  friends  hope  the  question  on  the  Mssonrl  mi  will  be  hard  pressed' 
It  .s  Id  e  now  to  ta  k  of  conciliation  _  nothing  but  sheer  strength  mu^ 
carry  the  day  -and  we  are  only  waiting  a  fair  signal  to  second  the  at?  ck 
Ihat  B'gna  must  come  from  Washington.  I  am  collecting  inform  ioa 
here  about  the  Navy  Yard  at  Brooklyn -and  am  under  the  impre  s  on 
that  a  large  sum  of  money  is  expended  and  a  considerable  body  of  men 
in  the  Service  of  the  U.  S.  employed  there  steadily.  Of  the  men  r  'an 
learn  here,  but  not  of  the  amount  of  money.  Whal  I  waut  s  tTe  annual 
expense,  and  the  purposes  to  which  it  is  applied.  Can  you  afford  me  anv 
aid,  through  the  Naval  Committee  or  otherwise  V  If  I  cou"d  aC  "eUhe 
amount  expended  in  this  harbour  for  the  support  of    he  trootld  of 

If  r^'w '"'"^'^r''"'"  ^'T^'  ''  ^''''''  ^'  '"^y  be  turned  he?e  to  good 
account  We  are  determined  to  sift  this  matter  of  government  interfer 
ence  to  the  bottom,  and  we  shall  show,  why  the  City  of  New  York  is  so 
hostile  to  Governor  Clinton.  We  shall'follow  it  up  all  wintei-  and  if  pos' 
sib le  trace  the  channel  through  which  every  dollar  passes.  '  I  shlu  be 
obi  ged  by  any  communication  from  you  ;  and  any  hints  you  may  sule't 
of  the  course  to  be  pursued  here,  will  be  attended  to.  ^    ^^ 

„_„,,,      „  I  am  Dear  Sir,  Very  respty.  Yours, 

Hon.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Washington,  FKRais  Pell. 

Gov.  Clinton  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
iMy  dear  Sir,  Albany  30  December  1820 

Aherthe  compliments  of  the  New  Year.  lam  desirous  of  acknowledging 
e  receipc  o    Several  interesting  communications  from  you.     Munelf  ha? 

Tni    .  ;  -/y    T"  '°^»'"^«^'  '»""  'l^nies  the  existence  of  e^raneous 

.nfluonc  ,  but  it  has  been  a  very  laborious  work  to  collect  testimony 
t=. tewi  h  tL^^'  the  expense  of  M.  S.  Miller's  abortive  attempt  to'^'uego- 
tjate  w   h  the  Seneca  Indians  two  or  three  years  ago.     His  coniDen.ation 
that  of  ins  Secretary  and  other  incidental  expens^'es,  as  specifi  ^      po SlT 
As  oneof  the  Military  (^ommittee  you  are  peculiari;  entilled  to  thif    The 
Uvernor  will  have  to  make  a  direct  attack  on  the  P.  M.  Genera       Facts 
vill  warrant  it,  and  it  is  absolutely  necessary.     How  far  will  he  be  autho 
med  to  imp  icate  the  Head  of  the  Executive  in  the  execution  of  Van 

e""d  '  '"  wf       ''""'''''r  ''  ~  ^^^  ^™  ^^«'"S  -»  -  -d  -  improve 
^0  day.     \\  hatever  you  have  to  communicate,  let  it  be  done  imLed ' 

The  Honorable 
Solomon  Van  Rens.selaer,  In  Congress,  Washington. 

leal^fn'''  K  f  'rf"""  "^>«i';'S''y  which,  in  great  and  cultivated  minds 
leads  to  substantial  good  and  lasting  benefit  to  the  community  bmuso 


m 


•msx 


360 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


cases  of  corruption  are  gaining  strength  and  should  be  investigated.  It  is 
never  right  to  countenance  a  departure  from  those  safe  and  sure  princi- 
ples of  moral  rectitude  which  have  stood  the  test  of  time  and  received  the 
approbation  of  the  good." 

Oen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife. 
My  Dear  Harriet,  Washington,  Jany  17,  1821. 

Our  House  sat  until  after  sunset  to  dp;  General  Smyth's  substitute 
for  our  bill  was  rejected  by  a  very  large  itiajority.  The  question  was  to 
strike  out  the  first  Section  of  the  Bill  to  reduce  the  Army  —  which  was  in 
effect  to  destroy  it,  this  wily  maneuver,  however,  was  negatived  by  an 
overwhelming  Majori  y.  The  Bill  is  entitled  "  An  act  to  reduce  and  fx 
the  military  peace  establishment  of  the  United  States."  It  is  to  cut  down 
the  Army  to  one  Brig.  Genl.  and  six  thousand  men,  and  of  course  will 
pass.  Yesterday  —  Tuesday  16th  —  another  member  from  Kentucky  — 
Henry  Clay  —  appeared  and  took  his  seat,  no  doubt  to  labor  for  the  ad- 
mission of  iMissouri  into  the  Union  with  her  constitution  to  legalize  slavery 
and  perpetuate  that  cursed  institution.  Jacob  H.  De  Witt  is  still  very 
weak,  but  out  of  danger.  *  *  *  ^ 

["  iMr.  Clay,  with  all  his  power,  urged  the  admission,  on  the  ground  that 
to  iMissouri  alone  belonged  the  subject  of  her  domestic  slavery ;  declaring 
at  the  same  time,  that,  so  great  was  his  detestation  of  the  system,  were  he 
a  citizen  of  that  state,  he  would  never  consent  to  a  State  Constitution 
which  should  not  provide  for  its  extinction.]  After  the  adoption  of  the 
'Missouri  Compromise'  of  1820  that  'Pandora's  box,' which  held  the 
seeds  of  deadliest  mischief  and  misery  the  whole  country  fell  into  a  deep 
slumber  over  the  question  of  slavery.  The  fires  of  discussion  and  agitation, 
which  had  blazed  so  fiercely  and  furiously  during  the  Missouri  struggle' 
had  died  out,  and  been  followed  by  a  general  stupor  so  profound  that  the 
few  persons  who  still  '  remembered  that  God  was  just,  and  that  his  justice 
would  not  sleep  forever '  were  paralyzed  by  discouragement  and  fearful 
foreboding  of  evil  days  to  come." 

Judge  Van  Ness  to  Oen.  Van  Reyisselaer. 
My  Dear  Frien<',  Claverack,  2ith  Jany.,  1821. 

It  has  been  my  intention  to  write  to  you  for  many  weeks,  but  I  have 
been  so  much  engaged  and  in  so  many  different  ways  that  I  have  not  had 
time  to  attend  to  it.  Your  letters  directed  to  me,  while  I  was  at  New 
York,  were  all  duly  received,  and  I  return  you  my  best  acknowledgments 
for  them.  I  would  have  written  from  New  York,  but  I  was  so  incessantly 
engaged,  that  I  had  no  opportunity  to  frame  such  a  letter  as  I  wished  to 
address  to  you,  and  as  you  would  expect  to  receive.  The  vote  on  the 
Missouri  Constitution  was  a  proud  victory  of  principle  over  cupidity  and 
selfishness.  It  has  done  more  to  restore  the  North  to  its  just  weight  and 
influence  in  the  National  Councils  than  any  event  which  has  occurred  for 
twenty  years.  Let  us  but  be  faithful  to  ourselves  in  the  further  progress  of 
this  question  and  we  shall  be  redeemed  from  the  contempt  which  was 
brought  upon  us  by  that  miserable  Sycophant  who  betrayed  us  to  the 
lords  of  the  South,  to  enable  him  to  subserve  his  own  purposes.  I  allude 
to  that  smallest  of  small  men  Daniel  D.  Tompkins.  He  has  done  more 
to  disgrace  the  character  of  the  North  than  all  the  other  men  who  con- 
spired together  to  barter  away  our  rights  to  the  usurpers  at  Washin^-'ton. 
lu  looking  over  the  proceedings  of  your  house,  lately,"  I  confess  that  i  am 


LmaCT  op  HlSTORICAl  GtEANIKOS.  861 

felt  and  wie  car  ain  of  your  st  nAh  Thl'T'^'V?."  ^^i?,-^^^"  ^^^ 
mittee  commands  mv  entire  annTh!?"  ^  t  P*""*  ""^  ^^^  ^^'''*'"'y  Corn- 
will  be  supported  by^ve  renlKhtt  T'c^^.^  ^  venture  to  say,  its  passage 
States,  The  Armband  Navv^wthl  •''"?,'"  '°  "'  '^^  independent 
We  done  more  To  place  the  Sm/.  A  ^  •?'^''''  V^'""  *^^  dependents, 
General  Government  than  aflothetl,?"  Z^''/'r^'S'^  ''  '^^ 
machinery  at  Washington  sholtsimnlified  T^m'^'  ^'  ^^  ''"^  '^' 
age  of  the  national  administrati  n  sLuTd^  becttaUed  thTI'"  'f^'f^ 

of  the  nation,  to  v^^^^'^iJ'^JT^:^-^;'^'^;^^:^^ 

enormous  expenses  of  both  thp   Arm,,  o„^  \r  ^  importance.     Ihe 

J^vXfrd^l^'prin'etld'tS^^  'r^^  -- -^ 

their  key  much  too  hKTndfhi  ,         '  ^^^^^e""' t^ey  have  pitched 

terrified'at.the  ers^s';^?^.  htVEyblrcl^Sd'^V^^r^ 

The  firmness  of  the  aove"^rnor  ard   P         •,"  Sf  ^'"g .^ P^rty  Convention. 

Government,  and  I  am  poZt^'atiSl^^^^^  ^''.  ''''^  '^' 

by  a  vast  majority  of  The  people  Le  thl  S  •  .  ""''-^T  ''  proved 
removals  and  appointmen^ts  and  th.r^  ^ni  K  7°'  ^''^^  ^"*  ^o  on  with 
Governor  in  the^LeSatnre  nexttiniri  t.  ^^l^'\^^io^''^y  with  the 
his  Election.     What  do  vou  thTnl  nV  S''  ''''"  ^'  ^^'  ^^^  ^"7  time  since 

Assemb,,.  respTctVth':  •    e,:V  ^e    e  o"Ah:'u1' 0^  *^^ 

locae  actions  5'  It  hi  r^nhU  <i^.,^  ,       .    '  ^^cera  with  our 

will  produce  more  iood  thin  anv  tSil'/w  h''V^  ''''^'''^''' '^"^  ^'""^^ 
1800     Th»  R...w*T  ^      '"g  t'^'^*  ^^s  "'een  said  or  written  sincA 

rijptn^"  trLTetS'-rh  '",;';'?'"''  ?'«>••  Theyha^d 
A=  this  menage  makes  alStlnJ      T?  r    ^^^  '°  '?",  "'""  '"P™- 

n.»n  has   thrown   himse?fa^,,^''M^l.    ""T  '''^  ^^'^"^'^'^  *^'«  y«»"S 

Oiift  wavfl  mn-p  --  J  •    -  -         ^''  "'-■"CI  irti   1   him  this  wmt^r 

SnI  v'     n         '^  '"^'  ^'''P*^''  ^'  ^■"^^-         Affectionately  Yours  ' 

Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  In  Congress,  Washington.        WW  Van  Ness. 

46 


.,'1 


362 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


Gov.  Clinton  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  Albany,  31  January,  1821, 

I  think  that  you  had  better  forward  the  returns  of  which  you  speaii  in 
your  letter,  as  soon  as  possible.  Root  [Erastus  Root]  is  muzzled  by  the 
promise  of  being  your  successor.  The  whole  State  is  alive  for  oflSce,  and 
next  week  will  exhibit  a  scene  of  office-hunting,  heretofore  unknown  in 
the  annals  of  the  Community. 

I  am  in  favor  of  retrenchment  because  I  believe  that  the  pecuniary 
pressure  of  the  Country  requires  it,  and  because  I  conceive  that  the 
national  administration  have  grossly  abused  their  patronage  for  the  pur- 
pose of  individual  aggrandizement.  When  Mr.  Calhoun  gave  in 
his  project  for  the  reduction  of  the  army,  he  knew  the  chances  for  a 
general  retrenchment.  I  am  very  unwilling,  however,  to  carry  this  System 
too  far  or  to  such  an  extent  as  to  exalt  unworthy  men,  or  to  injure  the 
substantial  defence  of  the  Country.  You  know  my  opinion  of  Scott.  And 
my  high  estimation  of  Brown  and  Jackson.  [Maj.  Gens.  Jacob  Brown 
and  Andrew  Jackson.]  Calhoun  is  unquestionably  the  only  great  man  in 
the  cabinet,  the  only  one  possessed  of  an  intuitive  mind.  On  military 
principles  you  ought  to  retain  one  Major  General  at  least. 

You  may  let  Colonel  Pell  see  this  letter,  and  I  will  thank  you  to  hand 
him  the  accompanying.  Yours  truly, 

The  Honorable,  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  D.  W.  0. 

^  In  Congress,  Washington. 

Judge  Van  Ness  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
My  Dear  Friend,  Claverack  7th  Feb.  1821. 

I  perceive  that  you  have  again  had  the  Missouri  question  under  discus- 
sion. My  solicitude  on  this  subject  increases  the  more  I  reflect  upon  it. 
I  perceive  Mr.  Clay  has  taken  a  part  in  the  debate,  and  I  presume  it  was 
with  a  view  to  this  question  that  he  came  to  Washington.  He  is  an  able 
man,  and  I  understand  a  clever  fellow,  but  I  hope  he  may  not  be  able  to 
delude  any  of  the  friends  of  freedom  in  this  momentous  subject.  I  fear 
not  his  eloquence  or  arguments,  however,  half  as  much  as  I  do  the  over- 
whelming influence  of  the  Cabinet.  Press  a  final  decision  of  this  affair, 
as  soon  as  you  can.  I  have  no  doubt  the  friends  of  the  resolution  will 
endeavor  to  protract  the  discussion,  so  as  to  defeat  a  rejection  of  it  by  the 
present  Congress,  in  the  hopes  that  they  may  have  a  better  chance  with 
the  next.  You  must  bear  in  mind  too,  that  we  have  no  right  to  calculate 
upon  so  unanimous  a  vote  of  the  next  delegation  from  this  State.  Several 
Bucktails  will  be  elected  in  districts  now  represented  by  firm  and  in- 
dependent men.  I  have  seen  with  great  satisfaction  that  ^oitr  Army  bill 
has  passed  the  House  of  Representatives  by  a  triumphant  majority.  This 
augurs  well  —  one  source  of  corruption  will  I  hope  now  be  cut  up.  Until 
within  a  few  days,  I  never  read  the  bill — and  I  was  not  therefore  fully 
apprised  of  all  its  details.  It  has  occurred  to  me  on  examining  it,  that  it 
is  hardly  in  the  nature  of  things  that  such  a  thorough  reform  can  be 
effected  at  a  single  stroke.  The  whole  influence  of  the  Army  will  now  be 
exerted  to  prevail  upon  the  Senate  to  introduce  such  modifications  into  the 
bill  as  to  produce  a  reconsideration  of  the  whole  project  in  your  house. 
The  Senate  seeing  the  immense  majority  by  which  the  bill  was  sent  to 
them,  will  no  doubt  be  cautious;  but  that  some  material  amendments  will 
be  made  —  I  can  hardly  doubt.     The  majority  of  the  Senate  are  more 


/  %■ 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 

purely  party  men  than  in  the  house  of  Representatives-  they  are  better 

branch  of  the, egislatu're.     CtiJdSll'rd  roliT/^tldrj^XS: 
It        a  mM  and  temperate,  but  at  the  same  tiafe  a  firm  course  to  yoTr 

It  would  be  expedient  to  adopt  such   amendments  proposed  bv  the 
Senate  88  do  not  essentially  affect  the  principles  of  the  Mil  Tyou  have 
passed  It.     1  mean  such  amendments  as  your  honor  and  your  dutv  will 
allow  you  to  sanction.     Any  alteration  calculated  to  dividJ  your  Wends 
and  m  the  end  to  frustrate  your  whole  plan  should  be  prompt  and  in 
■gnantly  rejected.     By  attempting  to  affect  too  much,  /have  fL  Jen tlv 
ini  a  New  Yfrkr ""  ''^:,been  jeopardised  and  s'ometimes  ffi    oJ 
rcadmg  a  JNew  York  paper,  a  day  or  two  ago,  I  observe  that  a  fear  ex 
pressed  that  in  case  of  the  discharge  of  the  Maior  Qenovlufhl  Pnl        a 
of  the  whole  Army  will  becommitid  to  GeScot^-^'t'ho:  ^oT Zw 
Ientc.tan.  the  utmost  contempt.     Now  suppose  the  Senate^hCd  pro 
pose  that  one  or  both  the  Major  Generals  should  be  retained  what  woK 
It  be  proper  for  your  house  to  do  v     I  am  speaking  of  „  ^ub ^rt  I  crfels 
wh.ch  I  do  not  profess  to  understand  half  as  well  a1  you  do,  and  therefore 
speak  w'th  diffidence.     It  seems  to  me,   however,  in  the  even     I  have 
supposed,  that  the  house  ought  to  recede,  provided  you  are  sadsfied  the 
Senate  is  in  earnest    and  resolved  to  suffer  the  whole  measure  to  fall  to 
the  ground  unless  this  point  shall  be  yielded  to  them.     Indeed  i?  rathe? 
appears  to  me  that  there  is  a  propriety  in  having  an  Officer  at  tL  head 
of  the  Army  of  super  or  rank.     If  the  Senate  should  insist  tha   the  Com 
mnder-,n  chief  should  be  a  Major  General,  the  questbn  alt  whether" 
npreference  to  hazarding  the  whole  bill  this  proposition  sTould  not  be 
c  needed     On  these  points  however,  you  are  better  able  to  form  iust  con 
elusions  than  I  am,  and  whatever  you  may  judge  to  be  best  caTcnhfl^  m 
promote  the  pub  ic  interest,  and  to  estabH^h' a  j^t  economy  ^ouwlUnS 
your  friends  will  approbate.     Let  me  hear  from  you  on  this  subTe  t      l 
goto  Albany  to  the  Court  of  Errors,  in  a  day  or  two  and  wUl  vo„  d  Li 

Z  'aTT  i^''  P'^^^-  ^^••^^"  ^-  Bufen  was  vLterd  y  Tdoubt 
elected  to  he  Senate  of  the  U.  S.,  in  the  place  of  Sanford  The  Mfi 
m  the  Bucktail  Caucus  had  24  votes  and  V  B  5S  hTaI  e  \,../ 
been  true  to  him  he  might  have  ITnLt  ih^t'l^t  L^r^'l 
speet  our  friends  have  not  even  voted  for  him.  They TobabTv  havJ 
Inownaway  their  votes  upon  a  man,  they  will  find,  ^^3  a  decwIS 

v^ta.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  M.  C,  Washington.      ^^'  ^-  ^^^  Ness. 

„  ^<^»-  Clinton  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 


nodouhf  but  thiit  the  proceed 


doubt  of  your  re-nomination  for  Con< 


;ress,  and  there  is 


^iLirles  K  Dudley  is  appointed  Mayor  of  Alba 


ings  of  thu  Council  have  prostrated  the  facti 


on. 


Any.     All  their  appoint- 


864 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


ments  are  injudicious  and  many  of  them  very  Scandalous.  The  dis- 
satisfaction among  the  Bucktails  is  geuerul.  We  think  that  the  Army 
oujjht  to  stand  on  the  Senate  Bill  :  so  say  all  judicious  friends.  John  Brush 
a  valuable  friend  wishes  the  appointment  of  Post  Master  in  Poughkeopsie. 
He  has  a  brother  in  your  house  from  Ohio.  Can  you  promote  the  object 
and  confer  with  him  on  this  subject  ?  Yours  Sincerely, 

De  Witt  Clintow. 
Gen.  Sol.  Van  Eensselaer,  in  Congress,  Washington. 

Oen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife. 
My  Dear  Harriot,  Washington  Feb.  17.  1821, 

Before  the  Mail  closes,  I  must  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  Mag's,  Ade- 
line's and  your  letter  of  11th  Inst,  dismiss  my  love,  all  fears  about  me. 
I  am  in  perfect  health  and  only  wish  for  the  happy  moment  when  I  shall 
embrace  you  :  this  life  of  separation  is  u  horrid  one  to  me.  If  I  return  to 
this  place,  I  pray  to  God  to  be  enabled  to  bring  you  with  me.  I  shall 
then  be  jiorfectly  happy,  and  make  you  so  too;  my  every  happiness  is 
centred  in  you;  you  first  warmed  my  heart,  which  love  has  increased  with 
time  until  you  have  became  part  of  myself.  I  now  feel  in  high  spirits 
that  two  weeks  from  this  day  will  close  the  Session,     ^^     ^     u, 

Chas.  G.  Haines  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Genl.       _  New  York,  27  Feb.,  1821. 

You  will  this  day  receive  a  Letter  from  a  Committee,  requesting  in- 
formation as  to  your  return  to  this  City  from  Washington.  A  public 
Dinner  has  been  decreed  to  you,  and  on  no  grourd  must  you  shrink  or 
disappoint  us.  I  had  the  honor  of  bringing  forward  the  proposition  to  a 
number  of  h'ghly  respectable  Citizens  at  Washington  Hall,  and  it  was  re- 
ceived with  unbounded  enthusiasm.  It  has  gone  through  the  City  and 
inspired  the  same  elevated  and  honourable  feelings.  This  will  not  be  a 
party  Dinner.  The  Committee  of  Arrangements  are  taken  from  various 
quarters.  It  will  be  strictly  a  citizens  dinner,  and  one  of  the  most  re- 
spectable that  has  ever  been  given  in  this  City.  Our  political  prospects 
are  glorious.  With  one  bold  eflfort  we  can  prostrate  the  Jacobins.  I  am 
glad  to  see  the  old  North  behave  so  nobly  on  the  Missouri  question. 
Stand  firm  :  God  and  the  Nation  are  with  you.  Again  I  say,  you  must 
not  disappoint  your  friends.  Sincerely  Yours, 

Hon.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Washington,         Chas.  G.  Haines. 

The  Missouri  Compromise  allowed  slavery  south  of  36°  30'  north  lati- 
tude, and  in  that  state.  "  Missouri  had  applied  for  admission.  The  ques- 
tion arose  should  she  be  admitted  as  a  slave  state  ?  After  a  strong  debate, 
it  was  decided  that  slavery  should  be  tolerated  in  Missouri,  but  prohibited 
in  all  the  territory  of  the  United  States  north  and  west  of  Arkansas. 

"  March  3,  1821.  A  resolution  providing  for  the  admission  of  the  state 
of  Missouri  into  the  Union  on  a  certain  condition  was  approved  and  signed 
by  the  president." 

Oen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife. 
My  dear  Harriet,  W^ashington,  March  8,  1821. 

We  have  this  evening  finished  the  Missouri  question,  and  have  been 
beaten  by  a  Majority  of  Three.  The  subject  was  so  warmly  contested  that 
to  allay  the  terrible  storm,  that  was  brewing  with  danger  to  the  Union, 
Mr.  Clay  proposed  the  "  Missouri  Compromise,"  which  allows  slavery  in 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  365 

that  State  even  after  admitted,  but  prohibits  it  north  of  36°  30'      The 

coutemptiMe  bargainmg  Yankees   were  frightened  by  the   braggadocio 

Southern  Nabobs  some  bolted,  and  others  voted  against  us.     They  a  'a 

espicable  set,  and  instead  of  governing,  which  they  had  the  opportunity 

?  tie  sZfTJ    "P- .  J^'^  "''■  '''  ^'  *°'  negro"^  drivers  to^tL  pe  P  e 
f  the  South,  and  even  they  despise  such  vacillation  and  political  servi- 
tude.    I  am   respeced  even  by    the  Southerners  because  I  have  ever 
opposed  them  manfully.     We  would  have  defeated  the  whole  clique  had 
the  three  members  from  our  State  acted  as  firmly  as  they  said  they  would 
never  to  give  up  the  question  whatever  might  be  the  consenuence  ^  Those 
hree  Jirm  men  :  Caleb  Tompkins  (a  brother   of  the   Vice  President^ 
Waler  Case  and  Harmanus  Peck  of  Schenectady  bolted  upon   the  last 
(luesfon.     We  sat  without  dinner  every  day  this  week  until Tne  o'clock 
atn.ght.     Our  caucus,  m  which  a  strenuous  effort  was  vigorously  nut 
forth  against  blavery  in  any  shape  whatsoever,  might  have  wo^n  honlble 
fame  to  itself,  and  greatly  benefited  the  cou^tr/if  they  had   onlyTc'ed 
w,th  firmness  and  courtesy.     But  with  an  impetuous  and  inconsiderate 
rashness  our  Government  is  being  placed  in  an  attitude  of  peri  ,  and  frol 
this  en ticul  emergency  we  have  tried  to  save  her  by  wholesome  measured 
which  have  been  frustrated.     Mr.   Clay  as  a  sagacious  counseTor  and 
statesman  has  exerted  his  influence  to  bring  around  the  practS  measure 
upon  which  this  amicable  agreement  between  the  North  and  South  J  s 
DOW  been  adjusted,  and  the  honor,  if  there  is  any  in  this  affair  bebnrs 
to  him  for  a  successful  issue  to  his  well  meant  efforts.     The  House  doS 
ot  meet  omorrow,  therefore  I  shall  take  a  ride  on  horseback  fbr  ten  or 
twelve  miles  out  into  the  country.     I  have  been  so  much  confined  that  I 
much  need  the  diversion,  but  I  am  in  perfect  health  of  body,  o„ly  W 
heartily  homesick  and  never  wished  so  much  to  see  you ;  but  if  s  mpS 
bleto  say  when   that  wished  for  moment  will  arrie.     Write   meTow 
Tompkins  and  politics  come  on  ;  about  my  friend  Judge  Van  Ne^s  &c 
with  all  the  Items  of  home  news.     I  received  Adeline'sletter  yes  eri; 

part),  and  that  all  the  guests  wore  pleased.     This  gentleman  i^  Ppfpr 
Unsevoort ;  I  wish  much  I  could  hav'e  made  one  of  ^Se  hap;;  LuZ 
Good  night  niy  Love,  kiss  our  little  ones  for  me  and  big  ones  toa^    Believe 
me  unalterably  your  affectionate  Husband.        Sol.  Van  Rensselafr 
Mrs.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany,  N.  Y.  -t^*-NSSELAER. 

"  The  admission  of  Missouri  as  a  state  into  the  Union    was   made  hv 

s^nnection  with  the  subject  of  slavery,  one  of  the  most  v  oleml  con^ 

ested  questions    hat  ever  agitated  the  councils  of  the  nation.     A  bUl  hTd 

en  introduced  into  congress,  providing  fbr  the  .druission  of  Missou  i  on 

e  condition,  that  all  children  of  slavesrborn  after  the  passte  Jthe    ct 

:?:r.;txieT„£?=" '"» ^"'"^  ^**^  a^^.r  s::: 


866 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

Appointment  op  Albany  Post  Master. 

Tribute  of  Respect. 

The  following  letters  were  copied  in  the  New  York  Columbian  prefaced 
by  these  remarks : 

"  We  have  obtained  from  the  gentlemen  whose  names  are  subscribed  to 
the  following  correspondence,  copies  thereof  for  publication.  The  senti- 
ments contained  in  the  letter  to  Gen,  Van  Rensselaer,  as  well  as  his 
answer,  do  honor  to  the  parties,  and  cannot  fail  to  sink  deep  into  the 
minds  of  all  good  men.  It  is  probable  that  this  correspondence  would 
never  have  met  the  eyes  of  the  public,  had  it  not  been  for  the  calumnies 
on  the  character  of  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer,  which  have  recently  appeared 
in  the  factious  papers  of  this  city." 

To  Gen.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer. 

Sir,  New  York,  March  5,  1821. 

As  friends  to  personal  merit  —  as  friends  to  elevated  and  manly  prin- 
ciples —  and  as  friends  to  the  honor  and  credit  of  the  state  of  New  York, 
a  large  and  respectable  number  of  your  fellow  citizens,  in  this  city,  are 
anxious  to  greet  your  return  from  the  seat  of  government  by  some  public 
testimony  of  esteem  and  respect  compatible  with  che  tone  of  popular  feel- 
ing, inspired  by  your  removal  from  the  office  of  adjutant  general;  and 
the  just  appreciation  of  your  important  services  to  the  state  and  to  the 
nation.  They  have  agreed  to  give  you  a  public  dinner,  and  only  wait 
your  acceptance  of  this  proffered  tribute  of  regard,  to  make  the  necessary 
arrangements.  In  times  when  worth,  valor  and  talent  are  proscribed  in 
the  civil  commotions  of  a  state,  there  is  a  gratification  in  seeing  a  free  and 
intelligent  people  indicate  their  regard  and  attachment  for  the  victims  of 
party  exclusion  —  for  men  who  deserve  the  gratitude  of  the  present  age, 
and  the  gratitude  of  posterity  for  men,  whose  deeds  of  bravery  will  ever 
form  an  illustrious  example  on  the  page  of  history,  and  whose  political 
course  has  been  distinguished  by  integrity,  honor,  firmness  and  decision. 

Your  early  military  services,  your  brilliant  exploits,  during  the  late 
war,  your  scars  and  your  wounds,  nobly  received  in  the  defence  of  your 
country,  as  well  as  your  recent  services  on  the  floor  of  Congress  deserve 
far  more  than  any  homage  which  we  can  render  you.  Please  to  inform 
us  on  what  day  we  shall  have  the  pleasure  of  waiting  on  you. 

liOBT.   lioOARDUS,  BeNJ.  G.  MiNTURN, 

Benj.  Ferris,  Chas.  G.  Haines, 

Isaac  M.  Ely,  Jonas  Mapes, 

J.  Le  Roy,  Committee. 

Gentlemen,  City  Hotel  New  York,  March  6,  1821. 

Your  flattering  demonstration  of  public  res^ard  has  been  received  with 
the  most  grateful  sensibility.  However  little  I  may  deserve,  for  any  serv- 
ices rendered,  so  distinguished  a  mark  of  approbation,  or  be  entitled  to 


•  -^1 


Columbian  prefaced 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  867 

your  animated  eulosiums,  it  is  golucing  to  reflect,  that  ray  motives  have 
been  justly  appreciated.  •' 

In  the  various  public  stations,  to  which  I  have  been  called  by  the  in- 
dulgent confidence  of  my  fellow  citizens,  it  has  ever  been  my  ambition  to 
promote  the  prosperity,  and  maintain  the  honor  of  the  State.  And  their 
approbation  constitutes  the  most  welcome  reward  for  past,  and  the  noblest 
incentive  to  future  exertions. 

I  regret  that  my  health  is  so  impaired  by  recent  fatigue,  as  to  compel 
Die  to  decline  your  flattering  invitation,  lie  pleased  to  accept  on  behalf 
of  yourselves  and  your  fellow  citizens,  the  assurance  of  my  most  grateful 
n^ui    *  B       J       T.    .    ^  Solomon  Van  Kknssklaer. 

To  Kobert  Bogardus,  Benj.  C.    Minturn,  Benjamin  Ferris,  Charles  G. 
Haines,  Isaac  M.  Ely,  Jonas  Mapes,  J.  Le  Roy,  Committee. 

-  March  U,  1821.  General  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  was  yesterday 
jnanimously  nominated  frr  a  re-election  to  Congress  by  the  Albany  County 
lederal  Rupublican  Convention  for  Representative  to  Congress."  On 
February  12th,  while  General  Van  Rensselaer  was  attending\o  his  con- 
gressional duties  at  VVash.ngton,  he  was  removed  by  the  new  Counca  of 
Apimn(meut  from  the  office  of  adjutant  general -l  a  situation  he  had 
been  allowed  to  retam  during  the  administration  of  Governors  Jav 
George  Clinton,  Lewis  Tompkins  and  De  Witt  Clinton's  till  this  yea?,' 

?inr"jfh  '^''''  ^  tt'"'  '['^'  responsible  station  to  the  entire  satiE 
ion  of  the  country.  Upon  being  superseded  by  William  L.  Marcy  Esa 
the  above  re-nomination  was  immediately  made.  At  the  time  of  election  ll 
by  an  overwhelming  majority  over  the  Democratic  candidate,  Hon  Har- 
manus  Bleecker,  it  was  certified  that  :  "Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  by  the 
greatest  number  of  votes  in  the  Ninth  District  was  elected  Repres^nt^t  ve 
lor  this  state  in  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Seventeenth  Con'  ess 

tl:  ^""T-^  ?"^'-       '^^''  ^®"'^'  ^^*"^»  ^»«  l^^il^d  with  greatToy  by 
numerous  friends.  °        ^^    ^ 

Judge  Van  mss  to  Qen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

T^\    f^^.        n        .  New  York  May  16, 1821 

I  saw  the  Chancellor  [James  Kent]  yesterday  and  had  a  Ion-  talk  with 
him  on  the  subject  of  the  Convention-!     I  am  authorized  in  saying  thl  if 
dcliJe      r^n  r  "T"ft^'"^''  one  of  your  candidates,  he  will  no 
v^„  ^11       A  u     '^r  ^^'"'^  ^'  ^"«*''  *«  ^^  i»  ^^^  convention  and  1  hope 

I  ht.  /h  ^  l'^'^'"^'''T  ?P'"'=''"J  ''^""'d  b«  '»  the  convention. 

It  w  Jd  tlJ  ''""f  *«  '^'  ^-'^'^^^^  i»  "-elation  to  the  Chancellor. 

Lit     V  ^"""^'''  ^""^  y^"  ^•^  ™^»t'«"  tl'is  t«  a  feyv  confidential 

nends.     You  may  say  ^ou  are  authorized  to  declare  that  if  the  Chancellor 

wrrrD^R^  "'"r'  decllne-myname  need  not  be  ment'red      J 

bTess  you  '^  '"         '  ^^^'''^'     ^  '*'""  ^'  "'  ^'"^^  ""  ^'"''^'y-     <^^^ 

Gen.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer  Albany.  ^^^  ^^^  ^^~  ^^''^ 

''This  convention  of  the  people  of  the  State  of  New  York,  assembled  at 

'e„iHatureotthesaid8tate,entitled'anactrecommeudingaconveutionofthP 

:£;!  bv  ''"''■  ^rV'-^'^''  '''''■'     ''"^^  «bj-'  of  uti:  conSo  1  ia 
wueciue,  bv  a  maiority  of  votes  as  oi-pM  "c— inaf  ti--  ,v       ^    i  •      • 

then  it  «hnnl<l  K„  a  S  '    .     /  ,  ^"^^  "fec^nst  the  auiunucd  constiluUon, 

tnea  it  should  be  deemed  rejected  by  the  citizens  of  this  state  :  But  if  a 


^1 


868 


Leqacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


i 


I 


majority  of  the  said  votea  arc  for  the  nmendod  constitution,  then  the  same 

shiiilbo  deemed  to  be  ratified,  and  cuiiUrmed,  by  the  citizens  of  the  state." 

The  First  Sission  of  the  spventevnth  con;/rfni  bcf^an   Docembcr  8,  18J1 

and  General  Van  Rensselaer  entered  upoii  his  second  congressional  term! 

Reprr.mitative.H  of  the  State  of  New  York  in  Coni/ress :  XVI Ith  Con 
GBES8.—  Cadwallader  D.  Colden,  Silas  Wood,  C.  C.  Cambreleng,  John 
I.  Morgan,  Jeremiah  H.  Pierson,  William  W.  Van  Wyok,  Walter  Patter- 
son, Silas  Tuthill,  Charles  il.  Rugglos,  Richard  McCarty,  Solomon  Van 
Rensselaer,  John  D.  Dickinson,  John  W.  Taylor,  Nathaniel  Pitcher,  Ueu- 
ben  H.  Walworth,  John  .Gebhard,  Alfred  Oonkling,  Samuel  Oamptieil 
James  Hawks,  Joseph  Kirklanl,  Thomas  II.  Hubbard,  iMicah  Sterlio"' 
Elijah  Litchfield  William  B.  Rochester,  David  Woodcock,  Elijah  Spen' 
cer,  Benjmain  Kllicott.     Senators  —  Rufus  King,  Martin  Van  Buren. 

Philip  P.  Barbour  of  Virginia  waa  chosen  speaker  of  the  house. 

OJicers  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States:  James  Monroe 
president,  Daniel  D.  Tompkins,  vice  president;  John  Q.  Adams,  secre- 
tary of  state;  William  H.  Crawford,  secretary  of  the  treasury;  John 
C.  Calhoun,  secretary  at  war;  Smith  Thompson,  secretary  of  the  navy; 
Return  J.  Meigs,  post-master  general ;  John  Marshall,  chief  justice. 

OJicers  of  the  Government  of  the  State  of  New  York  :  His  Excellency 
])e  Witt  Clinton,  governor;  John  Taylor,  lieutenant  gov. ;  James  Kent, 
chancellor;  Ambrose  Spencer,  chipf  justice;  William  W.  Van  iNess| 
Joseph  C.  Yates,  Jonas  Piatt,  John  Woodworth,  justices  of  S.  C.  John 
V.  N.  Yates  secretary  of  state ;  John  Savage,  comptroller ;  Benjamin 
Knower,  treasurer;  Simeon  De  Witt,  surveyor  general;  Samuel  A.  Tal- 
cott,  attorney  gen.;  William  L.  Marcy,  adjutant,  general;  Gerrit  V. 
Denniston,  judge  advocate  general;  Archibald  Campbell,  deputy  secre- 
tary. 

DiKD.  At  his  seat  in  Greenbush,  Rensselaer  county  on  Tuesday  evening 
December  11th,  1821,  Major  Nannino  I.  Visscher  aged  forty-nine. 
Major  Visscher  received  his  first  commission,  as  ensign,  in  the  United  States 
army  under  President  Washington,  at  the  early  uge  of  nineteen,  and  entered 
into  immediate  service.  He  received  regular  promotion  in  our  then  small 
military  establishment,  and  served  under  Gen.  Wayne  during  the  whole 
of  that  dangerous  warfare,  until  our  Indian  enemies  were  driven  back  and 
peace  was  made  with  them.  Possessing  an  ardent  zeal  for  the  service,  and 
being  rigidly  exact  in  the  performance  of  every  military  duty,  he  was  en- 
truoted  by  his  general  with  the  command  of  several  importaui  military 
posts,  and  often  placed  in  highly  responsible  situations,  where  his  bravery 
and  prudence  rendered  him  essentially  useful.  He  was  again  prouioted" 
by  Presid-nt  Adams  in  the  second  regiment  of  infantry,  in  1801,  where 
he  remained  till  1810,  when  he  was  transferred  to  the  rifle  regiment. 
Having  obtained  permission  to  go  to  England,  on  his  private  affairs,  about 
the  commencement  of  the  late  war,  he  hastened  the  settlement  of  his  busi- 
ness in  that  country,  and,  on  his  return,  solicited  from  government  employ- 
ment, with  a  rank  to  which  he  justly  deemed  his  long  service,  and  the  aug- 
mentation of  the  army  entitled  him.  The  places  he  had  a  right  to  expect, 
however,  haying  been  filled  up  with  oificers  who  had  been  junior  to  him 
in  rank,  he  felt  himself  bound  to  tender  his  resignation.  >'ajor  Visscher 
was  ever  considered  a  valuable  officer  and  a  worthy  citizen.  His  urbanity 
of  manners  and  gentlemanly  deportment,  gave  him  many  friends.  Those 
who  were  more  particularly  intimate  with  him,  and  had  an  opportunity  (o 
know  his  unaffected  generosity  and  genuine  goodness  of  heart,  will  long 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  869 

romctnbef  him  with  Hinroro  affection.  His  death  wi!!  be  deeply  felt  bv 
an  extens.vc  o.rclo  o.  r.ond.s  and  connectionn,  but  by  none  ho  Stelv  a( 
his  .ffl.ctcd  w.dow.  Itospect  for  his  memory  wan  marked  by  tlfo  »,fbe?s 
jvho  Ht.e.Klcd  h,s  uncral  on  Thursday,  18th  instant.  Severn  o  t  o  u„ 
form  companies  ot  Albany,  notwithstanding^  the  unfavorable  state  of  the 
weather  and  dangerous  crossing,  with  their  characteristic  proLtness 
volunteered  id  paymg  the  last  honors  to  the  deceased  fellow'soW  e?         ' 


.My  dear  Sir, 


Gov.  Clinton  to  Gen.  Van  Remnelasr. 

Albany,  25  December,  1821. 


id  not 
occur 


Knowing  your  indisposition  to  an  Epistolary  (.Vrespondenco  I  di 
■ntend  to  trouble  you  with  any  of  my  letters  until  somethingSouldo 
of  considemble  interest,  and  a  rumor  which  has  just   reached  ine    has 
prompted  this  communicat  on.     It  is  said  th-it  th,.   l>M«f  ^1      "'°    "■*? 
has  notified  the  Post  Master  of  th  s  (! Uy   t  at  fie  doe    .0^^^'  ^'"/i'"?* 
de|aults  by  the  first  of  January,  he  willl/etin^l'ln^raTthKi  i'L': 
out  o(  his  power,  a  Scramble  will  take  place  for  the  spoils.     Jud^e  Ifowe 
It  18  said  IS  already  at  work.     Can  you  ascertain  the  truth  of  ?his  andTet 
Die  know  who  the  Sureties  are  and  whether  we  ought  to  stir    n  Sffair 
as  we  are  all  concerned  in  having  a  good  post  master."    Our  Leg  sla  ure  S 
on  th    1st  of  January.     The  Speech  will  be  sent  to  you  imm"ed  ateTy  a^  er 
It  IS  delivered.     The  public  mind  is  in  a  favourable  tone,  and  lUiink  t  at 
srrea  events  are  yet  in  store  and  will  in  time  be  realized.     Send  the docu 
merits  regularly.  ocuu  uieaocu- 

One  of  your  Daughters  sustained  an  injury  by  a  fall  but  she  U  nn» 
almost  well  and  the  rest  of  your  family  entirely  so.  ^ 

I  am  dear  Sir,  Your  sincere  friend. 
The  Honorable  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  In  Con^rirwlSZ!'- 
Sol.  Van  Rensselaer  to  the  Patroon 
My  Dear  Sir  Washington  Dee.  26,  1821 

I  have  just  received  your  letter  for  which  I  thank  you.  Your  con^r/a'tu 
atioos  on  my  escape  in  the  stage,  and  your  pious  thinks  to  Him  wlfo  hag" 
s  often  protected  me  in  danger,  calls  forth  feelings  which  are  easW  M, 
than  expressed.  To  that  All-powerful  Being  I  also  fed  grtefuf  in  whch 
an  interesting  and  aff-ectionate  family  have  reason  to  part  c  Date  tLT« 
warm  expression  of  your  feeling3  is  tlie  more  gratef^to  ^Thlt  as  I 
feared  from  some  circumstances  that  I  had  been  mk-represeled  It  wa« 
my  intention  to  have  spoken  to  you,  on  this  subject,  fha  I  ^".ht  m^fc 
my  calumniator  before  you,  but  a  conscious  pride  that  I  had  at  the  risk 
0  promotion,  office  and  more  serious  consequen'ces  at  this  place  -dfeVdS 
ou,  kept  me  silent.  I  never  wrote  or  urged  any  person  livin-  in  favor 
t"'"w!."'\T  Cf°  Congress],  which  took  place  three  day  afte?  iZ 
home     When  Mr  Schuyler  called  upon  and  urged  me  to  decTne  and  alter 

am  vthTt    "'  U  T  r'  'T  r^'^'«°'  ^"*  ^«  «-«  something  for  m; 

mily  that  I  could  not,  he  spoke  of  my  pecuniary  ohlujations  to  thifami^j! 

r    -^y '"d>^-"^"\feelings.     I  told  him  iiyou  had  of  your  own  a^^^^^^^ 

>d  money/.,  me  1  had  staked ^ny  life,  and'spent  my  llood  7nde}ence 

d  s  L     "r":  '"  ""''If  '•'  '''''''^  '"'^'  ^'  ^h°  ">«'"^nt,  called  it  forth 
besides  from  what  passed  between  us  at  this  place,  I  was  satisfied  ^.o/knew 

47 


i  \ 


870 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleaninos. 


notJiinp  of  the  project.  At  thiH  crisis  too  I  liud  boon  roniovoil,  [from  beinf; 
Adjutiiiit  (ienornij  uud  oiio  chur^o  nj<iiinHt  ui«  wuB  for  puMhiii};  the  pro- 
motion of  the  very  man  who  wished  my  place  here  [in  ('ori>,'ro8H.] 

Vou  huvo  formed  a  proper  opinion  ot  KuistiH,  he  it)  umiuhle,  weak  and 
hone«t,  he  is  particularly  friendly  to  mo,  befoto  ho  loft  the  War  office,  he 
put  mo  down  as  a  JJrij^adior-Gonerai.  lie  in  easily  managed,  haH  no 
opinion  of  his  own.  The  ('ommitteo  will  go  with  me,  and  a.*  that  is  well 
known  I  receive  every  attention.  We  have  had  three  meetings,  I  waved 
the  subject  of  the  army  ;  we  meet  again  tomorrow  when  1  shall  be  ready 
to  act.  I  rejoice  that  our  opinions  on  this  subject  coincide,  but  my  opinion 
shall  not  bo  known  before  hand.  Calhoun  called  and  set  with  mo  an  hour, 
this  morning,  to  explain  the  difficulty  at  West  I'oint.  He  asked  uie  to 
take  a  fanily  dinner  with  him,  but  which  I  declined  as  I  was  engaged  at 
the  I'residents  —  out  of  alphabrticul  order. 

Van  IJuren  is  very  civil,  ho  and  all  the  JJucktails  have  been  to  see  me, 
I  am  upon  good  terms  with  them  all,  but  they  arc  detested  b>  the  very 
men  they  voted  with  on  the  subject  of  the  Speaker.  Van  Uuren  .liuys 
with  Dickinson,  Patterson  and  others  at  Strothers ;  he  .spoke  at  the  table 
in  handMomo  terms  of  me.  He  knows  nothing  of  the  t/ujoct  I  have  in 
view.  The  office  of  Post  Master  at  Albany  will  become  vacant  uuleas  lie 
makes  deposits  to  a  largo  amount  in  the  Stuto  Bank  without  delay.  He 
has  been  written  to  more  than  a  fortuight  since,  and  up  to  this  day  tlie 
Post  Master  General  has  received  no  an.swer  from  Southwick.  The  Post 
Master  General  is  my  decided  friend,  I  will  also  have  the  support  of  the 
Secretary  of  War  [John  C.  Calhoun],  I  think  also  all  the  members  from 
our  State  in  our  Ilouso,  Ohio,  Kentucky  and  Tennessee  will  vote  that 
office  to  mc  ;  and  if  a  strong  recojumeudation  comes  from  Albany,  and  you 
write  to  King  and  Van  Uuren  iu  such  terms  as  the  occasion  will  warrant, 
I  think  by  abandoning  politics,  with  a  strict  regard  to  my  duty,  I  may  sit 
down  in  comfort,  peace  and  quietness  with  an  affectionate  family  the  rest 
of  my  precarious  days.     I  have  indeed,  as  you  say,  made  sacrifices  enough. 

Without  any  trouble  I  will  procure  the  nomination  of  Stephen.  What- 
ever interesting  occurs  you  shall  be  made  acquainted  with.  I  stay  at  the 
same  house,  and  in  the  same  room  you  found  me,  opposite  to  Calhouns, 
where  I  shall  be  rejoiced  to  see  you.  Randolph  —  he  is  as  crazy  as  ever, 
but  very  friendly,  and  many  others  asked  about  you. 

Whatever  Providence  has  decreed  for  me,  I  never  shall  be  wanting  in 
gratitude  or  affection  for  you. 

Southwicks  fixed  Salary,  free  of  expenses  is  $2000,  his  son  who  is 
dead  got  $800  and  another  son,  a  little  boy  $150,  besides  two  clerks  at 
$300  each.     I  have  written  to  Deuniston  and  McKown  on  this  subject. 

Your  Obt.  Servt. 

Sol.  Van  Kbnsselaer. 

Gen.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,  Alb;  ny,  N'.  Y. 

Denniston  told  me  before  I  left  home,  that  Southwick  was  much  in 
arrears  and  wished  me  to  enquire  about  it.  I  thiak  it  very  probable  that 
he  would  like  the  situation  for  his  son-in-law  Robert  Elliott  who  was  teller 
in  the  Rank  but  has  resigned  his  situation. 

Judge  McKown  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
My  dear  Sir,  Albany,  26  Dec,  1821. 

Mr  Denniston  has  shewn  me  your  letter  to  him.  1  believe  he  writes 
himself  by  this  mail,  but  immediately  on  reading  your  letter  he  did  aui 


r  shall  be  wauting  Id 


Legacy  of  Historical  Glbaninqs.  871 

liesitnto  to  say  instantly  that  he  would  not  make  any  interest  for  himsoir 
but  w.juld  corduiily  .msi^t  in  every  way  you  mJKht  .mint  out  or  that  ho 
.ml,    Inmself  su^.^e.t  to  give  offect  to  your  upplieatlon.     And  he  desires 

y  a  I  uieans  that  you  should  nut  lot  any  eircumstance  escape  you  at 
Want ungton  that  nu^M.t  further  your  .,n,.poct8.  I  do  not  understand 
you  to  say  .n  yuur  l.tter  that  I  shall  communicate  with  our  friends 
Alexander  and  Van  V.,chten  on  the  subject  «<„.«««,.^  and  I  shall  w"tit 
your  mstruotions,  lost  by  d.,ing  so  I  nhall  ie  premature.  1  hazard 
lio  lung  when  I  say  we  can  raise  the  united  yoki>  of  the  iceulth,  character 
mHuunes,  of  our  (J.ty  in  your  favor.  As  to  those  who  do  n^t  pay  12* 
cent,  postage  a  year,  they  may  bo  induced  to  recommend  the  first  Spccu- 
lator  and  adventurer  that  applies.  Jiut  the  P.  M.  Genl.  and  the  hS 
0  1  epartment  know  full  well  how  to  estimate  those  who  apply  by  numbers 
of  thosR  who  recommend.  ^  "umuurs 

The  Government  were  imposed  upon  in  the  appointment  of  the  present 
ncumbent,  and      should  suppose  they  would  rather  take  a  man    they  d  d 
k,)ow,  and  who  the  country  knew,  than  one  recommended   by  others    no 
matter  how  high  .n  office  those  were  who  solicited  for  him.     If  there 'was 
Eot  a  defalcation   the  great  dissatisfaction  and  distrust  of  the  office  that 
at  present  exi3t  here  among  the   business  part  of  the  Citizens  of  everv 
euonunat.on  ought  to  induce  the  removal  of  the  Incumbent  without 
he  tation      I  take  it  for  granted  it  must  be  so.     Now  for  Mr.  Van  Hureu 
to  tlnnk  of  the  appointment  of  Chancellor  Lansing  is  perfectly  idle    for 
reasons  which  ho  knows  as  well  as  any  one.     That  Chancellor  L.  is  poor 
or  insolvent  ought  never,  to  say  the  least,  be  made  a  claim  for  such  an 
fwlh  'T  in  'l«",'""«h  responsibility.     Indeed  with  reflecting  men 
would   I  should  think  operate  against  his  application.     But  he  is  too 
okJ  -  between  65  and  75,  can  it  be  expected  infirm  as  be  is,  ho  can  go  iato 
such  an  office  to  do  business}'     And  let  me  say  our  Citizens  will  never  bo 
atiHfaed  unless  the  head  of  the  office  shows  himself  in  it.     If  CharelW 
LauHing  gets  the  office,  no  doubt  it  is  to  go  into  the  hands  of  his  Son-ia 
Law  Livingston    a  young   Lawyer   from  Dutchess   County,  who  is  an 
entire  stranger    here.     And    what  can   Mr.   V.a   Buren  Lpe  ca,'  bo 

iTin  'V  P"'Y  P'''"*  ""^  '''''''  ^y  '""'^  ^"  appointment?  Chancellor 
La  sing  has  no  longer  any  personal  or  family  influence.  There's  not  a 
TJ  ''''y^''^^''^}'',*']}^^^ole  concern,  except  Mr.  Sutherland,  who  h 
already  well  provided  for,  and  therefore  no  danger  r>f  their  losin-  him 

one  SlThe^ fir  'yZ. "'  "'"  ""  '"'"°''"-     '  "^  ""^'^'""^  '"  ^'^ 

Our  Legislature  meets  you  know  on  the  first  day  of  January.     As  poor 

fh7tT  »i'n«"ty  will  of  course   have  but  little  tc  say  in  organising 

he  Uou,e-  Romeyn  of  New  York  and  Burt  of  Orange  are  canvassing 

th ,  in"?)       ''°/\'  ^"'''^"''  ''^'-     ^  ^"'^  ''"  ^  h""y  t«  «»^ble  mo  to  get 
th.9  ,n  the  mail  this  evening.  Yours  truly  ^ 

Hon.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  James  McKown. 

House  of  llepresentatives,  Washington  City. 

To  The  Hon.  Return  J.  Meigs   Foot  Master  General  or  the 

United  States. 

Understanding  that  there  is  a  vacancy  in  the  post  office  at  Albanv  in 
me  M.ite  of  New  York  and  the  Hon.  Solomon  Van  R.An«spIa«r  ;.  .  n.^.v, 
aaie  lor  the  appointment ;  '  "" 


'»  I 


872 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


We  the  subscribers  deem  it  a  duty  due  to  merit  to  state,  that  we  are 
well  acquainted  with  General  Van  Rensselaer.  That  he  served  several 
years  in  the  army  of  the  United  States  in  the  Western  country.  That  lie 
bore  a  distinguished  part  in  the  memorable  campaign  that  liberated  the 
western  country  from  the  scourge  of  Indian  warfare.  That  he  was  distin- 
guished for  his  courage  and  conduct  on  all  occasions,  that  the  place  of 
danger  was  with  him  the  post  of  honor,  and  that  he  there  received  a 
wound  through  the  lungs  which  will  probably  affect  him  through  life. 

That  his  patriotism,  without  oflBce,  prompted  him  in  the  late  war  to  vol- 
unteer his  services  for  the  benefit  of  his  country,  and  that  his  services 
his  wounds,  and  his  sufferings  at  Queens  Town  will  never  be  for^ottea 
while  the  record  of  the  memorable  events  of  that  war  shall  adorn  the 
history  of  our  country. 

And  we  beg  leave  to  add  that  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  has  the  honor  of 
being  descended  from  a  revolutionary  patriot  and  hero— who  eontributedbv 
iiis  patriotism,  his  courage,  and  his  arms  to  the  achievement  of  our  inde- 
pendence,  and  who  — as  will  be  the  case  with  his  .son  — carried  the  ball 
of  the  enemy  in  his  body  to  the  grave. 

Without  any  other  motive  than  a  regard  for  a  meritorious  officer  who 
has  spent  the  flower  of  his  dnys  in  toils  and  dangers,  and  who  has  sustained 
an  unusual  share  of  sufferings  in  his  country's  service  —  do  we  take  an 
interest  in  the  Appointment  of  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer.  And  with  an  ar- 
dent wish  that  a  brave  and  wounded  soldier  may  be  sheltered  from  the 
storms  of  adversity,  and  may  with  his  familj'  find  a  solace  to  liis  afflictious 
in  the  gratitude  of  his  country,  do  we  most  cordially  recommend  him  to 
the  favourable  notice  of  the  Post  Master  General. 

Washington  December  31st,  1821.  Thomas  R.  Ross. 

"Twenty-two  out  of  twenty-eight  members  of  the  New  York  delegation, 
of  both  branches  of  congress  joined  in  a  request  that  General  Van^Eens- 
selae-  might  be  the  one  to  supersede  Mr.  Southwick  (since  his  remcval 
was  absolutely  decided  upon).  I  know  that  a  more  exact  republican  does 
not  belong  to  the  executive  branch  of  this  government  than  the  post 
master  general.  Wherever  and  whenever  he  can  ascertain  the  will  of 
the  people,  he  respects  it.  The  people  can  not  be  deceived  much  longer 
by  empty  and  sinister  professions.  They  begin  to  discover  Jiat  real  pat- 
riotism must  be  exemplified  by  men's  actions,  and  not  merely  by  their  profes- 
sions. Mr.  Van  Rensselaer's  actions  have  established  his  reputation  aaa 
patriot.  The  evidences  of  his  patriotism  are  indelibly  fixed  upon  his  person, 
by  the  hostile  weapons  of  the  enemies  of  his  country.  Where  sl-all  we 
look  for  evidences  among  the  most  assuming  leaders  of  the  bucktail  party  j 
and  their  most  noisy  adherents?  This  appointment  will  be  a  salutary 
administration,  and  prove  that  proscription  for  nonconformity  to  their  ' 
political  tenets  is  not  the  true  test  of  republicanism." 

The  Patroon  to  Sol.  Van  Remselaer. 
My  dear  Sir,  Albany,  Jan.  2d,  1822. 

I  have  this  moment  returned  from  the  Capitol,  the  Governor  delivered 
a  very  long  and  interesting  speech  which  you  will  receive  by  the  next 
mail.  It  is  said,  for  I  could  not,  owing  to  the  crowd  remain,  the  ablest 
he  ever  spoke,  and  I  suspect  his  last.  I  learned  this  morning  that  Chun- 
cellor  Lansing  expects  the  Post  Office,  and  that  \'an  Ruren  and  Kinj^'aro 
hia  friends  —  do  not  mention  from  whom  you  received  the  information,   i 


Thomas  R.  Ross. 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  873 

make  the  suggestion  that  you  may  be  on   your  guard.     The    merchants 

I  was  sorry  to  find  jour  good  Wifo  this  morning  so  unwell    Eli/abelh 
Rouiain  is  Speaker,   and   Livino'ston  fllprt-      V    r»    u^  j 

L,„  happy  return,,  of  the  'IL^^'     "Tour^Si.'iS";*""'''  °°'' 

Major  Gen.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Washington  Ci^,.^'  "™'"''^'«''- 
„      „.  "'«  ''''"'  PretUeu  to  Mr.  Tlwmvmi. 

For  the  ar,t  I  learned  this  day  that  Z^'ZT^IZCZl' i'S', 

moved  from  the  pcst-office   in  Alh.mv   .>n^  fV,       ^""''"wick  was  to  be  re- 

was  Solomon    V.^,   ^enilaerf  ^"'^dTu  ant  gen  ^afo^NeT^^^^^^ 
now  a  federal  member  of  congress  from  that  diSct      ITnn^  Tv.     /  '  f°^ 
ment  of  this  circumstance  3Ir  KinJ  Mr  v   "^'S  Vp°"  *^^  develop- 

of  Albany,  Judge  Skinner  and  l^rurrrnowpVhJf"^  '''  '"'^'^'' 

will  surpr  se  you  (o  know  that  s/.^.en  of  ou    representative  '  \ll  ""-     ^' 
mended  Mr.  Van  Rprm«pl..«r     »  \vu-  representatives  have  recom- 

«l  ..  oon,.„;La.f  hf ieili.en  e  ^wlS  TwoSf """"  "     I*"  ""' 

openin.  of  letters  addressed  to  or  franked  by  me  ~"      "'""  "'' 

Tnn..ti,      'iM  T,  ^''^"'"  ^"^"d  ^'"'^  servant. 

Jonathan  1  hompson,  Esq.  i,^^,,,  y^  ,j,,„,^,,^ 


j  4 


374 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


II 


The  above  letter  was  sent  by  the  vice  president  under  cover  to  tlie 
collector  of  the  port  of  New  York,  Jonathan  Thompsou,  and  by  him  tor- 
warded  to  the  mayor  of  Albany.  In  the  note  which  accompanied  the 
document  Mr.  Thompson  says:  "  Are  copies  of  letters  which  I  received 
this  morning  from  the  vice  president.  I  hasten  to  give  you  their  contents, 
that  you  may  be  enabled  to  make  use  of  the  information  in  the  way  sug- 
gested by  the  vice  president.  With  the  assurance  of  my  respect  and 
esteem.  Jonathan  Thompson. 

"  Charles  E.  Dudley,  Esq.,  Mayor  of  Albany." 

Great  exertions  had  been  made  by  the  contending  parties  for  success, 
and  it  was  with  d'flScalty  that  the  opponents  of  General  Van  Rensselaer, 
could  conceal  their  chagrin  and  regret  at  what  they  feared  would  eveiitu- 
all}  prove  the  successful  result,  of  the  determined  eflForts  of  his  numerous 
and  influential  friends,  and  which  soon  culminated  in  his  appointment  to 
the  coveted  position.  He  fortunately  could  rank  among  his  supporters 
"  men,  whose  firmness  and  patriotism  would  have  done  honor  to  the  best 
days  of  Greece  and  Rome;"  who  could  understand  when  proper  checks 
and  balances  were  necessary  for  the  preservation  of  liberty,  and  did  not 
fear  to  adopt  bold  and  energetic  measures. 

Governor  Clinton  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
My  dear  Sir,  Albany  5  January  1822. 

As  the  best  mode  of  promoting  your  object  and  at  the  same  time  of 
consulting  my  own  self  respect,  I  have  thought  it  most  advisable  to  avoid 
a  direct  application  to  the  P.  M.  General,  either  by  letter  or  by  signing;  a 
Memorial.  I  however  send  an  open  letter  directed  to  Col.  Fell  —  which 
you  can  send  immediately  to  the  Post  Master  General  —  or  in  concurrence 
with  the  latter  make  such  use  of  it  as  you  may  think  b:;dt  calculated  to 
efi'ect  an  object  so  anxiously  desired  by  me  because  so  important  to  you. 
A  petition  is  in  circulation  for  you  —  it  will  be  well  signed.  I  have  spoken 
to  Major  Smith  (the  lirother-in-law  of  Judge  Howe)  he  is  decidedly 
friendly  to  your  views  and  will  not  only  sign,  but  endeavour  to  get  signa- 
tures. He  says  that  the  whole  City  will  come  out  in  your  iuvor.  I  shall 
urge  this  measure  on  other  friends.  Your  Wife  is  convalescent  and  the 
rest  of  your  family  well.     Let  me  hear  from  you  often. 

I  am  yours  truly  D.  W.  C. 

The  Honorable  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  In  Congress,  Washington. 

Governor  Clinton  possessed  a  truly  warm  heart  a.id  his  exertions  were 
never  limited  when  the  welfare  of  those  he  loved  was  the  incentive  for 
action.  "  In  the  conflict  of  honest  opinions  he  boldly  took  his  part,  and 
if  his  zeal  at  times  excited  the  fears  of  his  followers,  his  patriotism  won 
the  hearts  of  his  opponents;"  and  he  was  ever  unremitting  in  his  earnest 
efforts  to  benefit  the  oppressed  and  deserving  citizen.  ' 

Mr.  Van  Buren  to  Mr.  Knower  and  Others. 
Gentlemen  :  Washington  January  5,  1822. 

The  accompaning  letter  will  show  you  what  has  been  done  in  regard  to 
the  post-ofiice  and  the  present  state  of  this  question.  If  I  could  have  sup- 
posed that  our  members  could  have  recommended  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  I 
would  have  expostulated  with  them  on  the  subject.  I  have  no  doubt  they 
are  as  niuel!  mortified  about  it  now  as  1  am.  Before  I  know  about  it  the 
postmaster  general  had  committed  himself  to  V.  R.  In  that  state  of  the 


III; 


littinjr  ia  hiscaruest 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  375 

qnostion  we  thought  proper  to  present  the  name  of  Chancellor  Lansing 
15y  we,  I  mean  the  vice-president,  iMr.  King  and  myself.  The  president 
bcnpersonally  acquauued  with  the  chancellor,  and  entertaining  a  per- 
sona regard  for  h.m,  we  thought  it  the  most  likely  mode  to  defeat  the  ap- 
po.n  ment  of  \  R.  independent  of  a  desire  on  our  part  to  do  somethinl> 
or  the  chancellor  In  the  course  you  pursue  you  should  have  regard  to 
hecircumstance  that  the  post-master  general  i's  committed,  &c.,  (was  0 
before  I  knew  that  Southwick  would  be  removed)  on  two  po  nts,  vil.  the 
remova  of  houthwick  and  the  appointment  of  V.  R.,  and  notoni;coa  n  it! 
ted  but  ev.den  ly  desirous  that  it  should  take  plice,  and  that  noth  n^ 
but  the  positive  interference  of  the  president  can  arrest  the  proceedin.^^ 
tS^lJrf  i^'  ""^"eryou  will  see  the  propriety  of  uniting  on  you 

?able      Th.^^  "1  "1  '"P"^'"'^  ^"  ^PP^^l  ''  '^^'  president  as  ,Lc- 

ticable      The  measures  I  advise  are  the  following:  1st.  Let  the  republi- 

el)  r  i  fhX'"'^  "  ^r^''^^  ''  ''''  president-recommending  the  chan- 
cel or,  ,f  that  IS  agreeable  to  them,  or  if  they  should  think  as  we  do,  that 
a  change  of  the  candidate  would  beat  this  moment  extremely  haza  dous 
If  not  decisive  against  us.  It  is  proper,  however,  that  you  should  know  that 
no  application  upon  this  subject  direct  or  indirect  has  come  from  the 

hanceilor  on  this  subject,  nor  do  I  know  that  he  is  apprised  of  wha   is 

JtL  r.n     U  '^''  fTf'\  ^  ^''"^'^  '''''  ''"^Vb  the  fjspectability,  &c 
of  the  chancellor,  and  the  desire  to  see  him  provided  for.     Such  a  pe  ition 
I  suppose  would  be  signed  by  as  many  federalists  as  would  appIyC  V 
K.    It  has  been  insinuated  here  that  the  place  is  desired  for  youn-  Mr 
Livingston  and  not  for  the  chancellor.     Upon  this  subject  thcr^e  ou^ht  to 

e  an  understanding.  I  do  not  think  Mr.  Livingston  has  any  such  d  im 
upon  the  party,  and  if  the  office  was  not  desired  and  desirable  for  th^ 

h  nee  lor  himself,  I  would  not  advocate  it.     2d.  I   would  have  prepa  ed 

rZffr./  w       '"'"  and  assembly  setting  forth  :  1st,  why  the  office  is 

'Tl  wn,?H     1    vT T/^'  •■'"'""'  ^^'^  ^'^'^h  ^'"  readily  occur  to  you. 
-d,  I  would  admit  y.  IVu  services,  but  state  what  the  general  and  state 

sirr"  \^".'  ^'"'"^^  ^'""^  ^"^  ''■■"  ^"^  '^''  his  removal  was  Tn  cot 

Ee  th.  f.f.    f    fr'""^'  "f  \"^«tf '^te  partisan,  when   he  was   made  to 

tifipd  hl^  ;"■'•  "!^  ^^"'  '^'  government  of  the  stato  have  been 

fi  ^V  ?-P'°P'^  '°  ''^^  ""*•     3d.  That  whatever  may  be  deemed  a 

eurse  at  this  time  on  the  question  of  removing  federali^sts  from  office 

enit  Sn    f   n     '"''  r'"'^'.  ^''"  '^'''^  '^-''  ^"  °''>«'-  '»''««rs  equal,  a 
itpub  Ian  shoudbe  preferred  for  a  new  appointment  on  that  ground  on  y. 

n    to     V         /.h  ;    .  ''Vrf  '",  '^^'''-     ^'  '-'''  ''''''^y  b«  neeossary  for 
mo  say,  that  that  should  be  done  with  the  utmost  delicacv  and  respect. 

I.      il?r         ^'^'•''f '^"!°S  or  scolding,  it  would  be  ruinous.     At  the 

21,         :^'" 'P'^"''  with  firmness,  and  as  if  conscious  of  their  ri^^hts 

elb£f  r^  "^^'^'^"^  t'T'   "'i'  ''''^y^  I  ^^""^d  «-d  a  letter  to  those 

'  i  Sn.     M  ''■''  "^'n  '"^"^  «»bscribed  V.  R.'s  petition,  viz.,  Messrs. 

t    hestl    tr  ii'''^f";v^  ';"■'"."'    ^*^^""^'    "''^'^«'    ^'ampbell,    Spencer, 

le  soVV.     ^'^^^^^  Woodcock,  and  Van  Wyek,  to  be  signed  by  all  the 

Lf  ^'1^'^'t''''''  '^^tting  forth  the  strong  reasons  against  having 

!iiL(lei;ifi.st  in  the  office  at  Albany.  <=  »  „ 

re.,ue!tim!'n'  ^''f  '''■  ^f*'  *''f  '^'-^   ^'^^   ''"'^^'^  ««   ^hey  have,   and 
'e.iut.tiug  them  to  withdraw  their  recommendation.     This  letter  will 


■■■;  SI 


376 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


furnish  them  with  good  ground  for  doing  what  I  am  persuaded  will  be  very 
agreeable  to  them,  provided  the  request  is  couched  in  such  terms  as  are 
not  offensive,  which  must  not  be  lost  sight  of.  They  undoubtedly  did  it 
through  personal  solicitations  and  without  appreciating  at  the  moment 
the  importance  of  the  place  in  a  political  point  of  view.  I  hope, 
therefore,  that  the  utmost  delicacy  will  be  observed  towards  them,  as 
they  are  as  worthy  and  honest  fellows  as  ever  lived.  Especially  I 
wish  you  to  remember  that  dispatch  is  all  important.  By  this  means  I 
propose  we  may  defeat  V.  ll's  appointment.  I  say  may,  for  I  cannot 
speak  with  confidence,  as  the  post-master-general  is  evidently  determined 
on  his  appointment.  It  is  said  here  that  he  has  written  to  iVlr.  Southwick 
that  V.  li.  is  his  successor.  Certain  it  is  that  he  has  decided  in  Lis 
favor,  and  that  had  it  not  been  for  our  note  to  him  V.  K.  would  have 
been  with  you  as  soon  as  this  letter.  V.  R.  says  that  two  of  the  heads 
of  department  are  in  his  favor,  of  whom  Mr.  Calhoun  is  said  to  be  one. 
I  have  not  inquired  with  what  correctness,  but  it  would  not  be  amiss 
for  Judge  Skinner  to  write  him  on  the  subject.  I  have  been  thus 
particular  because  I  believed  it  to  be  a  question  in  which  our  friends 
would  take  a  deep  interest.  Should  we  be  unsuccessful,  I  will  take 
the  liberty  of  suggesting  hereafter  the  course  I  would  advise  to  obtain 
redress,  or  rather  to  improve  our  condition. 

I  wish  Mr.  Knower  would  show  Mr.  Southwick  the  correspondence  be- 
tween us  and  Mr.  Meigs  that  he  may  know  that  we  had  not  sought  his 
removal.  As  this  is  true  it  is  but  right  that  he  should  know  it.  Since 
writing  the  preceding,!  scj  that  Mr.  Livingston  is  chosen  clerk.  This 
may  lead  to  a  wish  to  change  our  candidate  here.  I  do  not  know  that  it 
would  not  have  that  effect  upon  me  if  I  was  not  morally  certain  that  an 
attempt  to  get  another  man  under  the  circumstances  would  be  abortive. 
The  circumstances  of  the  president's  personal  knowledge  of  and  regard 
for  the  chancellor  is  decisive  with  me  as  to  the  expediency  of  pressing 
him.  I  am,  however,  under  the  direction  of  my  friends,  and  will  cheer- 
fully acquiesce  in  what  they  advise.     In  great  haste. 

Yours  Sincerely, 

M.  Van  Buren. 

To  Benjamin  Knower,  Charles  E.  Dudley,  Roger  Skinner,  Wm.  A. 
Duer,  M.  J.  Cantine,  Esqrs. 

Martin  Van  Buren  to  B.  Knower  and  Others. 

Dear  Sir,  Washington,  Jan'y  6,  1822. 

The  enclosed  letter  was  written  under  an  expectation  that  the  question 
of  postponement  raised  by  us  would  have  been  decided  yesterday.  It  is 
now  sent  on  for  the  purpose  of  apprising  you  what  is  doing  and  not  for 
you  to  act  upon  unless  and  until  you  hear  further  from  me.  In  addition 
to  the  letters  inclosed  there  are  the  following  which  are  now  in  possession 
of  the  president,  viz.,  a  letter  from  the  vice-president,  Mr.  King,  and 
myself  to  Mr.  Meigs  asking  a  postponement  until  we  could  communicate 
with  you.  His  answer  to  us  saying  in  substance  that  unless  the  president 
directs,  the  postponement  will  not  take  place. 

My  appeal  to  the  president  who  has  treated  the  matter  with  the  im- 
portance and  the  delicacy  it  deserves,  and  I  am  well  satisfied  that  if  the 
matter  rested  with  him  we  should  have  no  difficulty.  By  the  post  office 
law  the  post  master  general  has  complete  enntrol.  The  qucstiosi  of  post- 
ponement has  been  before  the  cabinet  for  two  days,  and  I  expect  an  answer 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  377 

to-morrow.    Two  of  them  arc  said,  and  I  l.olieve  with  truth,  to  he  in  favor 
can  avow"''      '''  ""  """P''"''  '"''^'-'"'^tion  of  thi«  fact  that  1 

To-morrow  morning  I  will  receive  an  answer  from  the  president,  which 
w;ll  probably  be  that  he  nr-  t  leave  the  post-master-general  to  his  course 
It  so   he  will  be  d,Hpo«ed  to  make  the  appointment  of  V.  llens.selaer  im- 
mediately,     lo  guard  against  that,  the  vice-president  and  myself  have  in 
wrmng  requested  that  in  that  event  he  would  afford  us  an  opportunity  to 
make  one  more  communication  to  him,  in  which  we  will  recommend  Chan- 
cellor Lansmg,  and  put  the  question  on  such  political  ground  that  the 
people  of  the   United  States  may  distinctly  understand  what  principles 
prevail  in  that  department  of  the  government,  and,  may  take  the  measures 
necessary  to  a  wholesome  reform.    This  point  must  be  settled  one  time  or 
other,  and  no  time  more  opportune  than  the  present.    It  is  one  of  the  most 
interesting  departments  of  the  government,  and  instead  of  spendin-^  our 
tnue  in  small  matters,  I  am  for  taking  the  bull  by  the  horns  at  once!  and 
It  our  friends  at  home  will  sustain  us  we  will  effect  it.     I  have  requested 
a  meeting  of  the  republicans  who  have  signed  V.  llensselaer's  pet i'tion  to 
night     Lvery  effort  has  been  made  to  excite  their  jealousy  on  account  of 
my  interference,  but  I  am  persuaded  they  will  in  the  end  behave  well     I 
will  write  you  again  to-morrow.     Yours  cordially.  M   V  Burev 

To  Benjamin  Knower,  Esq.,  and  others. 

Charles  A.  Clinton  to  Qen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  General,  Albany,  January  6th,  1822. 

Ihe  contemplated  vacancy  in  the  office  of  Post  master  in  this  city  has 
induced  great  exertions  on  the  part  of  your  friends,  to  effect  your  appoint 
meat.     Your  claims  will  be  supported  by  a  powerful  petition,  compfSnl 
the  most  respectable  inhabitants  and  most  of  the  merchants.     Thi  other 
candidates,  1  am  told   are  not  inactive,  but  are  circulating  subscript  ons 

every  direction.     They  are  Chancellor  Lansing ;  the  old^treasurer^Dox 
and   1  am  told  — Lly  (the  one  in  the  comptrollers  office).     Your  ex 
ertions  a    Washington   must  correspond  with  those   making  here  •  and 
you  will  be   successful  in  your  application.     lam  induced°to  n  e'ntloa 

ir?  '''^-V".  "?'^  ''''''^  ^°"'-  f"^'^'^^'  ^"d  "'^t  be  induced  upon 
any  consideration  to  slacken  your  efforts.  ^ 

Ten  Eyck  is  very  active,  t.s  is  Dr.  Bay. 

With  best  wishes  for  your  success 

Sincerely  yours 

Honble.  Solom.  Van  Rensselaer,  Member  Congress,  Washingfcon^^^' 

"It  behooves  the  boasting  friends  of  the  general  government  amon-st 
u  ,  to  suppress  their  impotent  wrath  and  profit  by  the  magnanimous 
example  which  the  post  master  general  will  set  before  them  in  the  new 
appomtment ;  and  we  are  authorized  to  say,  in  contradiction  to  the  asser- 
toii  made,  that  Gen.  Van  Ilensselaor  never  received  any  grantor  -ratuitv 
ty  traces  "''  ^''^"'  ^'''"'  ^^^  ^''''^'''^ ""'  ''''*'  government  for  his  mill- 
Hon.  William  B.  Rochester  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

T,^'''-.     J  H.  of  Rep.  7  January  1822 

ffi  h  Z      '      /^  '•^'''^;'  ''\  '''  ^'""^  '"'^  espeelMlly  p,o  in  our  intercourse 
wuii  those  we  esteem.     In  observance  of  that  spirit,  I  have  to  inform  you 

48 


878 


LEQACi    v/P  illSTORICAL   GLEANINGS. 


' 


ill 


that  having  recently  learned  from  an  un(|ue8tionabIe  source,  that  the  pro- 
posed appointment  of  a  successor  to  Solomon  iSouthwick  Esq.  1*.  M.  at 
Albany,  was  givinjj;  rise  to  much  specuhition,  not  to  say  excitement  in  that 
city.  I  have  united  with  several  of  my  colleagues  in  a  rcijuestthat  a  post- 
ponement of  the  appointment  might  take  place  (in  case  Mr  Southwick's 
dismissal  were  determined  on)  until  the  citizens  of  Albany  could  have  an 
opportunity  of  being  consulted  on  the  subject .  Reflection  satisfied  me  that 
this  course  was  due  from  all  parties  to  the  respectable  citizens  of  that  poDu- 
lous  tow): ;  and  this  coMviction  was  strengthened  by  a  positive  assuraiice 
from  two  or  three  of  my  colleagues,  that  it  was  in  perfect  accordance  with 
your  own  cjcjnrsscd  wishes,  at  the  time  they  subscribed  the  paper  in  your 
behalf,  to  which  I  signed  my  name  also,  out  of  respect  to  your  merit  and 
for  your  sufferings  as  a  Soldier.  I  am,  Sir,  very  respectfully  &c. 
lion.  Solomon  Van  llensselaer.  W.  B.  Rochester. 

"  Hon.  William  B.  Rochester  was  subsequently  appointed  president  of 
the  United  States  Branch  Bank,  located  at  Buffalo.  No  man  is  better 
acquainted  with  the  wants  and  abilities  of  the  people  in  this  section  of  the 
country.  He  is  deservedly  popular,  and  we  hesitate  not  to  say  ♦hat  the 
appointment  is  the  very  best  that  could  have  been  made." 

Oen.  Van  Benssekcer  to  Dr.  Bay. 
Dear  Sir,  Washington,  Jany  7th,  1822. 

Last  Friday  my  appointment  as  Post-Master  at  Albany  was  to  have 
been  made,  but  owing  to  the  oflScious  interference  of  King,  Tompkins, 
Thompson  and  Van  IJuren,  the  matter  was  laid  before  the  President  who 
called,  on  Saturday,  a  Cabinet  Council  on  the  subject.  The  Post  Master 
General  [Return  J.  Meigs,]  was  requested  to  attend,  and  after  having  the 
papers  read,  the  President  asked  him,  "  if  he  was  left  to  himself,  xoho 
would  he  appoint?"  He  promptly  replied  —  GENERAii  Van  Rensselaer, 
and  then  gave  his  reasons  :  On  account  of  my  gallant  services  in  two  wars, 
and  that  I  represented  the  district,  as  it  were,  by  unanimous  consent. 
"  These  are  strong  grounds,"  observed  Crawford  and  Calhoun.  Thompson 
[Smith  Thompson,  secretary  of  the  Navy,]  urged  the  claims  of  Chancellor 
Lansing,  but  without  success. 

It  was  said  by  some  of  the  members,  in  reply  to  a  remark  made  in  rela- 
tion to  my  politics,  that  it  had  no  weight,  particularly  when  I  had  so 
heroically  distinguished  myself.  Much  passed,  and  the  unanimous  opi- 
nion (in  whicl^  T  —  was  obliged  to  concur),  was,  that  the  Post  Master 
General  should  be  at  liberty  to  do  as  he  pleaj^ed. 

Yesterday  the  President  communicated  this  to  Van  Buren,  who  by 
threats  and  every  other  means  procured  a  meeting  of  the  Bucktails,  last 
evening.  He  attempted  to  persuade  them  to  recant,  on  political  grounds, 
that  "  it  was  not  expedient  to  have  such  a  rank  federalist  as  Gen.  Van 
Rensselaer  in  the  Albany  Post  OflSce."  However  all  the  clique's  personal 
efforts  and  expostulations  could  only  get  seven,  out  of  the  eleven  repub- 
lican members,  to  sign  a  request  that  the  appointment  should  be  delayed, 
until  the  (Citizens  of  Albany  could  be  consulted,  and  it  has  taken  that 
cour.se,  and  now  they  must  decide.  There  were  eleven  names  annexed  to 
the  Republicans  request  of  the  5th  instant. 

There  is  much  secret  nianccuvring  going  on  both  here  and  in  Albany, 
Van  Buren  and  Co.  coming  out  in  this  manner  against  the  united  voice 
of  the  Cabinet,  has  excited  very  great  indignation,  and  King  has  iuincil 


Leqacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  379 

himself  in  the  estimafinn  of  all.  The  fact  is  well  known  here  that  T 
nskod  n.y  office  of  Adjutant  General,  in  support  of  kT.  against  the 
very  two  men  he  has,  now  most  singularly,  joined  to  ruin  mo !  f  Spencer  - 
(  ambreeng-3Iorgan  &c.  would  not  rescind  the  step  taken  in  my  behalf 
although  pressed  to  do  so  by  Van  }3uren  and  Tompkins.  T^ey  have 
tned  hard  to  co-erce  the  Post  Master  General -withou  the  desired 
efiect,  and  are  at  the  same  time  hand  and  glove  with  Charles  E.  DuTey 
Benjamin  Knower,  and  Collector  Thompson  of  New  York  to  p  event  S 
appointment      It  will  indeed  be  a  consolation  to  me  throu.^h  life  that  I 

ave  been  able,  single-handed,  to   defeat  them,  even  if  Albany  under 
the«o  advorse  circumstances  turns  a  cold  shoulde;,  and  deserts  ine 

Several  of  our  friends  will  write,  there  is  much  excitement  in  my  favor 
to  day;  before  this  our  delegation  did  not  interfere,  I  managed  the 
matter  in  my  own  way      To  my  gallant  fellow  sufferer ' Colonel  Richard 

.  Johnson  and  other  friends  from  the  West,  I  owe  every  thing  John 
ID  ckinson  acts  nobly,  though  Van  Buren  belongs  to  his  m  J"  Dick  in- 
so  stated  to  Van  Buren  at  the  table,  that  it  was  strange  they  shouhJ  put 
ou  one  pauper  and  put  another  in.  Van  Buren  replied  wamirwhen 
Dickinson  said  he  could  p.-ove  all  he  affirmed,  which  he  also  me^tfoned 
lus  morning  to  the  Post  Master  General.  Golden  [CadwalTaderTl 
behaves  well  like  the  rest,  he  also  writes.  Yesterday  1  flatrered  mvself 
t  at  to-morrow  I  would  have  been  on  the  way  to  Alban/  I  am  n  ureat7aste 
Show  this  to  my  poor  wife,  the  Patroon,  McKown,ynnTs ton'ani  su  h 

£  •:  m;tr:;er  ''"''-• '''-'  ^-^  ^'  ^^  ti  t.  '-t-'  '- '  ^"^' 

Dr.  William  Bay.  Albany,  N.  Y.  ^^"^  Rensselaer. 

General  Post  Office. 

u  1-    •      .1.  -    ,         , ,  Washington  City,  7  Jany.,  1822 

Believing  that  the  public  interest  will  be  promoted  b^  the  appointment 
a  new  Postmaster  at  Albany,  N.   Y.     I  have  accordingly^appoi^ted 
Mr.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  Post-master  at  that  place  ;  to  whom  oTthe 
receipt  of  this,  you  will  deliver  all  the  Post-office^ro^erty  in  your  pos- 
session, taking  his  receipt  therefor,  if  you  desire  it  ^        ^ 

lou  mil  forward  your  accounts  up  to  the  time  when  you  deliver  over 
lUB  vuice.  I  a,u^  g^^ 

m   ,r     o  ,  Yours  respectfully. 

To  Mr.  Solomon  Southwick.  r.  j.  Meigs,  Jr. 

"In  June   1792,  Return  J.  Meigs  (post  master  general)  had  a  very 
narrow  escape,  when  attacked  by  two  Indians.     In  company  with  him 
Ui\}"-fyr^^l'f  -  black  boy,  who  had  been  hoeinVin  a  0^^ 
Id.     The  Indians  had  secreted  themselves  behind  the  path,  near  the 

lusk.ngum,  on  its  west  bank,  where  they  had  the  river  to  cr^ss      At  a 
Z  ZT  T  ''^'''''  ^f '"S  the=r  backs  towards  the  Indians 

TL       "P^-   .Syr^'if  .^'^^  «'i«t  in  the  shoulder,  when  Meigs  rushed 

n  the  largest  Indian  with  his  tomahawk  raised  to  throw  it.     He  attempted 
0  fire  his  gun  at  the  savage,  which  missed  fire.     Mr.  Meigs  then  partly 

ts.Sr   \    ^'^''/"?'^»"  threw  his  tomahawk  at  Meigs,  which  grazed 
«^  b  ect.     Symonds  plunged  into  the  river,  and  floated  down  to  the  fort 
1  ".  r^  '"■'"  "^^^  "'"^''''*  '"  swimming.     He  was  taken  up  by  the  men 
0'  lort  Ilarmar,  and  eventually  recovered  of  his  wound.    The  black  boy 


380 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


i 


twelve  years  old,  attempted  to  esnape,  but  was  tomaliawked,  killed  and 
scalped  by  the  ludiaus.  iMr.  Mei-^'s  saved  his  life  by  his  dauntless  attack 
of  the  Indian,  and  when  liis  gun  missed  fire,  by  knock'ng  down  his  an- 
tagonist, and  then  out  running  the  other  Indian." 

Extract  of  a  Letter  from  the  Evening  Post's  Correspondent, 

Washington,  Jany.  7,  1822. 
With  unfeigned  pleasure,  I  inform  you  that  the  postmaster  general  has 
this  day  appointed  General  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  postmaster  at  Albany 
vice  Solomon  Southwick  removed. 

This  affair  I  presume,  will  cause  some  little  excitement  in  New  York 
and  your  readers  will  doubtless  be  desirous  of  learning  some  of  the  par- 
ticulars relating  to  it.     It  having  been  determined  that  Mr.  Southwick 
should  be  removed,  the  only  question  with  the  Cabinet  was,  who  should 
be  his  successor  ?  The  late  Chancellor  Lansing's  name  was  brought  for- 
ward by  his  friends,  and  backed  by  the  influence  of  the  vice  president, 
and  your  two  senators  Me.'isrs.  Van  Uuren  and  King;  Gen.  Van  Kensse- 
laer  was  also  nominated,  and  he  was  backed  by  the  influence  of  the  Ken- 
tucky and  Ohio  members,  particularly  by  Colonel  Johnson,  of  the  former 
state.     When  the  question  was  first  put  to  the  members  of  the  cabinet 
they  were  all  in  favor  of  General  Van  Rensselaer,  except  the  secretary  of 
the  navy,  [Smith  Thompson]  who  objected  on  account  of  politics;  but  he 
was  answered  by  Mr.  Wirt,  [William  Wirt,  attorney-general]  who  said 
that  such  considerations  were  out  of  the  question  now  ;  there  was  no 
longer  any  politics.     On  which  the  secretary  of  the  navy  is  said  to  have 
acquiesced,  and  dodared  himself  in  favor  of  the  appointment.     When  it 
was  known  to  your  senators,  that  it  was  determined,  that  it  should  be  made 
on  Saturday,  they  requested  that  it  might  be  postponed  till  Monday  after- 
noon, and  in  the  mean  time  they  drew  up  a  formal  memorial  against  it, 
which  was  read,  but  the  appointment  was  then  made.     It  was  thought  by 
the  president  and  by  all  the  cabinet,  that  the  services  the  General  had 
rendered  his  country  in  two  wars,  with  the  severe  and  dangerous  wounds 
he  had  received  in  the  discharge  of  his  duty,  were  paramount  considera- 
tions to  every  other,  and  ought  to  outweigh  all  the  petty  local  objections 
of  a  party  nature  that  could  be  pjentioned.     I  have  the  pleasure  to  add, 
that  nothing  that  has  transpired  here,  for  a  long  time,  of  a  similar  nature, 
has  given  such  satisfaction  as  this  appointment.     General  Van  Rensselaer 
has  been  waited  on  by  a  great  number  of  members  of  congress,  to  con- 
gratulate him  on  the  event.     I  hope  the  appointment  may  afford  liim  an 
honorable  and  liberal  provision  for  old  age. 

Oov.  Clinton  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
I>ear  Sir,  Albany  7  January  1822. 

Spencer  Stafford  as  one  of  the  Sureties  of  Mr.  Southwick,  (and  a  very 
worthy  man  as  you  know  him  to  be)  is  desirous  of  removing  o.- alleviating 
the  pressure  produced  by  this  involvement.  I  recommend  him  and  his 
interests  to  your  earnest  and  powerful  intercession.       Yours  truly 

Hon.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  31.  C.  Wnshington.      DeWitt  Clinton. 

AH  these  original  letters  written  by  distinguished  men,  and  relating  to 
an  interesting  period  in  our  local  and  political  history  manifest  the  struggle 
which  took  place  fifty-two  years  ago  for  the  Albany  post  oflSce.  It  was 
regarded  as  a  position  of  great  political  importance,  and  the  contest  for  it 
between  the  democratic  republicans,  who.se  oan(ii(iato  was  ox-Cliancellor 
Lansing,  and  the  federalists,  whose  candidate  was  Gen.  Solomon  Van  Hens- 


NQS. 

lahawked,  killed  and 
'  his  dauntless  attack 
ack'ng  dowu  his  Jin- 

rrcsj)ondent. 
an,  Jany.  7,  1822. 
stiuaster  general  has 
lostmaster  at  Albany, 


iiuent  in  New  York, 
ing  some  of  the  par- 
that  Mr.  Southwick 
net  was,  who  should 
me  was  brought  for- 
■  the  vice  president, 
;  Gen.  Van  Bensse- 
ifluence  of  the  Ken- 
luson,  of  the  former 
ibers  of  the  cabinet 
cept  the  secretary  of 
it  of  politics;  but  he 
y-general]  who  said 
now  ;  there  was  no 
navy  is  said  to  have 
lintuient.     When  it 
at  it  should  be  made 
3d  till  Monday  after- 
lueuiorial  against  it. 
It  was  thought  by 
es  the  General  had 
1  dangerous  wounds 
araniount  considera- 
?tty  local  objections 
he  pleasure  to  add, 
of  a  similar  nature, 
eral  Van  llensselaer 
of  congress,  to  con- 
,  may  aiford  tiim  an 


7  January  1822. 
hwick,  (and  a  very 
loving  0."  alleviating 
iniend  him  and  his 

Yours  truly 
eWitt  Clinton. 

len,  and  relating  to 
lanifest  the  struggle 
post  office.  It  was 
J  the  contest  tor  it 
was  ox-Cliancellor 
Solomon  Van  liens- 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  331 

,elaer,  was  fierce  Those  old  letters  throw  a  flood  of  light  on  the  political 
hied  that  por.od  ot  President  Monroe's  adnnnistrati^n  to  whic'h  thTy 

,T    n       T.    ,  ^^^^*"^  ^"'^  Rensselaer  to  her  Father. 

My  Dear  Father,  .„  _  „    ,„ 

mate  my  old  d.ddy  ,/  ZSu"''^v^'"Z^^^'""  '°""'  ""'l""  '"  "'""'''■ 
democratic  ropul.iioans  w  hi  T  ii  Z  '  '""!"'""•  """"'  "«Pi"=lM„ 
.k  (.'itizon,  of  dear  A  ba"  y  ;„^!',,'?;„r"  in  M.r"",'!"""''""';"  f™"' 

Judge  Van  Ness,  who  arrived  to  dav  Dr    Hnv  nr.A  ^u    ^i  •   1      , 

.li,  .coral  day,  .i„ce,  a„d  1  t  be  t;;  by  £  "J  TC^;' '". ''" 
aif  las  roa  iriied  in  his  favor  and  it\vl.,l  /'  ,  ''''"""ollor  Lan- 

i»lJvi„gs,o„  i,  to  be  the  DepuTv  tL"'  '^''o'^. '^<'<"<['<g-'  >»n-m- 
!i.llaM,ce,8olakecareof  him  £l,  J'","^  "V ''«  "'"  l'"e  Vai,  liuren's 
is  perfectly  .or.rirg"'  'Zn^^t!:?tZ^^lZ''^  '""'^ '"''^ 

Your  affection  'e  daughter 

Hon  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  M.  C,  Washt^of'  "^^^  ''^'''^'^^^^■ 

^''^arles  A.  Clinton  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  General,  4,, 

Southwick's  friends  (principally  Buckf.ilsWrJ -f  """'7  ^'\  ^^^^'v 
H..blc.  Solomon  Van  Heossclacr,  Member  Coogre'rWali",™'  "■ 

lio.h,i„.eVK    "^,"'-   ^.^'^•^•^"f'^^'^kpublishedashortaddresstofb.pul. 
'■-'ovai;  1^;   ;V,  e  S '  " d  ir"  ^V'""'^"^"'P^^hen  making  to  effecf  his 
feays  the  g.ounds  alleged  by  some  were,  that  he  was  a  defaulter. 


382 


Legacy  op  Historical  Qleaninqs. 


*l 


and  that  he  did  not  attend  to  his  businesH.     Both  accuautions,  he  flays,  are 
fiilHoand  nialiciouH." 

'•  General  Van  IlensHelaer  arrived  in  Albany,  from  WaHhinj^ton  on  Satur- 
day evening  12th,  and  will  probably  iinniediutely  enter  upon  the  duties 
of  his  appointment."  Some  one  says :  "  The  parties  concerned  beinj^  all  (load, 
the  publication  and  revival  of  reminiscences  will  be  a  valuable  eontributi(,n, 
giving  an  insij^ht  into  the  political  management  and  secret  political  history 
of  New  York." 

(leneral  Van  Rcn.sselaer  had  now  entered  upon  the  duties  of  his  office, 
and  (^)lonel  Robert  Elliott  was  selected  as  his  deputy  in  this  trust.  Among 
the  subordinate  clerks,  one  of  the  first  appointed  was  the  notable  Williiim 
B.  Winne  as  the  city  penny  post,  or  as  he  was  more  familiarly  culled 
"  lillbf  Winnv  th'  J'c.iiiii/  Pout,"  who  was  ever  an  active,  vigilant  officer, 
and  retained  his  situation  through  a  long  series  of  years  till  in  extreme 
old  age  death  claimed  another  victim.  Mr.  Winne  was,  previous  to  this,  for 
some  time  captain  of  the  city  watch.  On  the  uight  of  December  21, 
1808,  an  attempted  robbery  and  murder  was  made  by  a  highwayman  — 
Robert  Johnson  — at  the  Inn  of  one  John  Pye  on  the  Watervliet  turn- 
pike—  the  half-way  house  between  Albany  and  Troy.  The  house  is  still 
standing  a  short  distance  south  of  the  entrance  to  the  Cemetery.  Mr. 
Pye  was  badly  wounded  and  fell  back  fainting  on  the  bod,  but  Mrs.  Pye 
re.'<i>lutely  defended  her  property  and  shot  the  robber  who  was  of  "  a  tail 
and  uthleticform."  After  being  wounded  the  desperado  made  his  escape, 
without  getting  the  toll-gate  money,  to  the  city.  lie  was  finally  cap- 
tured by  Captain  Winne.  "  This  man.  on  finding  the  track  of  the  robber's 
horse  in  the  snow  (he  had  made  a  dreadful  leap  from  the  foot  of  Colum- 
bia street  to  the  ice  of  the  Hudson,  escaping  to  Greenbush  and  thence  to 
Aikins's  mills),  in  an  instant  sprang  off  after  him  on  a  full  run,  and  was 
heard  to  exclaim  to  himself  in  good  old  Dutch  and  English  mixed 
together  :  '  Mine  Cot !  vat  leeps  de  horse  has  mate,  vull  twenty  voets. 
Dunder  en  bliksem  !  he's  been  de  duyfel  vor  running.'  Captain  Winne 
soon  got  the  start  of  all  other  pursuers ;  Winne  was  an  uncommon  active 
man,  which  his  sprightly  step  still  evinced  even  in  old  age.  He  had  per- 
formed many  a  feat,  both  in  pursuit  of  and  in  flight  from  Indians  in  the 
time  of  the  revolution.  Before  the  outlaw  was  secured,  by  a  powerful 
blow  he  had  dashed  all  the  oflicer's  front  teeth  into  his  mouth,  lie  died 
from  his  wounds." 

Mr.  Van  Buren  to  Mr.  Dudley. 

Dear  Sir:  [Private.]      Washington,  Jan.  10,  1822. 

The  great  weight  which  the  New  York  delegation  is  now  capable  of  havinj; 
from  its  members  of  congress,  the  almost  absolute  certainty  that  the  presi- 
dential question  will  be  settled  in  caucus,  and  the  immense  weight  her  in- 
creased representation  will  give  her  there,  give  her  an  influence  and  con- 
sideration wliich  you  cannot  so  well  appreciate  at  home  as  here.  The 
disjointed  state  of  parties  here,  the  distractions  which  are  produced  by 
the  approaching  contest  for  president,  and  the  general  conviction  in  the 
minds  of  honest  but  prudent  men,  that  a  radical  reform  in  the  political 
feelings  of  this  place  has  become  necessary,  render  this  the  proper  moment 
to  commence  the  work  of  a  general  resuscitation  of  the  old  democratic 
party ;  and  circumstances  imperiously  point  to  New  York  as  the  source 
from  which  the  good  work  ought  to  emanate.  With  prudence  here  and 
firnirio.HS  at  Albany,  this  can  otfoctively  bo  done,  and  our  .state  be  placed 
on  higher  ground  than  she  has  ever  stood.     There  are  at  this  moment  two 


II 


Legacy  of  Historical  Ql-^nings. 

>usution8,  he  «ayvro    I    f 'J^'f' ■''l\''''  ™'?!'*  I"' l"i'H'"I^l  of  by  tI,o  repui.Ii 


888 


CHuntry.      ihc./,r.<  ih  the  presi,lenti,il  (.ut^tioi.      Oa  this  Vuh  w^f  t  rl- 
ynu  .M.n  art.co  i„  a  late  intelli^eneor'aH  contuiniu;  „       e  "0^1  .  io   ':f 
t  e  .tute  ol  leelinf,-  hero  in  regard  to  it.  and  a  tolenrble  view   0 f  t'  e    nis 
ch.efH  wh.ch  are  growu.j,  out  of  the  pro.naturo  agitation  of  this  a  est  1 
In  congresB  Mes«rH.  Crawford  and  Adun.H  and  Calhoun  have  eacMeo  ded 
;:     ■;  he'otTerTf"  hi  d^rV"^  n'""'''  ^"»'"  -olutic^^ru'edtt 
r  aiscrscfwi  h te  t\^  E^^^^^^  "^T"''-     rr  "^"'"''"- 

cithiu...  which  iK.'grui„::;  fgrowu  ^oS^         ;•-,  «'«V^ 

jn^tude  any  measure  having  a  t^donll^t^ll'Shrtw:^  .li:;;;  ^t 
If  the  republican  members  of  our  state  legislature  should  hold  a  meet 

TLir^d^r fer?:;^::  Z;ri',::^:r  ir-  ■■""?'  -^  ^" 

.».ed.b;  .i,o  po,t...L.  ™„ri  i°„'  fb'it'"!.  J  °    7avt"I'  eZri^ 

U  l.,d  will,  him,  have  done  u,  justice     He  « ,na,e.  In  Iv  ,  „  T V' n 
*cl  ,t  will  have  on  the  feelings  of  „„r  IHeLs    and  „MI  !.     7    r     ^ 
HiiteJ  at  any  esoitement  it  may  produee  with  n.      V  i    ,°  i"T 

^77  '!","='  "'T  ",'°  ''-"  °'»°-  "ftln.be  .\7l':at;,^:T 
are  very  unhappy,  and  it  would  be  unwise  to  mortifrthen^more     itwin    1  ^ 

AM  "   T J  '"=  ""'  ■'T'"'"'  •"  "'«  <^°"""y  bj  tl'e  president         '^'^°  "' 

Al  g„„d  detnoerats  have  who  understand  thi  nmtfer  synmathized  with 

•>,  Md  are  happy  to  le,™  that  the  viee-president  and  inyXm™  boTd  , 

,t:9"::^^p4!s^  ::?i':;rit^a;yr.e?;ttitTo,f:r„ri  is! 


'i  .' 


m 


ii 


884 


Leqacy  of  Historical  Qleaninqs. 


II 


• 


our  public  men  in  the  early  years  of  Mr.  JeflForson'H  ailniinistration.  Thit 
is  not  u  (liHjtuto  botwucii  uh  un<l  tlio  jucwidurit,  ami  fuini.sh'.'s  uh  with  nri 
opportunity  to  lictld  iauf^ua^jo  which  it  will  liarni  nohotly  in  the  guvern- 
uient  to  hear,  and  will  induce  all  who  look  to  the  presidency  to  ponder 
upon.  I  propose  nothing  to  be  done  by  you  becauHo  what  ought  to  lie 
done  is  for  you  to  decide.  Hut  if  the  republican  nieinbeis  of  the  legiala. 
turc  should  think  that  the  occasion  calls  for  an  unetiuivocal  expreHi^ion 
of  their  sentiments,  that  they  should  speak  now  or  iiereafter  bo  silont, 
then  I  would  take  the  liberty  of  suggesting  that  they  need  not  have  unjf 
apprehensions  that  they  will  injure  themselves  here  by  a  bold  but  respect- 
ful expression  of  their  s  ntiments,  that  they  may  with  entire  confidenco 
rely  on  the  support  and  sympathy  of  their  republican  friends  in  the  Union. 

That  the  most  proper  course  would  bo  to  regard  this  appointment  as  a 
decision  of  that  department  that  the  wishes  of  the  great  republican  party 
of  the  lln'jn  should  not  be  carried  into  effect,  and  in  addition  to  an  ex- 
pression of  an  opinion  on  the  matter  to  appoint  a  respectable  couimittee 
to  correspond  with  the  republican  members  of  other  legislatures,  now  in 
session,  to  secure  co-operation  and  unity  of  sentiment  to  affect  a  remedy. 
In  that  correspondence  much  talent  might  be  shown,  and  1  fully  believe 
that  an  application  for  the  removal  of  the  post-master  general  would  be 
acquiesced  in  by  many  of  the  states.  But  all  measures  after  the  appoint- 
ment of  the  committee  might  bo  left  to  subsoijuent  reflection  and  advise- 
ment. It  is  only  in  the  event  of  the  members  thinking  proper  to  take 
such  a  course  that  the  vice-president  and  myself  think  our  letters  ought 
to  bo  published.  With  you  we  will  go  all  proper  lengths.  Without  you 
it  might  look  like  a  disposition  to  be  querulous.  If  our  letters  are  pub- 
lished, strike  out  that  part  of  our  letter  to  you  which  asks  that  we  be  not 
requested  to  have  further  communication  with  the  post  master  general. 
Upon  reflection  it  strikes  me  that  if  you  should  deem  it  best  to  publish 
that  letter,  that  part  had  better  be  left  out.  An  expression  of  the  senti- 
tnents  of  the  citizens  would  be  important.  If  you  should  think  it  wise  to 
adopt  those  measures  your  representatives  may  hereafter  speak  with  some 
confidence.  If  not  the  most  supple  will  be  the  most  favored.  Show  this 
confidentially  to  such  of  our  friends  as  you  may  think  proper. 

In  haste,  yours  truly, 

Charles  E.  Dudley,  Esq.  M.  Van  Buhen. 

Charles  E.  Dudley  to  M.  Vin  Buren. 
Dear  Sir  :  Albany,  Jan.  U,  1822. 

Your  several  communications  on  the  subject  of  the  post-office  in  this 
city  have  been  received,  and  our  friends  are  highly  satisfied  with  the 
course  that  the  vice-president  and  yourself  have  pursued.  The  result 
has  indeed  been  mortifying  to  us,  but  it  ought  to  be  equally  regretted  by 
the  members  of  the  republican  party  throughout  the  state.  We  were 
glad  to  find  that  seven  of  the  eleven  members  of  congress  who  recom- 
mended Van  Rensselaer  were  willing  to  join  in  a  communication  to  the 
president,  and  the  citizens  of  Albany  owe  something  to  them  in  point  of 
feeling  on  this  score.  The  New  York  members  probably  felt  themselves 
so  far  committed  as  it  regarded  the  appointment  of  a  post-master  tor  a 
city  ICO  miles  distant  from  them,  that  they  could  not  retract;  their  con- 
duct toward?  the  republicans  of  Albany  savors  a  little  of  the  spirit  which 
actuated  some  of  the  delegates  to  the  convention  from  their  city.  How 
would   they  have  relished  your  recommendation  of  on^  of  their  most 


Leqacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  885 

Sr  V  ^"11""''  «PP''"°»t«  to  fill  tho  station  no,,  occupied  by  Gon 
Ba  oy  J  N,  other  atonornm.t  can  ho  ma.lo,  in  n.y  opi,.i,„.,  to  the  injurJd 
MmgH  of  the  republicans  of  this  .tate  than  by  {ho  presidont'H  re Zv  n^ 
the  post-maHter-generul  fron.  office.  I  indulge^he  hoUtha  hin  Z  ? 
.  already  detorm.nod  on  by  Mr.  Monroe,  fie  n,u«t  be  nonVi  leT  ho 
S  i  trS'^lt^  the  republican  party  in  thi.  Htate  have  been  £ 
dministration      Although  ho  may  not  know  the  difficulties  wo  have  had 

0  encounter  the  fact.on  which  has  beeuso  triumphantly  opposed 'to  m^n- 
tain  f  >m  m  the  presidency,  an.l  to  shield  the  general  goveVJmen  fro  the 
at  ack  of  a  bokl  but  by  no  means  despicable  enemy.  Nor  have  you  been 
well  treated  by  the  post-master  general,  and  through  you  reiibution 
ought  to  r«achhuu.  Our  opponents  hero  exult,  but  fdo  not  appreheui 
the  pohtical  effects  w.  I  be  such  as  thoy  imagine.  We  shall  not  refa^x  new 
v,?or  will  be  mfused  into  the  party,  Ll  there  will,  I  trust  bo  a  decided 
an.  universal  expiession  of  disgust  at  the  course  pursued  b^  Mr.  >£ 

Mr.  Knowor  has  your  otter  inclosing  the  correspondence  whicKok 

plao  at  Washington,  and  will  this  evening  consult  our  friends  as  to   Se 

est  mode  of  proceeding.     We  shall  wish"to  treat  the  admini  tmt  on  of 

the  general  government  with  great  delicacy,  but  there  will  bino  half-wav 

expressions  as  to  the  postoffice  department.'    The  postmaster  ..eneramus^ 

denounced.  You  alluded  in  your  letter  of  the  8th,  to  a^conBdentia 
etter  which  ycu  proposed  to  write  by  the  next  mail.  'l  hope  it  may  con 
tj.n  .something  as  to  the  decision  of  the  president  upon   the  removalof 

.!  t'Tt  an'v  tTLT  ^«TJ"''"^'^^'^"  of  movements  which  may  ad 
to  it  At  any  rate  we  have  nothing  more  mortifying  to  hear  than  what 
you  have  already  communicated.  J'    b  ^"  "«ar  inan  wnat 

hIV'm  "^^^''ft^i;  th's  must  be  of  an  encouraging  character. 
Hon.  Martin  Van  Buren.  Yours!        C.  E.  Dudley. 

affJiJ'  X^  5'""'"  rjl^'-'^'i^}  Albany  by  puppets  was  quite  an  excitin<. 
K    I       ' •  "u.  '•;''  P^''^'''^''  puppet-show  were  all  pulled  at  Wash" 
ngton  by  the  invisible  but  skillful  hand  of  the  crafty  maS  an      The   n 

SSto  be"held'\\Yb"  ''"^V"^  •''  ^"^'°^^''^'^^  to  r  replbllea'!; 
gr:hhould  be  reltidTif "''"  urgent  request  thatthepost  master 

Solomon  Van  lieimelaer  to  PhUiii  P.  Barbour. 

'The  ill  health  of  my  family,  and  the  necessityStC'ngtfny^'if^e 
ncerns,  I  hope  in  peace  and  quietness  the  residue  of  my  m4ar^^^dav8 
h;u^  compelled  me  to  retire  from  Congress,  and  to  resign  mf  eShehon 
era  e  body  over  which  you  preside  wi'^h  so' much  honofto/oSjand  use- 

r:erVl'n'o?  "•  '"  '''^"C  '''''  '''^^  ^  ^«"'^  ^^^  '"J-tice  to  my  f^e  . 
Stib  for  T.  H  '^P'-^«/,f  •^  sentiments  of  profound  respect  which  I 
ZITa  ;  !  •^''"''  ?^  Representatives,  and  the  grateful  sentiments 
cherished  towards  Us  members,  for  the  uniform  kindness^I  have  experired 

1  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient  ..rvant, 

Hon  Vhw.r.  P  Ti    u        o      ,       .      Solomon  Van  Rensselaer. 
Hon.  Philip  P.  Barbour,  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives 

VtSS'-r^^'^Vi''?  «Pf •'<,«'•  communicated  to  the  house  the  above 
•ttu  and  ,t,vas:  "Ordered,  That  the  said  letter  lie  on  the  tablp  m.l 
ttatthe  speaker  do  communJo'tt"  tho  f-,rf  nf  M,  .  '  ?•  ^?r  ' 'i'"^ 
i{ens<i(.|.iAr  f^  fV,  --'-Jm-i"-«-'f-  rue  lact  ot  ihi;  lusignatiOQ  of  Mr.  Van 
i^^QssUder  to  the  executive  of  the  state  of  New  i  ork  " 

49 


886 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


Proclamation  by  De  Witt  Clinton,  Governor  of  the  State  of  JVfjc  York. 
"  Whereas  in  consequence  of  the  resignation  of  Solomon  Van  Rensstlaer 
Esquire,  a  Representative  in  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Congress 
of  the  United  States,  for  the  Ninth  District,  composed  of  the  County  of 
Albany,  a  vacancy  has  occuried  in  the  said  oflSce,  I  do  therefore  appoint 
Monday  the  tv?enty-fifth  day  of  February  next  for  ommencing  and  hold- 
ing an  Election  of  Representative  in  Congress,  to  supply  the  said  vacancy 
in  the  said  district." 

Hon.  John  D.  Dickinson  to  Oen.  Van  Herisselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  Washington,  Jany.  15th,  1822. 

I  have  this  morning  for  the  first,  been  able  to  leave  my  Room  since 
you  left  this  place,  and  have  this  moment  returned  from  the  palace  from 
complying  with  your  request.  I  was  not  in  the  house  so  early  as  to  be 
able  to  ask  leave  of  absence  for  you  during  the  Session  to  day  and  on  re- 
flection have  determined  not  to  do  it  until  some  arrangement  is  made  for 
filling  up  vour  place  on  the  military  committee,  indeed  I  find  <'rom  observ- 
j'>ns  by  some  friends,  that  it  is  thought  you  ought  to  send  your  resigna- 
fcioi.  U  the  Speaker  instead  of  asking  leave  of  absence.  This  course,  unless 
-  V  ive  reasons  for  with-holding  your  resignation,  would  appear  the 
mo  correct  course.  Should  you  send  your  resignation,  I  wish,  for  par- 
ticular reasons  that  you  would  send  it  to  me.  The  diflferent  publications 
respecting  your  appointment  have  excited  considerable  feeling  among 
som  of  our  delegation  who  are  attacked  for  their  signing  your  petition, 
they  have  —  many  of  them,  become  indignant  and  openly  justify  their 
conduct  and  I  am  in  hopes  will  come  out  in  answer  to  the  attack  of  Noali 
and  others.  The  Mail  has  just  arrived  and  brings  yours  of  11th  instant. 
Southwick  is  not,  that  I  have  yet  heard,  in  town. 

I  will  attend  to  your  wishes  and  am.         Yours  Sincerely 
Genl.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Jno.  D.  Dickinson. 

■  Ibany,  New  York. 

"  It  was  truly  wonderful  to  look  at  General  Van  Rensselaer  and  ^ee  with 
what  indomitable  energy  the  venerable  man  had  mastered  so  many  dis- 
agreeable obstacles." 

Henry  V.  B,  ScTiern^erhom  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Uncle,  Geneva  Jan.  16,  1822. 

The  account  of  your  recent  appointment  has  just  reached  me,  and  I 
know  I  need  not  assure  you  that  I  heard  it  with  the  most  heartfelt  grati- 
fication, for  never  in  ray  life  have  I  rejoiced  at  any  event  with  more  sin- 
cere pleasure.  You  have  now,  most  unexpectedly  to  your  friends  in  the 
country  and  very  much  to  their  delight,  been  rewarded  in  some  measure 
by  the  General  Government  of  your  country,  for  services  which  have  long 
since  entitled  you  to  this,  or  a  greater  manifestation  of  its  justice  and 
gratitude,  and  I  lose  no  time  in  congratulating  you.  The  Bucktailssay : 
"We  admit  that  Gen.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  is  an  honest  man,  is  cap- 
able of  being  deputy  postmaster  at  Albany  ;  that  he  is  the  son  of  a  revolu- 
tionary .)fficer,  that  he  is  a  man  of  great  personal  bravery,  that  he  loves 
his  country,  that  he  has  repeatedly  exposed  his  life  and  shed  his  blood  in 
defence  of  his  country,  that  he  was  several  times  wounded  under  (jrvn\  j 
Anthony  Wayne  in  defending  the  men,  women  and  children  who  tirst 
settled  our  fine  western  country,  from  tlic  torch,  the  tomahawk  imdtho 
scalping  knife  of  the  savage  Indians,  but,  he  was  ever  an  uncompromisin!.'  I 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  387 

opponent  of  our  party,  therefore  we  strove  ar^aiost  hisappoiatment  "  You 
are  no  doubt  truly  appreciative  of  all  indications  of  srateful  recollection 
on  the  part  of  your  countrymen,  and  now  having  received  this,  it  is  to  be 
Loped  that  an  invalid  soldier  may  live  long  to  enjoy  the  comfort  it  affords 
his  declining  days.  Desiring  to  be  remembered  to  the  whole  of  your  family 
I  remain  as  ever,  Your  affectionate  Nephew,  . 

/I         a  1    ir       Ti         ,  ^  H.   V.   R.   SCHERMERHORN. 

Gen.  Sol.  Van  Rensslaer,  P.  M.,  Albany. 

Hon.  Walter  Patterson  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer.    ' 
My  dear  Sir,  Washington,  Juny.  20,  1822. 

i  send  the  enclosed  to  you,  with  the  request  that  if  the  Jud-e  is  not  in 
Albany,  you  will  have  the  goodness  to  forward  it  to  him.     MrrDickinson 

has  your  letter  and  docu- 
ments, which  he  will  forth- 
with send  to  the  Post  Master 
General.     The   delegation 
are  much  irritated  at  Martin 
"Van  Buren  and  the  Vice 
Pres.  Cambrelling  [Chur- 
chill 0.    Cambreliug]    has 
written  a  letter  in  defence 
of  their  conduct,  which  will 
be  published  if  more  is  said 
on  the  subject.     The  Ad- 
ministration   are    satisfied 
with   the  decision   of  the 
Post  Master  General.     The 
threats  of  Van  Buren  to 
the  contrary  notwithstand- 
ing. Southwick  is  here,  but 
can  do  nothing,     Mr.  Cal- 
houn rises  in  favor  daily. 
If  I  can  do  any  thisg  for 
you  here,  command  me.    I 
hope    you    will   send    the 
Patroon  to  us. 

Yours  truly  &c., 

W.  Patterson. 


8.  SOUTHWICK. 

General  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany,  N.  Y. 


rn^i"""""^  ■^^'*'  ^  ?"5.''''  '"''^''"^  ^"'^  «'''"ed  at  Albany,  for  the  pur- 
poeotexpressing  much  dissatisfaction  with  the  proceedings  of  the  i- 

ms  erTrf  >  *^^pV"=^^"'  ^'^  •■«'^"«»  to  the  appointment  of  thetost- 

wTlnd  llf  ^-  /^'^'  '^''1  '^  *^^  government  of  the  United  sLes 

were  condemned,  and  many  virulent  expressions  used,  while  they  assumed 

eT?M     '   '\"  «^-^raordinary,  unwarrantable,  and  unscrup^ilous  ac^ 

a  e  af  W    If-"'"'     ?"  ^^''  '''^'''''  '^^  correspondence  which  took 

r  H  f'  ^  ^"^•''"' ;^''*'''  *^  "*'  "ffi°^'  ^^«  '^'d  before  the  meetinc. 

a  .    utus  King  joined  his  colleague  Martin  Van  Buren  in  the  first  note. 

KiD.Si.ri  '^'^'''^^'''  '""^    ^\^-  '^''i"  ^^^-^'^  ia  the  second.     Here  Mr. 
i^iDi,'.s  interference  appears  to  have  ceased. 


II 


388 


Leqact  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


CHAPTER  XVIIL 

General  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer  Elected  to  Congress. 

Correspondence  about  Albany  Post  Office. 

Sir,  Washington,  Jany  3,  1822. 

We  have  been  informed  that  it  is  in  contemplation  to  vacate  the  office 
of  Deputy  Post  Master  for  the  City  of  Albany.  The  importance  of  the 
station  not  only  to  the  citizens  of  Albany  (but  from  the  circumstance  of 
its  being  the  principal  distributing  oflace  in  the  State)  to  our  citizens 
generally,  induced  us  to  request  that  we  may  be  informed  of  the  deter- 
mination of  your  department  before  the  vacancy  is  supplied;  our  object 
is  to  secure  a  tit  and  full  opportunity  to  all  concerned,  to  make  their  re- 
presentations to  you,  on  the  subject.  Will  there  be  any  objection  to  a 
compliance  with  our  request  ?  Yours  respectfully, 

II.  King,  M.  Van  Buren. 

Hon.  Return  J.  Meigs,  Post  Master  General. 

Gentlemen,  General  Post  Office,  Jany  4,  1822. 

I  had  the  honor  to  receive  yours  of  yesterday.  It  has  become  neces- 
sary to  appoint  a  new  Post  Master  at  Albany.  An  application  made  by 
the  friends  of  General  Van  Rensselaer,  is  now  before  the  President  for 
his  consideration. 

It  is  desirable  that  an  appointment  shall  be  made  without  delay.  I  have 
the  honor  to  be,  With  respect  your  obt.  ser.,  R.  J.  Meigs  Jr. 

Hon.  Rufus  King,  Hon.  Martin  Van  Buren. 

Sir,  Washington,  Jan.  4,  1822. 

Having  been  informed  by  your  note  of  this  morning,  that  your  present 
deputy  Post  Master  of  Albany  is  to  be  removed,  we  have  to  request  that 
the  appointment  of  hi.-  successor  may  be  delayed  long  enough  to  enable 
the  citizens  of  the  place  to  express  their  wishes  on  the  subject.  We  do 
this  in  consideration  of  the  importance  of  the  appointment,  and  under  a 
conviction  that  they  are  not  apprised  that  a  new  appointment  is  at  this 
time  to  be  made.  Should  you  think  proper  to  comply  with  our  request, 
we  propose  two  weeks  as  the  requisite  time,  and  in  that  event  you  will 
please  inform  us  whether  the  consideration  of  the  question  is  still  with  the 
president,  in  order  that  the  citizens  of  Albany  may  be  informed  to  whom 
their  communications  may  be  addressed.  We  request  the  favor  of  your 
answer  in  time  to  enable  us  to  make  the  requisite  communication  by  the 
next  mail. 

Yours  Respectfully, 

Daniel  D.  Tompkins,  Rufus  King,  Martin  Van  Buren. 

Hon.  Return  J.  Meigs,  Post  Master  General. 

Gentlemen,  General  Post  Office,  Jany.  4, 1822. 

I  have  the  honor  to  state,  in  reply  to  yours  of  this  d.'ite,  that  the  Pre?!- 
dent  has  not  decided  or  directed  in  the  case  of  the  expected  vacancy  ol 


ED  TO  Congress. 


T,,  M.  Van  Buren. 


lrtin  Van  Buren. 


Legaci  op  Historical  Gleanings.  389 

the  Post  Master  at  Albany.     It  is  desirable  that  anew  Post  Master  should 
be  appointed  without  much  delay.     If  the  President  thinks  proper  to  have 
the  appointment  delayed,  it  will  be  so.     The  president  this  day  referred 
me  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  [Smith  Thompson]  upon  whom  I  called 
who  mtormed  me  that  he  would  communicate  with  me  to  morrow. 
T,       T.  T^  m       ,^^^^  Respectfully  yr  Obt  and  humble  Servt, 
Hon.  D.  D.  Tompkinr,  R.  J.  Meigs,  Jr. 

Hon.  Rufus  King,  lion.  Martin  Van  Buren. 

^''''  ,      ,  ,  ,,  ,  .  Washington  Jan.  5,  1822. 

The  enclosed  letters  explain  our  wishes  and  the  object  of  this  applica- 
tion. It  the  delay  we  ask  can  be  granted,  we  would  be  much  obliged  by 
being  apprized  m  season  to  write  home  by  tomorrows  mail.  Sensible  of 
the  deep  interest  which  our  citizens  will,  for  a  variety  of  reasons,  take  in 
the  question,  I  would  much  regret  a  decision  without  affording  them  an 
opportunity  to  be  further  heard.     With  great  respect.    M.  Van  Buren. 

P.  S.  If  proper,  I  wish  the  letters  may  be  returned  to  me. 

To  the.  President  of  tJie  United  States. 

8ir, 

We  unite  in  the  request  which  has  been  made  for  the  postponement  of 
the  appointment  of  deputy  Post  Master  for  the  City  of  Albany  Tin  case 
the  removal  of  Mr.  Southwick  is  determined  on)  until  an  opportunity  can 
be  afforded  to  the  citizens  of  that  place  to  express  their  wishes  on  the 
subject,  and  earnestly  solicit  that  the  same  be  complied  with. 

We  have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully  yr  obt.  Servants 

James  Hawks,  T.  H.  Hubbard, 

Nathaniel  Pitcher,      E.  Litchfield. 

W.  B.  Rochester, 

Richard  M'Carty, 

Jer.  H.  Peirson, 

D.  Woodcock, 

^'r'  ,  .J  ,  Washington.  Jan.  7,  1822. 

1  have  received  your  letter  requesting  a  postponement  of  any  ap- 
pointment  to  the  vacancy  in  the  Post  office  at  Albany  for  a  specific 
ime.  As  this  case  is  connected  with  others,  and  involves  a  princinle  in 
the  administration  of  the  Post  office  department,  I  have  on  that  account 
as  we  1  as  my  respect  for  you  and  the  other  gentlemen,  who  have  united 
in  making  the  request,  bestowed  on  it  all  the  consideration  which  it  iustlv 
merited  By  the  law,  establishing  the  Post  Office  department,  the  appoint- 
ment  ot  all  the  officers  employed  in  it,  under  the  Post  Master  General  is 
exclusively  vested  in  him,  without  reference  to  the  President  Had  it 
been  intended  that  the  President  should  control  the  appointments  in  de- 
tail, or  take  any  agency  in  them,  the  pr( .  isions  of  the  law,  and  the  powers 
granted  by  it,  would  have  been  different.  Such  also  according  to  rav  ex- 
perience and  information  on  the  subject,  has  been  the  uniform  practice  of 
tiie  executive.  For  these  reasons  I  deem  it  improper  to  interfere.  I  am 
bir  with  great  respect,        Your  very  obt.  Sevt.,         James  Monroe. 

'tV  ,.      .      ^     ,  ,  Washington,  Jany.  6,  1822. 

It  an  apj;;!cation  for  delay  m  regard  to  the  appointment  of  deputy  Post 
iuaster  at  Albany  be  denied,  we  have  to  request  that  you  will  indulge  ua 


W.  W.  Van  Wvck. 
R.  H.  Walworth, 
Sam.  Campbell. 


h  ^S 


.Ji^- 


I  I 

11! 


1    \ 


390 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


with  an  opportunity  of  making  further  communication  to  you  on  the  sub- 
ject before  the  ultimate  decision  be  made. 

We  have  the  honor  to  beyourobt.  and  very  humble  Servt's. 

D.  D.  Tompkins,  Martin  Van  Buren. 
Hon.  Return  J.  Meigs,  Post  Master  General. 

Gentlemen,  General  Post  Office,  Jan.  7,  1822. 

I  do  not  deem  it  expedient  to  delay  the  appointment  of  a  Post  Master 
at  Albany.     I  cau  have  certainly  no  objections  to  receive  from  you  any 
communications  which  you  may  be  pleased  to  make  on  that  subject. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be  respectfully  your  obt.  servt., 

R.  J.  Meigs. 
Hon.  D.  D.  Tompkins,  Hon.  M.  Van  Buren.  (Received  at  Sun  RisioiJ 
Jany.  7,  1822.) 

These  letters  with  those  following  were  sent  to  Albany  to  the  committee. 
"  Immediately  wrote  him  a  note  that  as  the  delay  solicited  could  not  be 
granted,  he  would  receive  the  communication  contemplated  by  the  note 
of  Mr.  Van  Buren  and  myself  of  Saturday  by  1  o'clock.  Mr.  Stovenson 
delivered  the  note  personally,  and  Mr.  Meigs  was  pleased  to  say  he  would 
wait  accordingly.  D.  D.  Tompkins." 

A  Letter  to  the  Post  Master  General. 
Sir,  Washington.  Jany.  7,  1322. 

Having  understood  from  you,  that  the  P.  31.  at  Albany,  was  at  all 
events  to  be  removed,  and  sensible  that  such  an  event  was  not  so  known 
or  expected  by  the  citizens  of  that  place,  as  to  afford  them  an  opportunity 
to  express  their  wishes  as  to  his  successor,  we  on  Friday  last  handed  in  a 
request  for  a  postponement  on  the  subject  until  they  could  be  apprized  of 
the  determination  of  your  department.     In  reply  to  our  note  you  was 
pleased  to  say,  that  the  consideration  of  the  subject  was  with  the  Presi- 
dent, and   that  if  he  directed   the  postponcMnent  it   might  be  granted. 
Under  an  impression  that,  that  question  was  still  open  with  the  President, 
we  applied  to  him,  and  it  appears  by  note,  which  he  this  moment  enclosed 
to  us,  and  which  we  here  transmit  to  you,  that  a  great  proportion  also  of 
the  representatives  of  our  State,  most  of  whom  had  signed  Mr.  V.  K.'s 
application,  to  you,  addressed  a  note  to  the  President  earnestly  soliciting 
the  delay  asked  for  by  us.     At  an  early  hour  this  morning,  we  were  in- 
formed by  you,  that  you  do  not  deem  it  expedient  to  delay  the  appoint- 
ment, but  declaring  your  readiness  to  receive  the  communication,  we  had 
requested  an  opportunity  to  make,  before  your  ultimate  decision  on  the 
question  was  made.     Under  these  circumstances,  we  take  the  liberty  of 
recommending  to  you  for  the  appointment  of  deputy  at  Albany,  John 
Lansing  Jun.  Esqr.     Mr.  L.  is  one  of  the  few  surviving  patriots  of  the 
revolution;  he  was  a  member  of  the  convention  which  formed  the  con- 
stitution of  the  U.  S.,  and  of  that  which  adopted  it  in  the  State  of  N.  Y.; 
has  been  chief  justice  of  the  Supreme  Court,  and  Chancellor  of  the  State, 
which  latter  place  he  held  until  arrived  at  the  age  of  sixty,  when,  by  the 
Constitution  he  was  disqualified  from  continuing  in  it  and  reduced  to  the 
station  of  a  private  citizen.     His  integrity  and  capacity  are  unquestion- 
able, and  the  appointment  in  a  pecuniary  point  of  view  would   perhap.s 
be   important  to  him,  and  to   a  numerous  and    amiable  family.     We  feel 
Sir,  that  we  speak  correctly,  when  we  say,  that  nothing  would  be  more 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  •  891 

irrateful  to  the  feelings  of  the  people  of  our  State,  than  to  see  an  old 
patriot  thus  provided  for  in  the  evening  of  his  dajs 

Of  General  Van  Kensselaer  we  have  no  desire  to  say  any  thing  which 
nu-rht  excite  personal  prejudice  ;  that  his  conduct  has  been  that  of  a  gallant 
man,  we  cheerfully  admit.  But  we  submit  to  your  consideration,  how  far 
he  ha-s  partaken  of  the  justice  of  his  country.  It  cannot  be  unknown  to 
you  that  the  U.  S.  have  granted  him  a  liberal  pension  for  life,  which 
with  becoming  munificence  was  allowed  to  commence  many  years  back; 
mdcpendent  of  which,  he  has  for  a  long  time  held  a  lucrative  office  in  the 
Mate  of  iN.  York,  under  several  successive  administrations  of  diflFerent 
and  hostile  political  sentiments. 

Mr.  Lansing  is  now  and  always  has  been,  a  firm  and  inflexible  republi- 
rthrUnioi^  '"^         maintenance  of  the  great  republican  party 

Mr  Van  R  has  throughout  been  a  warm,  active  and  indefatigable  op- 
ponent  oi  that  party.  °         ^ 

We  will  not  discriminate  between  the  pretensions  of  the  two  gentlemen 
on  he  score  of  capacity  and  integrity,  but  assume  that  we  feel  confident 
will  not  be  denied  by  the  friends  of  Mr.  V.  R.  that  Mr.  Lansing's  are  at 
leas  equal  to  his.  In  this  view  of  the  subject  we  wish  to  submit  to  you. 
whether  the  preference  ought  not  to  be  given  to  Mr.  Lansing,  because  he 
belongs  to  the  republican  party,  and  to  secure  a  decision  upon  that  ques- 
lon  by  your  department,  we  now  propose,  that  if  any  objections  are  made 
to  Mr.  Lansing  which  have  weight  with  you,  we  will  suggest  the  name 
or  Dames  o  other  respectable  republicans  of  the  City  of  Albany,  to  whom 
theappointment  will  be  acceptable. 

Knowing  as  we  do  that  the  republicans  of  the  State  of  New  York  will 
regard  it  as  a  matter  of  great  importance,  that  the  Post  Office  at  the  seat 
of  government  should  be  in  the  hands  of  a  gentleman  of  the  same 
political  character  with  themselves ;  and  anxious  that  they  should 
fully  understand  the  principle  which  in  this  particular  governs  your 
department,  we  have  felt  it  to  be  our  duty  and  our  right  to  pre- 
sent, on  this  occasion,  that  question  respectfully  but  distinctly  to  your 
decision.  We  forbear  discussion  on  the  matter  and  therefore  content 
ourselves  with  observing,  that  whatever  might  be  the  correct  course 
as  to  rernovals  from  office,  at  this  time  when  the  feelings  of  party  are 
in  some  degree  relaxed,  we  had  flattered  ourselves,  with  the  hope  that 
for  new  appointments  at  least  (all  other  matters  equal)  a  preference  would 
be  given  by  every  department  of  a  republican  administration  to  its  repub- 
hcan  supporters.  There  is  one  more  point  of  view  on  which  we  wish  to 
present  the  matter  to  your  consideration.     Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  held  the 

bSr  /yf  "f  ^"aT''^  "^  T.^''''  ^'''  "^^"^y  y^^'"'  ^"d  as  we  have 

re  stated  under  different  administrations.     In  the  severe  and  trying 

contest  in  which  the  republicans  of  that  State  have  for  some  years  past 

been  mvolved,  he  yielded  his  undivided  exertions  against  them^  and  was 

r  in  th^"^'*p  rr-P"?''"-    .Having  succeeded  in  wresting  the  power 
trora  the  hands  of  their  adversaries,  the  government  of  that  State  only  last 

2Z  V  f  i  P'^P"'  v°  .'^^""^  *«  ^""  *^^  '■»'«  ^l^'«>'  h^fi  with  an  un- 
paring  hand  been  applied  to  their  friends,  by  removing  him  from  office. 

ine  people  of  the  State  have  at  two  successive  elections  by  larc^e  and  de- 
r,'r'''-''"'!-'T'  *I^P''^^''t»^^  ^'^"'•se  of  those  whom  they  entrusted  with 


the  state. 


whinl,  fl,         -Vri^ ■  t.""'"  ?"   ""'"^^y  ^'^^"^''-y  t'^timate  the  feolings  with 

wtuch  they  will  learn,  that  a  department  of  the  general  government  has 


892 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


II 


so  soon,  and  under  such  circumstances,  conferred  an  office  which  will  give 
him  much  more  political  influence  and  consideration  among  them,  that 
the  one  of  which  they  have  deemed  fit  to  deprive  him ;  and  will  deter- 
mine to  what  respect  those  feelings  are  entitled. 

With  respect :  yr.  obt.  Servants, 

Danl.  D.  Tompkins, 
M.  Van  Buren. 
To  Hon.  Return  J.  Meigs,  Post  Master  General. 

Post  Master  Oeneral  to  the  Vice  President  and  Martin  Van  Buren. 
Gentlemen,  Genl.  P.  Office,  Jany  8,  1822. 

_  Your  communication  of  yesterday,  I  had  the  honor  to  receive,  and  to 
give  it  an  atte  viv  pcusal,  and  a  respectful  consideration.  I  regret  that 
on  a  view  of  u  -  •'<  lole  subject,  I  have  not  been  able  to  accord  with  your 
views  and  opiniou 

With  high  respect,  I  am  your  most  obt.  Servant. 
The  Hon.  D.  D.  Tompkins.  |  R.  J.  Meigs 

The  Hon.  M.  Van  Buren. 


} 


:.ii       \ 


Extract  '<  January  22,  1822.  It  is  not  a  little  singular  that  Mr  Rufus 
King  [U.  S.  Senator]  the  last  federal  candidate  for  Governor  in  this  State, 
and  the  man  to  whom  his  friends  looked  as  the  standard  of  orthodoxy, 
should  object  to  the  appointment  of  General  Van  Rensselaer  because  he 
is  a  federalist;  and  it  is  still  more  strange,  that  the  Vice  President  and 
others,  should  claim  the  post  office  department  as  an  appendage  to  their 
party.  I  was  the  most  surprised  at  the  monstrous  attempt  to  pursuade 
the  President  and  the  Post  Master  General,  that  the  dominant  party  in 
this  state,  had  a  right  to  the  Post  Office  in  Albany  as  a  party  engine,  for 
I  can  make  nothing  less  of  their  proceedings. 

"  No  want  of  capacity  or  integrity  is  alleged  against  General  Van  Rens- 
selaer —  yet  he  stands  denounced  by  the  very  men  who  declare  that  he 
has  been  sustained  in  office  by  them  for  many  years,  when  he  was  at  the 
same  time  their  active  and  efficient  opponent.  This  is  the  highest  com- 
pliment they  could  pass  upon  him,  and  yet  the  same  men  have  the  effront- 
ery to  denounce  this  veteran  at  Washington,  and  not  only  this,  but  to 
demand  the  removal  of  the  Post  Master  General  or  the  appointment  of  a 
Post  Master  at  Albany  who  will  make  his  office  subservient  to  the  party 
views.  The  reason  they  assign  for  their  eflForts  to  defeat  this  appointment 
of  the  General's  was,  because  he  ever  openly  was  adverse  and  opposed  to 
the  party  which  they  represented.  I  had  imagined  and  supposed  the 
sentiment  was  general  that  post  offices  and  mail  routes  were  established 
for  tho  benefit  of  the  people  at  large  without  reference  to  political  parties 
and  I  never  before  heard  any  party  claim  as  a  right  the  appointment  of 
the  agents  employed  to  transact  the  business  in  which  every  party  had  an 
equal  interest." 

Hon.  John  I).  Dickinson  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  Washington  22d  .Tany,  1822. 

I  have  received  your  two  packets  containing  Letters  and  recommenda- 
tion which  had  been  sent  back  to  you  at  Albany,  and  have  personally  de- 
livered them  to  the  Post  blaster  General.  You  may  rest  entirely  at  ease 
as  to  any  effort  in  the  power  of  Southwiek  to  make  here.  I  have  this 
morning  had  a  conversation  with  the  Post  Master  General  on  the  subject; 


lim  J   aad  will  deter- 


Legacy  op  Histori    l  Gleanings.  393 

he  remains  perfectly  satisfied  and  ^'ratified  in  the  course  he  has  taken 
\e  are  enga.pd  in  the  discussion  of  the  Bankrupt  Law,  Mr.  Ser-^eant  the 
btcyonmg  dehvered  a  very  able  argument  in  favour.  VVe  are  very  much 
graf  bed  with  the  information  that  the  Patroon  is  to  be  your  Successor, 
an  should  be  much  pleased  if  he  should  be  disposed  to  join  us  at  Strothers 
kt  me  latreat  you  to  write  me  often  and  keep  me  informed  what  is  going 
^''^f-       ^      „  ,  I  am  yours  sincerely.  ^      ^ 

Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Esq.  P.  M.  Albany.    Jno.  D.  DicaNSON. 

The  Bankrupt  Law  was  "An  act  to  establish  an  uniform  system  of  Bank- 
ruptcy  hroughout  the  United  States."  This  act  was  not  firmlly  passed  Jill 
the  first  session  of  the  27th  congress  in  1841.  "  At  the  ^noment  the  pre 
.deat  (John  Tyler  ha.  signed  the  Bankrupt  act,  a  stranger  burst  into^J^s 
room,  and  entreated  the  president  to  give  him  the  pen  wi^h  which  he  had 
si(,ned  the  bill.  The  request  was  readily  granted,  and  the  stranger  took 
.away  with  hmi  to  preserve  it  as  the  instrument  with  which  an  act  of 
g.orious  beneficence  had  been  executed.  It  is  a  triumph  of  Civilization  • 
of  Justice,  and  of  TauB  Liberty."  v>  vim/.AiioN, 

Expresmn  of  TlumMfrmn  the  Albany  Bdegation. 
Albany  January  23,  1822.     It  appearing  by  the  proclamation  of  his 
Exce  lency  the  Governor,  that  General  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  has  re! 
signed  h.s  seat  in  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Unitd  States  Ahert 

^eso^t-ecZ  Unanimously  that  the  thanks  of  the  Delegates  of  the  Citv 
andCounty  of  Albany  be  presented  to  General  Solomon  Van  Ren? 
SELAER  or  his  faithful  services  as  their  Representative  in  Congress  And 
kt  while  this  Convention  regret  his  resignation,  they  are  JratTfied  "a 
bowing  that  the  General  Government,  in  the  exerd.o  of  an  fnli  Ihtened 

d  hberal  policy  have  rewarded  his  valuable  services  to  his  coun    l  by 
con  rnng  upon  him  a  respectable  office- the  duties  of  which  he  is  emi 
nently  qualified  to  discharge.  "*' 

"On  motion  resolved  unanimously:  That  the  Hon.  Stephen  Vav 
Rensselaer  be  and  is  hereby  recommended  to  the  electors  0I  the  cftv 
and  county  of  Albany  as  a  suitable  person  to  represent  the  said  ctv  and 
county  in  the  house  of  the  representatives  of  the  United  States        ^ 

By  order  of  the  Committee 
W.  W.  Dougherty,  Sec.  ''''  ^^  ^o^^htalino,  Chairman. 

To  Hon.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  Present. 

General  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer  was  elected  over  Solomon  South- 
w^k,  to  supply  the  vacancy  occasioned  by  the  resignation  of  Gen.  Solomon 

^::^iz^&r^^  -'  ''''■ '-  ^-^-—  had  2258 

"It  IS  mentioned  as  illustrative  of  the  influence  formerly  exercised  bv  fh^ 

Dutch  landed  proprietors,  that  during  the  fir-  -orHLrs  fbrwini^tlie 

»ion  of  thefede^  govei-nme.rt  undei  eheCoLtSon    frllTsS 

V  erSl         f  "'•'  '^'"^'•'^^'"g  Albany  was  represented  for  twent>/.ttco  Jars 

1>S  V  of  th'"p"?  ''^'  rr  '^  ^^^^  ^^^^^-^^^m  and  connltedC 

ZT^  ^L^'}"'''""^  '^'"' ''  t«  «-y.  Jkhemiah  Van  Rensselakr, 

^^eJ^^  '  ''''^""'"'  ^"'^''"^  ""-^  Stephen  ten  years  in' 

50 


894 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


Ill 


afitii    :»?«« 


Albany  January  24th.  "  Our  buck  tail  follow  citizens  appear  to  be  ex- 
treuioly  ofl'cnded  ut  the  post  muster  general's  luudihouil  in  presuming  to 
appoint  Solomon  Van  llenHSclacr,  post  master,  in  this  city,  without  their 
approbation.  What  Mr. Meigs  can  do  to  appease  their  wrath  1  do  not 
know.  It  .seems  he  was  duly  apprised  of  Mr.  Van  llonsselaer's  sin  of  feder- 
alisni  and  oppu;;natiou  to  the  present  democratic  party  here,  and  that  he 
notwithstanding  Jcnoioiiujly  and  wilfully  made  the  appointment;  but  what 
is  worse,  the  heads  of  departments  at  Washington  gave  it  their  unequivo- 
cal sanction.  The  inference  is  that  the  admini.stration  of  the  federal  govern- 
ment do  not  consider  the  political  creed  of  the  bucktails  to  be  perfectly 
orthodox,  or  else  that  it  savors  too  much  of  intolerance  to  meet  the  libera! 
views  and  enlightened  policy  which  prevails  at  Washington.  In  eitliercase 
the  appointment  of  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  furnishes  a  pledge  that  an  honest 
difference  of  opinions  on  political  questions  is  not  an  insuperable  objection  to 
preferment  under  the  United  States  government."  "  Substantially  the 
facts  in  the  case  are,  that  3Ir.  Southwick  as  post-ma.ster  has  fallen  several 
thousand  dollars  in  arrears  to  the  department,  that  every  opportunity, 
time  and  indulgence  had  been  allowed  him  to  make  up  the  defalcation; 
that  the  patience  ol'  the  department  having  literally  became  exhausted 
upon  the  subject,  the  post-master-general  determined  to  remove  him  and 
to  appoint  a  successor.  The  vacancy  being  known  to  the  del'""ation  in 
congress  from  New  York,  twenty-tioo  members  from  that  state  large 
majority  of  them  repuhltcans,  recommended  General  Van  Rensselaer 
to  the  post-ma stcr-yeneral  as  a  suitable  person  to  Jill  it.  In  addition  to  its 
being  the  expression  of  the  will  of  the  people,  made  on  this  occasion 
through  the  representatives  in  favor  of  Gen.  Van  Kensselaer,  it  was  con- 
sidered that  his  appointment  was  called  for  on  the  ground  of  the  distin- 
guished military  services  he  has  rendered  to  his  country  at  different 
times." 

"  A  Republican  Meeting  was  held  January  25,  1822,  at  Skinner's 
mansion  house  at  which  the  venerable  John  Tayler,  lieut.  governor 
was  called  to  the  chair,  upon  which  he  addressed  the  meeting  to  the 
following  effect :  My  friends  and  fellow  citizens,  you  have  been  pleased  to 
call  me  to  preside  over  this  meeting.  In  a  few  months  I  shall  count  the 
age  of  four  score,  but  notwithstanding,  I  am  alive  to  the  happiness  and 
welfare  of  my  country,  it  is  with  sincere  regret  that  I  have  of  late  wit- 
nessed meetings  in  this  city  to  censure  certain  officers  of  the  general 
government  ibr  exercising  their  functions  under  the  constitution.  Meetings 
of  this  kind  can  have  no  other  effect  than  to  excite  and  keep  alive  the 
angry  feelings  in  society,  which  have  for  sometime,  to  the  honor  of  our 
country,  been  subsiding.  Severe  censures  have  been  passed  on  the  post 
master  general  for  appointing  a  deputy  in  this  city  ;  and  a  correspond- 
ence with  him  and  the  president,  on  the  subject,  laid  before  the  public, 
which,  in  my  humble  opinion,  does  not  redound  to  the  credit  of  those  to 
whom  the  people  have  confided  other  duties.  If  appointments  made  by 
the  governun  nt,  are  to  pass  in  review  before  meetings  called  to  approve 
or  censure,  then  we  shall  be  continually  engaged  in  political  conteutions, 
and  society  will  never  be  at  rest.  I  would  beseech  you  to  beware  of  pre- 
tenders for  the  public  good,  who  have  continually  the  people,  the  pcople\a 
their  mouths,  when  ambition  and  self  aggrandizement  are  the  true  mo- 
tives for  their  action.  In  a  republican  government,  it  is  the  duty  of  its 
citizens  to  submit  to,  and  obey  the  laws  of  their  countryj  and  the  legiti- 
mate acts  of  the  government;  and  if  any  of  them  are  burdensome  and 


Leqacy  op  IIistokical  Gleanings.  395 

opprcssivo,  thoy  are  to  be  redressed  and  removed  by  lueuria  amply  provided 
tor  by  the  constitutioQ  of  our  country.  When  the  lute  war  was  declared 
IwuH  opposed  to  the  measure  because  I  thought  wo  wore  not  properly 
prepared  to  contend  with  so  powerful  a  nation,  and  that  it  mi.-ht  have 
been  avoided  by  negotiation ;  but  when  it  was  determined  by  lawful  authority 
I  gave  It  my  warm  and  zealous  support.  Its  result  was  glorious  to  our 
country,  it  gave  us  an  eminent  rank  among  the  nations  of  Europe  and 
secured  to  us  a  military  fame  that  will  be  lasting  and  beneficial."       ' 

General  Peter  Oansevoort  was  then  appointed  secretary.     The  objecta 
of  the  meeting  were  then  explained  by  Philip  S.  Parker,  Esq.,  in  a  speech 
ot  some   length,   in   which    Mr.   Parker  stated   the   very   extraordinary 
proceedings   of  a  meeting   held  at  Rockwell's  Mansion  House,  on   the 
L'lst  in  which  the  post  master  general  was  in  direct  terms  denounced 
and  the  heads  of  departments  of  general  government  unjustly  denounced 
oil  account  of  the  recent  appointment  of  a  deputy  post  master  for  this 
citv      Ihat   meeting  had   produced  so  much  excitement  in   the  public 
mind,  that  many  of  the  republicans  of  the  city  had  been  induced  to  call 
a  meeting  of  the  citizens  friendly  to  the  general  and  state  administrations. 
.Mr  Parker  remarked  with  groat  force   on  the  impropriety  of  enlisting 
and  engaging  the  general  government  in  the  petty  party  feuds  in  a  state 
county  or  town,  and  he  could  not  believe  that  any  man  who  would  ur-e 
8uch  a  measure  and  endeavor  to  draw  the   Loads  of  department  into  ft 
could  be  actuated  by  friendly  motives  for  the  government  and  its  per- 
petuity;  but  on  the  contrary,  must  be  governed  by  narrow,  selfish  and 
interested  views.     That  the  manifest  inconsistency  of  the  vice  president 
and  the  senatora  from  Ms  state,  in   relation  to  the  same  appointment, 
was  80  great  that  he  was  astonished  at  their  conduct.     That  Mr   Kin-    a 
high  toned  federalist  and  ci-devant  leader  of  the  party,  should  objecT  to 
the  appointment  of  General  Van  Rensselaer  as  a  c'eputy  post  master 
kcame  he  was  a  federalist,  is  truly  remarkable.     Mr.  Parker  stated  as  a 
act  very  notorious,  in   this  city      d  state,  that  the  vice  president  and 
Mr.  Van  Buren  were  zealous  and  active  supporters,  and  contributed  much 
to  the  e  3ction  of  Mr.  King  to  the  senate  of  the  United  States,  notwith- 
standing he  was  a  federalist!     And  that  very  many  of  that  party  who 
(luring  the  late  war,  used  every  exertion  to  thwart  the  views  and  opera- 
tions of  the  general,  as  well  as  the  government  of  this  state,  while 
(leiieral  Van   Rensselaer  was  fighting  the  battles  of  his  country   and 
spilling  lis  blood  in  its  defense,  having  been  taken  by  Mr.  Van  liuren 
into  full  confidence,    and  through    his   controlling  influence  over    the 
council  of  appointment  of  this   state,  have   been  apoomted  to    honor- 
able and  lucrative  offices.     That  the  inconsistency  of  the  vice  president 
was  still  more  glaring.     During  the  late  war,  the  same  General  Van 
Kensselaer  held  the  office  of  adjutant  general ;  and  at  the  most  import-- 
ant  cri.sis,  and  when  his  services  were  considered  e.s8ential  in  military 
operations,  and  as  soon  as  the  wounds  which  he  had  then   received    so 
recently  in  fighting  the  battles  of  his  country,  would  enable  him  to  act 
lie  was  taken  into  the  vice  president's  military  family  (then  commander- 
in-ctiiet  ot   this  state)  and  placed  at  the  head  of  his  personal  staflF  as 
adjutant  general,  and  continued  in  that  office  during  the  vice  president's 
administration  of  the  government  of  this  state,  and  when  he  accepted  the 
Office  of  vice  president  left  the  adjutant  general  in  office.     Mr!  Parker 
Observe.' ,  that  there  wa.s  one  fact  iu  relatiou  to  this  transaction,  which 
rendorod   the    vice  president  still  more  inconsistent,  and  that  was    his 


^1 


m 


It 


896 


Legacy  of  Historical  Qleaninos. 


Bigning  a  recommendation  in  favor  of  the  Hon.  John  Lansing,  Jr  as 
depi'ty  post  master,  in  which  ho  declares  that  Mr.  Lansing  "is  now  and 
always  has  been  a  firm  and  inflexible  republican  "—  the  vice  president 
must  have  forgotten  that  a  few  weeks  since,  he  stated  in  public  debate  in 
the  convention  of  this  state,  that  Mr.  Lansing  was  a  quid,  and  that  the 
quids  acted  in  concert  with  the  federalists  in  opposition  to  the  republican 
party.  ^ 

Mr.  Parker  alluded  in  a  very  handsome  manner  to  the  valuable  services 
rendered  by  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  country,  of  his  readiness  at  all 
times  to  risk  his  life  in  defense  of  its  rights  and  honor;  of  the  severe 
wounds  he  hud  received  in  the  two  wars  in  which  he  had  served,  and  that 
the  post  master  general  was  actuated  by  the  most  noble  and  honorable 
feelings  in  preferring  such  a  companion  in  arms,  a  brother  soldier  with 
whom  ho  had  served,  and  one  whom  he  knew  to  be  honest,  brave  and 
skillful.  Mr.  Parker  said  he  could  not  refrain  from  declaring  his  gratifi. 
cation  that  such  a  man,  so  deserving  (by  whatever  political  nlime  he  may 
be  distinguished), //te/trro  of  ficu  icurs,  had  received  from  the  government 
of  his  country  an  appointment,  the  income  of  which  would  enable  him  to 
support  an  amiable  and  numerous  family,  which  in  consequence  of  his 
wounds,  at  this  period  of  his  life,  he  is  otherwise  unable  to  furnish. 

Of  the  resolutions,  among  others  read  to  the  meeting  by  the  secretary 
and  unanimously  adopted  :  Kesolvkd,  that  the  obtrusive  and  perseverinfl 
interference  of  the  vice  president  of  the  United  States  and  the  Senators 
from  this  state  in  the  appointment  of  a  deputy  post  master  for  this  city 
were  not  warranted  by  any  importance  or  influence,  which  the  office  con- 
ferred j  and  was  incompatible  with  official  decorum;  and  foreign  from 
their  legitimate  duties;  and  that  it  received  a  merited  rebuke  in  theVompt- 
ness  of  the  measures  which  were  adopted  by  the  general  government  • 
and  that  the  subsequent  transmission  to  this  city  of  the  communicationa 
which  took  place  on  that  occasion  by  Daniel  D.  Tompkins  and  Martin 
Van  Buren,  for  the  purpose  of  exciting  dissatisfaction  with  the  national 
administration  and  producing  an  angry  appeal  to  the  people,  was  an  act 
greatly  to  be  deprecated,  as  well  from  its  intrinsic  demerits,  as  the  per- 
nicious example  of  insubordination  and  contumely  which  it  exhibits  to  the 
community.  '  John  Tayler,  Chairman. 

Peter  Gansevoort,  Secretary. 

Federal  Meeting  on  January  29</j. 
"Resolved,  That  the  appointment  of  the  Hon.  Solomon  Van  Rens- 
selaer, our  late  representative  of  this  city,  is  highly  gratifying  to  our 
feelings;  that  we  view  it  as  an  evidence  of  honorable  and  patriotic  seuti- 
me;)ts  on  the  part  of  the  administration  of  the  general  government,  and 
that  in  our  opinion,  the  manifestation  of  the  same  spirit  of  independence 
in  future  appointments,  will,  in  a  great  measure  allay  the  unhappy  dis- 
sensions which  have  heretofore  prevailed  in  our  country,  will  elevate  the 
character  of  our  government,  and  give  stability  to  our  republican  institu- 
tions." 
Henry  B.  Davis,  Sec'ry.  Matthew  Trotter,  Ch'n. 

The  nomination  of  the  Hon.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer  met  their 
cordial  approbation  and  he  was  so  informed  by  the  secretary. 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleaninos. 


897 


EW  Trotter,  Ch'n. 


nm.  John  I).  Dickinson  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  w    i  •     . 

1  oHt  Master,  Albany,  N.  Y.  J«o.  D.  D,ckin80n. 

jMy  Dear  Sir,  w    i.-     . 

Mr.  Calhoun,  this  n.ornio.^  requested  Zl  "f ""  •^'"^'  ^h  ^^2^- 
resignation  to  the  tipeaker  to  enTbTe  hiu?  to  «  f  ^""''  '?'^'"-  y'^"'' 
Military  Committee^  Thi  ^eut  eman  o^d  n.  fi  ff'  ?''"'  "'  ^^*^ 
cared  uothinj,.  about  the  Albany  resolutblnf  M  ^''^.'^^"""•"tration 
And  Gales  saTd  to  me,  that  they  were  disLn'^M  fT^  ^^"'"^'  ''"'^  ^^' 
you  will  please  to  consider  thrs^lTdet^^  ^XS"  ST T'' 
will  probably  be  40,000- possibly  under  that  number  V.n«  ^^  ** 
(leternnned,  impossible,  to  remove  the  x'ost  Master  Ge„eraTh„r'"K '' 
not  the  ^0...,  though  he  possesses  the  will.         Yours  truy'&o 

Gen.  Solomon  Van  liensselaer,  P.  M.,  Albany  V  Pattkrson. 

/o/i/i  D.  Dickinson  to  Gen.  Van  liensselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  w    i  •  -r,  , 

We  were  the  last  evenin-^  fayored  with  5««^""S^o°  ^eb,  4  1822. 
meeting  in  Albany  the  addrVs  oHhe  yenerable'  St°"  "'  '^'\^'f 
..red  by  all  persons.  I  do  not  think  from  wha  I  hear  on  1^"}-"^ 
that  you  haye  any  thing  to  apprehend  from  The  effecfof  the  rp'  T^^'"' 
and  remonstrances  of  your  opponents  as  yet  presented  -L.f  I  vu 
regret  that  anything  should  haye  induced  you^to  delay  so7on"vour7  "'"''' 
tion  and  sending  it  to  the  Speaker  It  k',  ,t'^  "^  ^"""^ '^^'"ona- 
part,  of  intentionally  aiding  fbe  radicals  on  the  l-li'!^''''""'''  '"  ^'"' 

arrass  the   Secretary  at  Vvi,  and  Sen  ,tyttS4T^^^^^ 
forward   measures  hostile  to  the  army       This  von  wilf         "^""ging 

ctly  understand  I  am  perfectly  certain  would  not  hZ  hi         ''''^''  '^.P"' 
utthe  eircumstancel   very^enerdW^egSe/^ 
Military  Committee  haye  this  morning  reported  a  BiH  simhr  fn  ;i, 
of  the  last  ses.s  on  and  are  en<'a<rpH  inntho.V  .    similar  to  the  one 

have  been  presented  and  referred.     Let  me  -isk  vm,  !.     ".  ^.  ''^^'""'^ 

keep  me  informed  of  the  state  of  pa  L  f  e^i  a„d  nrn'  T  '^''"  """^ 
cty  and  command  me  freely  if  I  c'.„  K s:r:i:e  to'yrhe;:'^  "  ^'" 
Gen.  Solomon  Van  Eensselal"'"'  ^'"''''''^        '^'''-  ""'  ^^«kzn«on. 


U98 


Legacy  of  IIistokical  Ulkaninos. 


!l ' 


lion.  Joshua  Guithman  to  Oen.  Van  Remtaelacr. 
Dear  Sir,  Wiwhiiijjitoii  Fob  14, 1822. 

Tliou;;h  I  Hiiicorely  ro^^rottod  your  rotiroiiiont  from  our  House,  yot  I 
was  more  than  coiiHoled  by  the  roflooti'  a,  that  you  were  placed  in  tho 
bosom  of  your  family  with  an  offioo,  tho  emoluments  of  whioh  would  affonl 
you  an  honorable  Hubsi.stenco.  The  HontimcntM  which  I  felt  and  now 
cxprcMH,  wore,  I  presume,  responded  by  your  numerous  friends  in  both 
branches  of  tho  national  Lej^islaturo.  Kvory  one  thouj^ht  your  appoint- 
ment well  merited  on  your  part,  and  judicious  on  the  part  of  the  Go- 
vornmcnt.  Judj^e  then  of  our  Surprise,  when  wo  learned  that  certain  char- 
acters hif!;h  in  olhco,  on  tho  spot,  had  boon  couspirin}^  ii}j;ainst  you,  and  that 
ussomblaj^cs  nearer  home,  wore  excited  to   an  extraordinary  procc   are. 

You  know  that  I  am  a  Republican,  that  \  came  into  public  Hie  tlirouf^'h 
republican  auspices  ;  and  that  I  am  most  devoted  to  republican  principle.^ 
of  Gnvernmcnt —  but  never  did  I,  for  a  moment,  believe  that  true,  {genu- 
ine, Hubstaiicial  Republicanism  consisted  in  depressinjj  men  of  talents  and 
virtue,  in  a  spirit  of  dictation  to  tho  powers  that  be,  or  in  restrain! n;.;  these 
powers  in  tho  re;j;ular  oxoreisos  of  thoir  authority.  Grantinf^  Sir,  that 
you  have  not  approved  all  the  measures  which  have  been  adopted  by  all 
our  Administrations  —  yet  I  have  always  concoivod  your  mind  deeply  im- 
bued with  tho  sentiments  and  maxims  of  tho  Washinj^ton  School,  which 
beinj:,  again  reduced  to  practice,  are  restorini;  respectability  and  harmony 
to  tho  nation.  Allowing  also  that,  with  many  patriots  and  Statesmen, 
you  entertained  the  opinions  that  the  late  war  might  have  been  avoided— 
yet,  when  that  war  was  declared,  like  a  loyal  citizen,  you  yielded  your 
judgment  to  that  of  the  constituted  Authorities;  and  like  a  brave  man, 
you  fought  and  bled,  and  did  all  that  was  in  your  power  to  give  it  success 
and  to  carry  it  on  with  efficiency.  Surely  greater  partriotism  hath  no 
man  than  to  lay  down  his  life  for  his  country.  In  reBecting  on  the  treat- 
men  vhich  you  have  received,  or  tho  excitement  caused  by  your  ap- 
pointnr  n,  I  know  not  what  sensations  to  indulge,  whether  of  grief  or 
indigna.  on. 

I  am  overwhelmed  with  sorrow,  and  sunk  under  a  weight  of  humilia- 
tion, to  find  men  wearing  tho  name  of  Republicans,  and  yet  offorinj,' 
violence  to  every  civil  virtue,  and  assuming  an  air  of  importance  which 
would  ill  become  an  absolute  and  perpetual  Dictator. 

In  the  midst  of  my  griefs  and  painful  emotions,  I  have  a  solace,  arising 
from  the  belief  that  Republicans  such  as  the.se,  however  they  may  prevail 
in  some  sections,  are  far  from  being  the  majority  in  our  country,  and  that 
the  good  sense  of  tho  people  will  counteract  their  designs  and  defeat  their 
machinations. 

I  do  believe,  notwithstanding  the  clamors  of  a  few,  the  nation,  in  general, 
rejoices  in  your  preferment,  and  also  conceives  this,  and  more  than  this, 
due  to  your  patriotism  and  valor.  You  are  no  stranger  to  the  aspect 
and  the  bearing  of  things  in  our  country.  Notwithstanding  appearances 
of  health  and  soundness,  it  is  to  be  feared  that  there  is  something  rotta 
in  Denmark. 

When  the  whole  head  is  sick,  the  whole  heart  cannot  but  be  faint; 
languor  seizes  on  the  limbs,  i*.  crisis  like  the  approaching,  what  could 
be  more  desirable  than  to  pla'  >ach  a  character  [Do  Witt  Olinton]  as 
New  York  could  furnish  at  tho  nead  of  our  Republic,  to  give  it  new  life, 
spirit  and  vigor  ?  It  is  with  you  to  make  the  comment. 


iirns  and  defeat  their 


is  some  thing  rotkn 


Legacy  of  IIistohical  Gleanings.  890 

Y.m  arc  acquainted  with  n.y  foulinjjH -and  I  be-  you  to  bo  r.surod  of 
Ml)  ..a..t  cordial  wishes  for  the  health  and  lelicity  o»  yourself  and  tun.ily. 

,,       y  ,  ,r      ,.         ,  Joshua  CuHHMAN  [of  Maino.l 

lion,  holouion  Van  Ilensseluor,  Albany,  State  of  New  York. 

These  congratulatory  letters  were  not  few  or  far  between,  another 
fncnd  writes  to  h.m  :  "  1  know  dear  General,  you  will  probably  smile 
when  you  get  n.y  letter  that  I  should  write  to  you,  but  I  know^ou  so 
well  tJ.ut  I  know  where  you  are,  you  nmst  be  respected,  and,  of  course 
pusso.8  that  degree  of  .ntluenee  which  is  your  due  I  also  know  your 
nnbleness  of  nature  w,  I  ever  prompt  you,  .ith  an  unromiftinK  pcrseve- 
ranee,  to  ass.st  your  fnends  ;  nay,  [  have  i:Mown  you  sacrifice  your  inte- 
rests, and  alnwsfj/ounel/tothem,  without  hope  of  reward,  or  expectation 
eleven  a  grate  ul  return.  I  thank  heaven  you  are  now  quietly  ^eate  in 
a  prosporous  situation  and  may  live  as  you  please.  You  are  entitled  to 
my  gratitude  as  a  friend  not  only,  but  you  have  just  claims  upon  my 
revnr.u:,  as  a  I'utr.ot  also  ;  of  whom  I  feel  proud  Our  visit  to  you  still 
furnishes  many  pleu.ing  reflections,  and  elicits  .  neated  aeknowledgo- 
lueuts  of  your  gentlemanly  attentions,  and  the  '  .  hospitality  of  your 
interesting  family.  It  aflords  mo  pleasure  to  sk  .hat  my  house  will 
ever  be  open  to  them  all;  and  that  1  shall  esteem  'a  .isitfrouf  yourself  or 

tS: .'" V'.  "'"'  "[  '  t"''^'  "'  '"  'r^^'  ""^  «"'^  -^  P'«"«"re.  but  an  honor. 
With  kindest  regards,  I  must  say  farewell." 

"We  extremely  regret  to  mention  that  on  Saturday  night,  Feb.   16 

I8>2  the  dwelling  house,  of  General  Van  Rensselaer,  one^'mile  south  of 

the  city  at  Mount  Hope,  was  consumed  by  fire,  with  much  valuable  property 

which  was  in  it  at  the  time.     It  was  the  work  of  incendiaries,  wLS 

having  set  fire  to  the  house,  broke  into  the  room  in  which  the  genc'ral's 

on,  Kensselaer  Van  Rensselaer,  slept  (the  rest  of  the  family  resid.n-^  in 

own)  with  intention  no  doubt  to  murder  him.  but  who,  being  awakened 

by  the  noise,  sprang  from  his  bed,  and  seizing  his  musket,  placed  himself 

in  a  corner  of  the  room,  and  with  uncommon   presence  o'f  mind,  as  the 

liains  entered,  called  out,  '<  Fire  my  lads  !  "  and  at  the  same  time  dis! 

Jea  that  he.  had  friends  with  him,  that  they  fled  with  great  precipitation 

but  in  passing  through  a  narrow  hall  he  was  knocked  down   by  one  of 

hem,  and  lay  for  some  minutes  stunned  on  the  floor,  where  he  was  found 

by  his  hired  man,  who  slept   in  an  adjacent  apartment  and  who  alarmed 

y  tl  c  report  of  a  musket,  now  flew  to  his  aid.     The  flames  were  already 

urnting  from  the  house  in  several  directions,  and  their  attention  was 

lied  to  saving  tne  property  instead  of  pursuing  the  villains  who  had 

disappeared    but  whose  track   through  the  snow  plainly  pointed  out   the 

course  they  had  taken.     In  addition  to  the  reward  of  $500  offered  in  the 

proclamation   of  his  excellency  the  governor  [De  Witt  Clinton!  on  the 

occasion  ;  General  Van  Rensselaer  otfers  the  like  reward  of  8500  for  the 

discovery  of  the  person  or  persons  who  were  concerned  in  this  most  ne^ 

anous  transaction     Tracks  of  blood  were  discovered  the  next  moTning  to 

the  turnpike  and  three  men  were  seen  running  l.wn  the  hill  by  the  hired 


men 

sum 


\rla     ^^Vi.       ^"^  """'^  ""'''  P'""^''^'>'  to  S'''°  possession  of  the 
*500  which  he  was  to  pay  into  the  Bank." 


la 


'i  h 


400 


Leqacy  op  Histortcal  Gleanings. 


The  Patroon  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
My  Dear  Sir,  Georj^etown  Feb.  19,  1822. 

I  just  received  from  Mr.  Davis  a  letter  announcing  the  concurrence  of  a 
IMeeting  of  my  fellow  Citizens  of  Albany  with  the  County  Convention  as 
their  representative. 

The  letter  was  deposited  in  your  Box  and  accidentally  I  discovered  it. 
You  will  have  the  goodness  to  make  this  apology  for  me  to  Mr.  Davis,  the 
Secretary  and  my  friends  for  mj  apparent  neglect  in  not  answering  the 
communication,  it  is  now  too  late.  Van  Buren  told  me  Hammond  of 
Cherry  Valley  had  written  to  him,  that  the  Governor  would  db.iiu). 

I  conjecture  he  has  forwarded  to  B —  his  adhesion. 

Pray  write  to  me  the  news  and  who  will  be  the  next  Candidate  for  the 
Chair.  How  would  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  [Smith  Thompson]  go  down!' 
V.  Buren  thinks  and  speaks  of  Judge  Yates. 

Offer  my  respects  to  all  my  friends.  Your  friend, 

Gen.  Sol.  Van  llensselaer,  P.  M.,  Albany.  S.  V.  Rensselaer. 

"  In  1822  Governor  De  Witt  Clinton  declining  a  re-election,  he  was 
succeeded  by  Joseph  C.  Yates.  During  this  year  (1822),  the  constitution 
of  the  state  having  been  revised  by  a  convention  at  Albany  the  preceding 
year,  was  accepted  by  the  people  in  January.  During  the  summer  of  1822 
the  yellow  fewr  made  great  depredations  in  New  York  city.  From  the 
13th  day  of  July  to  the  2d  of  November,  twelve  hundred  and  thirty-six 
persons  died.  On  the  24th  of  August,  the  city  presented  the  appearance 
of  a  town  beseiged.  From  day  break  till  night,  one  line  of  carts,  contain- 
ing boxes,  merchandise  and  effects,  were  seen  moving  towards  Greenwich 
village  or  other  country  places." 

Jo8e2)h  Delaplaine  to  Oen.  V^^n  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  Philadelphia,  Feb.  28,  1822. 

I  take  the  liberty  of  soliciting  the  favour  of  you  to  furnish  me  within 
a  few  weeks,  should  you  have  leisure,  a  very  brief  account  of  such  subjects, 
in  relation  to  your  Section  of  our  country  as  you  feel  interested  to  see  in 
the  picture  of  the  U.  States,  and  for  which  I  shall  give  you  credit  in  the 
publication,  unless  you  direct  otherwise.  Deriving  no  emolument  from 
this  work,  I  respectfully  reijuest  you  to  have  the  goodness  to  favour  me  so 
much  as  to  transmit  whatever  I  may  be  honoured  with,  by  such  convey- 
ance as  will  be  attended  with  no  expense.  Should  you  decline  giving  at- 
tention to  the  Subject,  I  trust  you  will  ha"e  the  kindness  to  place  it  into 
the  hands  of  some  competent  individual.  Albany  merits  a  very  particular 
account  in  the  work.  It  gives  me  pleasure  to  mention,  that  jour  Portrait 
in  my  Gallery  is  recognized  by  all  who  know  you.  With  every  Sentiment 
of  respect,  I  am,  dear  Sir,  Your  obedt.  Svt. 

Joseph  Delaplaine. 

Genl.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Post  Maaior,  Albany. 

The  above  mentioned  portrait  was  the  most  strikingly  correct  likeness, 
ever  taken  of  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer,  and  for  many  years  was  in  Philadel- 
phia, but  subsequently  purchased  by  P.  T.  Barnuni,  Esq.  DiBeront 
members  of  Geo.  Van  Reu-sselaer's  family,  when  in  Now  York,  repeaicdiy 
tried  to  obtain  possession  of  this  valuable  picture  but  they  were  told  by 
the  proprietor  that  "  money  could  not  buy  it." 


3xt  Candidate  for  the 
Thompson]  go  down!' 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  401 

A  few  years  since,  when  "  Barnuni's  Museum"  was  destroyed  by  fire 
un  ortunately  this  cherished  portrait  with  the  rest  of  his  truly  viiluable 
collection  was  reduced  to  ashes. 

"VVashington  March  12,  1H22.  A  new  member,  to  wit:  from  the 
state  of  New  York  — bTKPiiE.v  Van  Uensselaeh,  elected  to  supply  the 
vacancy  occasioned  by  the  resignation  of  Solomon  Van  Kensselaeb 
appeared  produced  his  credentials,  and  took  his  seat:  the  oath  to 
support  the  constitution  of  the  United  States  being  first  administered  to 
him  by  the  speaker.  ' 

"The  venerable  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer  is  a  man  whose  head  is  now 
whitened  by  the  frosts  of  many  winters,  who  has  held  many  important 
triLsts,  both  in  the  general  and  state  governments,  with  credit  to  himself 
and  honor  to  the  state,  and  a  man  whom,  in  the  most  bitter  party  times 
the  voice  of  disapprobation   has  never  followed  from  any  of  the  public 
stations,  to  which  he  had  been  elevated  by  the  confidence  of  his  fellow 
citizens  :  a  man  of  the  most  unblemished  character,  whose  purse  strings 
have  never  been  known  to  be  drawn  against  the  cries  of  want  and  distress  • 
a  man  whose  extreme  liberality  has  long  since  become  proverbial    and  is 
universally  known  throughout  the  country  as  the  most  efficient  protector 
and  supporter  of  the  arts  and  sciences,  and  whose  name  is  identified  with 
many  of  the  most  valuable  seminaries  of  learning  in  our  state  :  and  is  ia 
fact  the  most  unexceptionable  man  whom  our  state  affords,  whose  judg- 
ment and  discretion  have  never  been  called  in  question  until  a  party  of 
Anti-Masons  sought  to  empty  their  vials  of  wrath  upon  his  head  and  to 
immolate  upon  their  altar  because  he  announced  his  acceptance  of  the 
office  of  grand  master."     General  Van  Rensselaer  was  now  fifty-ei-ht  years 
of  age  and  the  Almanac  of  life,  in  the  progressive  stage  of  his  existence 
shovped  this  to  be,  the  month  of  September  when  the  season  of  labor  is 
nearly  over.     "  The  harvest  of  life  is  gathered  in,  and  the  days  are  consi- 
derably shortened,  and  his  toil  ended." 

Beuhen  Tower  to  Gen.  Van  Benssdaer. 
^^\        ,  Sangerfield,  Oneida  Co.,  March  25,  1822. 

A  week  ago  to-day  a  man  came  to  my  Distillery  and  offered  to  work  for 
me,    Wishing  to  employ  help  I  set  him  to  work  at  $10  a  month  to  work 
or  a  year  if  he  suited  -iie.     In  the  course  of  the  week  I  found  he  would 
drink  to  excess,  and  at  the  end  of  the  week  I  dismissed  him.     Since  ho 
went  away,  from  what  he  told  my  workmen  I  am  pretty  well   persuaded 
that  he  may  have  been  wounded  in  settin;>  tiro  to  your  house  and  other 
sets  of  violence  on  your  son.     lie  called  his  name  George  Edge  •  said  he 
"  lived  when  at  home  within  J  of  a  mile  of  your  house  that  was  burnt " 
and  that  his  "  wife  now  kept  a  tavern,"  that  ho  "  had  been  from  home 
about  5  weeks."     That  he  had  been  on  the  Delaware  river,  and  went  to 
the  great  bend  on  the  Susquehanna  and  from  thence  he  came  up  the  Che- 
nango to  this  place.     His  having  left  home  about  the  time  your  house 
was  burnt  and  having  straggled  about  in  this  manner  raised  the  suspicion 
1"  my  lumd  for  he  is  a  very  sunplchus  person.     He  professes  to   be  a 
I'jiller  by  trade,  is  very  well  clad  —  indeed  his  clothes  are  better  considera- 
m  than  most  of  people  who  labor  for  a  living.     He  is  a  stout  built  robust 
ookmg  Idlow  about  5  ft.  10  inches  in  height  of  light  complexion,  said 
"e  was  boin  in   Kngiand.     Althou-h  a  stranger  to  you  I  am  induced  to 
l^ivejruu  this  information,  it  may  and  it  may  not  amount  to  much.     You 

51 


I  I 


402 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


II 


1^9 


probably  may  recollect  who  I  am,  when  I  relate  to  you  that  in  1812, 
when  you  went  from  Sackett's  Harbor  to  Oswego  in  company  witli  (jen. 
Stephen  Van  Rensselaer  in  a  clam-shell  of  a  boat,  that  I  then  had  the 
care  of  the  guard  of  about  J  dozen  men  who  went  with  you.  We  went 
ashore  at  tlie  mouth  of  Salmon  River  late  at  night  and  your  Hon.  friend 
John  Lovett  slept  in  ao  Oven. 

T  am  Dear  Sir,  yours  Very  Respectfully, 
Solomon  Van  Rensse.  ler,  Esq.,  P.  M..  Albany.       Reuben  Tower. 

The  Patroon  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  Washington,  April  9,  1822. 

The  reason  of  my  locating  myself  at  Georgetown  was  the  Company: 
Otis  —  Mills  —  Gorham  —  Mercer  —  Warfield  —  all  very  fine  fellows  and 
the  exercise  I  should  be  obliged  to  take  in  consequence  of  the  distance 
would  contribute  to  my  health.  Van  Ruren,  I  understood,  was  at 
Strothcrs,  but  found  him  at  Rradly's  contrary  to  my  expectations,  and  the 
mess  would  not  consent  to  my  removing. 

I  made  your  friendly  regards  to  Cols.  Williams  and  Johnson;  they 
often  speak  of  you  and  hope  you  will  discover  the  incendiaries.  Col. 
Williams  is  in  favor  of  Crawford,  he  is  the  favourite  at  present  beinj^a 
Virginian  ;  that  State  will  be  in  his  favor  unless  they  see  a  prospect  for 
Clay  as  President.  V.  Buren  was,  when  he  arrived  here,  a  Calhoun  man, 
but  he  is  at  present,  I  fancy,  in  Crawford's  interest.  Skinner  is  here, 
they  are  assailing  him  and  suspect  they  will  change  him.  Sterling  tells 
me,  that  the  Pennsylvania  members  are  generally  for  Calhoun,  but  their 
Senators  are  for  Crawford  and  I  think  Piudley  will  bring  them  over;  they 
talk  of  Lowrie  for  Governor.  Governor  Clinton  I  think  is  rising  in 
public  estimation  the  more  they  appreciate  his  character.  I  have  en- 
deavoured to  remove  their  objections;  they  represent  him  as  an  intriguer 
and  as  dangerous  a  man  as  Burr  was.  If  he  retires  a  few  years,  his  weight 
of  Character  will  be  acknowledged  and  hewill  rise. 

Let  me  hear  from  you  the  news  as  often  as  you  have  leisure. 

Your  friend, 

S.  V.  Rensselaer. 

Gen.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  P.  M.,  Albany,  N.  Y. 

Judge  Gonkling  to  Qen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Dear  Sir,  Canajoharie  Sept.  27,  1822. 

The  friendly  interest  which  you  manifested  when  I  last  saw  you  in 
Albany  in  regard  to  my  re-election  to  Congress,  induces  me  to  take  this 
early  occasion  to  apprise  you  of  the  nomination  of  Mr.  John  W.  Cady  as 
my  successor,  at  a  meeting  of  our  delegates  on  yesterday  in  Johnstown. 
Considering  what  passed  between  you  and  Mr.  Daniel  Cady  at  the  August 
term,  you  will,  I  think,  notwithstanding  your  thorough  acquaintance  witli 
the  nature  of  mankind,  be  a  little  surprised  at  this  result.  These  gentle- 
men are  kinsmen  and  partners.  There  was  a  strong  disposition  among 
our  friends  to  nominate  Mr.  Daniel  ('ady  for  Senator,  but  on  being  spoken 
to  a  week  or  two  ago  upon  the  subject,  he  declined  the  honor;  and  it  may 
perhaps  incresise  your  surprise  to  learn,  that  the  motive  ascribed  to  him 
for  so  doing,  was  a  desire  to  favor  the  views  of  my  rival.  In  this  how- 
ever, great  injustice  may  have  been  done  him — for  it  is  nothing  less  than 
the  imputation  of  gross  hypocrisy,  practiced  not  toward  you  aloue,  Dut 
some  of  my  friends  in  this  county  also. 


■jt^l 


Legacy  of  IIistouioal  Gleanings. 


403 


S.  V.  Rensselaer. 


What  T  have  said  of  him  therefore,  I  desire  that  you  will,  for  the  pres- 
cnt,  consider  confidential.  As  it  regards  my  own  feelings  in  thi.s  matter, 
I  am  happy  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  say,  that  I  am  not  mortified,  nor 
much  disappointed.  I  have  known  for  some  time  that  Mr.  Cady  was 
making  great  exertions  in  different  parts  of  the  county  to  ensure  his  suc- 
cess, and  delegates  have  been  selected  with  a  special  view  to  that  object. 
For  myself,  I  early  determined  to  abstain  altogether,  from  any  such  inter- 
ference, even  in  ray  own  town,  and  have  insisted  upon  the  same  course  of 
conduct  on  the  part  of  my  friends;  and  I  have  the  satisfaction  to  be  well 
assured,  that  public  sentiment,  could  it  have  been  brought  to  act  spontan- 
eously, would  have  produced  a  different  result.  Mr.  i^'ish  is  nominated 
far  Senator,  and,  what  I  am  highly  gratified  with,  Mr.  Huntington  for 
Lieutenant  Governor.  It  is  understood  that  he  will  not  decline,  and  that 
his  nomination  will  be  promptly  concurred  in,  in  several  other  counties. 
With  much  esteem  and  respect,  I  remain 

dear  Sir,  Your  friend  and  humble  Servt, 

Solomon  Van  llenssolacr,  T.  M.,  Albany.  A.  Conklinq. 

Secretary  of  State  to    " Ml.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Sir,  Department  of  State,  vVashington,  2d  November  1822. 

I  have  forwarded  to  you  a  (Jopy  of  the  Additional  Census  of  Alabama, 
in  virtue  of  an  Act  of  Congress  of  the  7th  of  March  last;  the  receipt  of 
which  you  will  be  pleased  to  acknowledge.  I  have  the  honour  to  be,  very 
respectfully.  Sir,  Your  obedient  and  very  humble  servant, 

Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Esq.,  Albany,  N.  Y.  J.  Q.  Adams. 

"Hon.  John  Quincy  Adams  is  one  of  the  intellectual  prodigies  whose 
character  distinguishes  Eras  of  time.  A  hundred  years  hence  the  Ame- 
rican annals  will  show  only  two  names,  Benjamin  Franklin  and  Geor"-e 
Washington,  brighter  than  that  of  the  '  old  man  eloquent,'  the  illustrious 
statesman.  The  tender  little  prayer,  '  Now  I  lay  me  down  to  sleep,' 
the  first  one  taught  John  Quincy  Adams  by  the  mother  whose  memory 
was  so  dear  to  him  to  the  last,  was  repeated  by  him  every  night  when  he 
went  to  bed  ;  and  he  continued  to  do  so  till  the  day  of  his  death." 

Judge  Van  Ness  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  and  Dr.  Bay. 
My  dear  friends.  New  York  Monday  Dec.  30th,  1822. 

This  year  is  about  drawing  to  a  close,  and  I  wish  to  terminate  it  in 
peace  with  all  mankind  if  I  can.  I  wrote  you  a  letter  some  time  ago  con- 
taining  no  doubt  many  expressions  highly  improper,  cruel  and  unjust  j 
the  only  atonement  I  can  make  is  to  ask  your  pardon  and  forgiveness. 

My  Wife,  myself  and  servant  (by  the  advice  of  Dr.  Post)  sail  for  Char- 
leston on  Thursday,  Friday,  Saturday  or  Sunday  depending  on  wind  and 
weather.  If  you  should  become  reconciled  to  me  let  me  hear  from  you 
both  every  once  in  a  while.  May  God  enable  you,  may  God  suffer  you  to 
eajoy  many  happy  returns  of  the  season.     Your  sincere  friend. 

W.  W.  Van  Ness. 
Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  and  William  Bay,  Albany. 

The  above  letter  was  the  last  epistolary  record  we  find  of  this  noble 
niaii.    ';  William  W.  Van  Nes.s  was  born   at  Cluverack,  i.i   the  county  of 
^•'lumbia,  in  1776,  and  died  at  (;hario«lon,  South  Curuliua,  on  Thursday 
-7th  of  February,  1823,  in  the  forty-eighth  year  of  his  age.  ' 


4, 


.  i! 


il 


^1 


fW   i 


i 


404 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


"  He  studied  law  with  John  Bay,  Esq.,  of  Claverack.  (ITiason,  Dr.  Wil- 
liani  Bay,  married  a  sister  of  Judge  Van  Ness.  There  was  a  slight  mis- 
understanding between  the  gentlemen.)  Mr.  Van  Ness  was  licensed  an 
attorney  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  years;  was  el  ,ted  to  the  assembly  in 
1805  and  in  1807  was  appointed  a  judge  of  the  supreme  court,  where 
he  officiated  about  fifteen  years.  He  possessed  talents  and  acquirements 
fitted  to  adorn  the  most  exalted  stations,  At  the  close  of  his  judicial 
labors  he  opened  a  law-ofiice  in  the  city  of  New  York,  but  his  health  soon 
declined,  and  he  traveled  south  for  the  recovery  of  his  health.  Alas,  it 
was  in  vain,  the  hand  of  death  fixed  upon  his  vitals,  and  he  breathed  his 
last  sigh  far  from  the  scenes  of  his  triumphs  and  delights,  the  endearments 
of  home,  and  the  sympathetic  condolence  of  his  weeping  friends,  in  a  land 
of  strangers,  yet  soothed  by  the  ministrations  of  his  gentle  wife. 

"  Only  those  that  were  intimately  acquainted  with  his  character,  who 
knew  the  magnanimity  of  his  soul,  the  dignity  and  purity  of  his  public 
deportment,  and  the  amiable  virtues  of  his  private  life,  can  fully  appreciate 
his  worth.  It  is  only  those  who  have  listened  with  admiration  at  his  elo- 
quence, who  have  been  astonished  at  the  vast  comprehension  of  his  mind 
on  the  bench,  or  have  hung  with  rapture  upon  his  words  in  the  senate, 
can  tell  the  extent  and  brilliancy  of  his  talents.  He  was  beloved  and  ad- 
mired by  Hamilton.  That  great  and  immortal  man  was  heard  to  suv, 
that  he  ever  derived  relief  and  pleasure  from  association  with  him  in  pro- 
fessional avocations.  Commanding  indeed,  must  have  been  that  eloquence, 
great  and  comprehensive  that  intellect,  which  could  insure  to  a  youth  a 
parallel  rank  with  the  eminent  Hamilton.  As  an  advocate,  equally  dis- 
tinguished for  the  splendor  of  his  genius  ami  strength  of  judgment,  he 
stood  at  an  early  age  in  the  front  rank  of  his  profession.  Discriminating 
in  the  elicitation  of  truth,  no  sophistry  could  withstand,  no  art  elude  his 
intuitive  penetration.  Careless  of  the  acquisition  of  wealth,  he  left  little 
of  it  to  his  bereaved  family.  But  he  has  left  to  them  and  to  posterity,  a 
legacy  more  valuable  than  riches,  more  durable  than  marble. 

"  His  remains  were  brought  from  Charleston  and  buried  in  the  church 
yard  at  Claverack,  a  plain,  simple  stone  marks  the  spot  where  his  sacred 
relics  sleep.  The  memory  of  his  virtues  will  long  be  fresh  and  green  in 
the  midst  of  us." 

Judae  Alfred  Conkling  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  Washington,  Jany.  11,  1823. 

The  more  I  have  reflected  upon  the  subject  of  fixing  my  future  resi- 
dence in  your  city,  the  more  unwilling  I  have  become  to  abandon  my  pro- 
ject of  doing  so.  But  I  entertain  so  many  doubts  about  the  expediency 
or  rather  safety  of  the  ujeasure,  that  I  have  become  very  anxious  to  learn 
from  you  the  result  of  the  in(iuiries  you  so  obligingly  oS'ered  to  make  in 
regard  to  it.  I  am  particularly  desirous  of  ascertaining  whether  a  part- 
nership would  be  agreeable  to  Mr.  Parker.  [Philip  S.  Parker.]  As  it  re- 
spects Mr.  Hammond,  I  have  recently  received  a  letter  from  him,  in 
which  he  mentioned  some  circumstances  relating  to  his  views,  that  render 
it  improbable  that  any  such  connexion  will  be  formed  between  him  and 
me.  If  therefore  you  have  not  already  sounded  him  upon  the  suhject, 
you  need  not  give  yourself  the  trouble  of  doing  so.  But  let  me  hear  from 
you  my  dear  tSir,  as  soon  as  convenient.  We  are  beginning  to  look  with 
gre.'it.  interest  for  now.",  from  i\!bany,  I  hope  we  will  receive  the  Gover- 
nor's Message   tomorrow.      It  was  very  much  in   character   for  General 


lion.     Discriminating 
ind,  no  art  elude  his 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleaninqs.  405 

Root  to  insist  upon  counnencin^'  the  session  on  the  first  of  January 
m  opposition  to  the  chief  justice.  The  (Jeneral,  I  suppose,  will  be  for 
radica  measures,  and  if  his  influence  should  be  predominant  in  the  Senate 
I  think  there  is  reason  to  apprehend  much  mi "ihief  from  it. 

Before  this  reaches  you,  you  will  probab!  aave  heard  of  the  nomina- 
tion of  Mr.  Clinton  on  the  24th  of  last  month  by  the  citizens  of  Cincin- 
nati, at  a  meeting  of  which  the  Mayor  of  that  city  was  chairman.  They 
have  given  a  very  able  and  well  written  exposition  of  their  reasons  for 
prcfering  Mr.  Clinton  to  the  other  candidates,  which  I  have  just  read. 

Caimoa's  favorite  bill,  providing  for  the  encampment  of  the  militia  offi- 
cer after  two  days  debate  is  laid  upon  the  table,  where  I  think  its  sleep 
wi  be  eternal.  Thus  far  things  have  gone  on  in  our  house  smoothly  and 
well  No  calls  for  information  for  the  purpose  of  implicating  presidential 
candidates  and  less  idle  talk.  You  will  be  gratified  to  learn  that  our  friend 
Mr.  Golden  [Cadwallader  D.  Golden],  though  still  indiscreet,  occupies 
much  more  advantageous  ground  than  he  did  last  session.  Mr.  Wood 
[Silas  W  ood]  is  as  indefatigable  as  ever  and  talks  as  much  about  LaSale 
Clavigero  &c.  Tracy  [Albert  H.  Tracy]  still  insists  that  there  is  no 
honesty  in  the  world,  and  nothing  worthy  of  ambition.  General  Cook  re- 
turned a  few  days  since  from  a  visit  to  the  Rip-Raps  and  has  become  a 
^oo^ert.  With  perfect  truth,  I  remain  dear  Sir, 

Your  friend  and  hum  Servt., 

a  1  -tr        T.  1         ,,  ^-  CONKLING. 

bolomon  Van  Rensselaer  Esqr.,  P.  M.  Albany,  N.  Y. 

"Upon  the  expiration  of  his  term  (to  the  seventeenth  congress  in  which 
his  recognized  talents  gave  him  honorable  rank)  the  Hon.  Alfred  Conklin.^ 
removed  to  the  city  of  Albany  and  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profes" 
sion.  It  was  while  residing  here  in  1825  that  President  John  Quincy 
Adams  nominated  and  the  senate  unanimously  confirmed  him  as  iudge  of 
the  United  States  district  court  for  the  northern  district  of  New  York 
Ihis  othce  he  held  for  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century.  His  strong  iudi- 
cial  faculties,  his  high  sense  of  honor  and  ample  culture  well  fitted  him 
lor  it. 

Bon.  Henry  Clay  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

^"i.?T'i'K    .      P-     ,    •  Washington  March  18,  1823. 

1  take  the  liberty  of  inclosing  to  your  care  a  letter  for  Gen.  Porter   not 
nowing  whether  he  may  not  have  left  Albany,  in  which  case  I  pray' you 
to  have  the  goodness  to  give  it  the  proper  destination  to  reach  him 

1  seize  the  occasion  to  assure  you  of  my  continued  esteem  and  rec^ard 
or  you.  and  to  say  that  I  have  derived  groat  pleasure  fVom   learning"that 
our  friendly  sentiments  towards  me,  inspired  during  our  mutual  service  in 
the  h.  of  R.  remain  unabated. 

Be  pleased  to  say  to  the  Patroon  that  I  hope  he  found  on  his  arrival  at 
Home,  every  thing  as  he  would  have  it. 

I  am  faithfy  &  Cordially  yr.  oh.  Servt. 

Gen.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  P.  M.  Albany,  New  York.       *     ^^^' 

iJm'w  "/'"^  ^^''  '^''''"'  ^^''^  *''^  resolution,  introduced  by  the  Hon. 
:;"  ,  ^^'^'^•■'  "'^^  d'«cussed,  and  urged  by  him  in  one  of  the  ablest 
tET  """"^  P™"'^,""^'^-^  '»  congress,  providing  for  the  recognition  of 
tiie  inUepeudence  of  Greece.     It  received  the  most  cordial  support  of  Mr. 


ii 


406 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


Clay,  but  failed  of  success.  "Althou<i;h  between  Mr.  Clay  and  President 
Monroe,  upon  many  important  questions,  a  serious  difference  of  opinion  ex- 
isted, he  had  been  offered  a  seat  in  the  Cabinet  and  a  carte  blanche  of  all 
the  foreign  misssions.  Ho  declined  all  these  proffered  honors,  from  a  set- 
tled conviction  that  he  could  be  better  employed  t'lr  his  country  in  con- 
gress. James  Monroe  was  a  kind  man,  and  a  safe  one.  He  might  possi- 
bly have  been  elected  president  for  the  third  time  had  he  suffered  himself 
to  be  a  candidate.  His  public  ambition  was  gratified  bv  seeing  his  coun- 
trymen prosperous,  at  peace,  and  happy,  while  as  for  private  ambition  he 
had  none  at  all." 

An  interesting  reminiscence  of  this  time  was  the  Opening  of  the  Erie 
Canal.  "  Governor  De  Witt  Clinton  is  the  only  highly  responsible  politi. 
cal  man  who  can  justly  lay  claim  to  be  the  parent  of  the  project.  For 
many  years  he  was  persecuted  as  a  visionary  projector ;  he  became  a  strong 
partizan  in  favor  of  the  Erie  canal,  and  it  is  owing  to  the  bold  stand  which 
he  took  in  favor  of  this  great  enterprise  that  his  popularity  in  a  measure 
was  owing.  In  the  summer  of  1810,  he  went  on  a  tour,  with  other  com- 
missioners, for  exploring  the  route  of  this  work.  The  great  enterprise 
was  commenced  July  4,  1817  and  finished  October  26,  1825,  a  caual  of 
363  miles  long,  built  in  eight  years,  and  .so  eminent'v  successful,  has  it 
proved,  that  it  has  given  rise  to  a  multitude  of  simi  works.  To  Gov. 
Clinton  was  assigned  the  compliment  of  removing  tUv,  tirst  earth  of  the 
excavation. 

"  When  the  eastern  section  of  the  canal  was  completed;  the  passage  of 
the  first  boats,  from  the  Genesee  river  at  the  west,  and  from  Whitehall 
at  the  head  of  Lake  Champlain  on  the  north,  into  tht  tide  water  of  the 
Hudson  river,  was  celebrated  at  Albany  October  8,  1823,  v.  ith  some  cere- 
mony. Large  committees,  from  New  York  city  and  other  places  on  the 
canal  route,  attended  at  Albany  on  this  interesting  and  memorable  occasion. 
The  first  boat  which  entered  the  lock  was  the  De  Witt  Clinton ;  having 
on  board,  the  governor  [De  Witt  Clinton],  the  mayor  [Charles  E.  Dudley], 
and  corporation  of  Albany,  canal  commissioners  with  many  other  citizens. 
Another  boat  followed  filled  with  ladies. 

"  The  cap-stone  of  the  lock  was  laid  with  masonic  ceremonies,  by  the 
fraternity  who  appeared  in  great  numbers,  robed  in  very  grand  costume. 
The  waters  of  the  Genesee  river,  Lake  Champlain  and  of  the  ocean  were  then 
mingled,  after  which  the  lock  gates  were  opened  and  the  '  De  Witt  Clinton' 
majestically  sunk  upon  the  bosom  of  the  Hudson. 

•'  After  the  military  and  civic  procession  the  day  was  concluded  with  a 
banquet  at  which  there  was  '  the  feast  of  reason  and  the  flow  of  soul.' 
These  festivities  were  concluded  with  a  splendid  ball  on  Thursday,  Octo- 
ber 9th ;  on  which  occasion  the  grand  military  band  from  West  Point 
officiated  to  the  manifest  delight  of  the  fair  sex. 

"  The  entire  community  are  now  fully  satisfied  that  the  funds  subscribed, 
for  the  purpose  of  cutting  a  canal,  have  been  a  profitable  investment. 
The  difference  of  level  and  the  face  of  the  country  were  such  as  to  justify 
a  belief  that  the  opening  of  this  canal  will  not  be  less  practicable  than 
useful ;  and  they  now  anxiously  look  forward  to  its  entire  completion, 
with  a  well  founded  hope,  that  this  water  communication  for  conveying 
produce  to  market  will  be  a  vast  acquisition  to  the  commerce  of  this  state. 


1? 


!l! 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


407 


8.  Thayer  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

^'^'  Military  Academy,  West  Point  Oct  3,  1823. 

I  have  had  the  honor  to  receive  your  polite  invitation  to  a  Dinner  and 
ball  on  the  8th  of  October  in  celebration  of  the  passage  of  the  first  boats 
Iroin  the  Lrie  and  Champlain  Canals  into  the  Hudson,  and  regret  that  it 
Will  not  be  in  my  power  to  be  present  on  this  interesting  and  memorable 
occasion.  The  Military  Band  will  proceed  to  Albany  agreeably  to  your 
request  on  the  evening  of  the  7th  instant. 

I  am  very  respectfully.  Your  obed't  Servt. 

Major  General  Solomon  Van  Kenoselaer,  Albany.  S.  Tuayer. 

Oovernor  Van  Ness  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  Burlington,  Vermont,  Nov.  12,  1823, 

1  have  tor  some  time  past  had  it  in  view  to  write  you  on  the  delay  of 
the  letters  between  New  York  and  this  place,  but  owing  to  hurry  of  busi- 
ness and  absence   from  home,  it  has  hitherto  been  neglected.     Letters 
seut  from  New  York  for  Burlington,  are  generally  from  6  to  8  days  by  the 
way,  when,  as  it  appears  to  me,  they  should  in  no  instance  be  over  4  days 
I  have  thought  the  delay  was  occasioned  at  your  office, and  in  this  way,  that 
the  letters  which  arrive  from  New  York  at  your  office  on  Tuesday  evenings 
are  not  fDrwarded  to  this  place  by  Wednesday  morning's  mail,  but  lay 
over  till  Iriday  morning ;  and  the  same  with  those  that  arrive  Thurs- 
days and  Sundays,  that  is,  that  the  former  lay  over  till  Monday  morning 
and  the  latter  til    Wednesday  morning.     Perhaps  I  am  mistaken,  but  I 
have  not  been   able  to  account  for  the  delay  in  any  other  way.     Being 
perfectly  satisfied  liowever,  that  if  it  is  in  your  power  to  remedy  the  diffi- 
culty, It  will  be  cheerfully  and  promptly  done,  I  have  taken  the  liberty  to 
address  you  on  the  subject. 

I  have  lately  been  informed  that  your  General  —  Stephen  Van  Rensse- 
laer not  long  sinc3  stated  to  a  Gentleman  from  this  State  that  the  Ver- 
monters  did  not  know  the  Dutchman  they  had  elected,  or  were  about  to 
elect  their  Governor,  but  that  they  would  find  him  out.  As  I  have  never 
injured  the  General  in  thought,  word  or  deed,  and  have  not  even  the 
honour  ot  a  personal  acquaintance  with  him,  I  am  bound  to  suppose  that 
in  making  these  insinuations,  he  was  governed  by  other  than  personal 
motives,  and  if  he  thinks  he  can  support  &ny  fact  giving  a  different  com- 
plexion  to  my  character  from  what  it  now  bears  to  the  people  of  this  State 
i  have  no  objections  to  his  making  the  attempt.  I  shrink  from  no  in- 
vestigation ot  my  public  or  private  character. 

I  am  with  respect  and  est  >em, 

rri.    TT       a  ,   -.r  ^O'*'"  Obt.  Servt. 

ine  Hon.  bol.  Van  Rensselaer.  c,  P.  Van  Ness. 

Cornelius  P.  Van  Ness  was  a  younger  brother  of  Hon.  W.  P.  Van  Ness. 
in  1806  he  emigrated  to  the  state  of  Vermont  and  fixed  his  residence  at 
&t.  Albans,  about  twenty  miles  from  the  Canada  frontier;  he  there 
comuicnced  the  study  of  law.  In  1809  he  removed  to  Burlin-ton  the 
largest  and  most  important  town  in  the  state  of  Vermont,  for  the  purpose 
of  pursuing  his  profession.  In  1818,  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the 
general  assembly  of  the  state  for  the  town  of  Burlington,  and  was  re- 
elected the  three  iullowing  years.  Durin<r  the  last,  yoar  of  his  ]e.ri,!.,tivG 
service  (1»21,)  he  was  appointed  justice  of  the  supreme  court  of  the 
state  of  Vermont;  thi^  office  he  held  for  two  yeu    ,  when  he  was  elected 


408 


Leqaoy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


governor;  he  filled  the  executive  chair  three  years,  having  been  twice 
reelected.  In  1820,  he  declined  a  reelection  and  returned  to  the 
practice  of  his  protcsaiou.  In  the  year  182!),  he  was  appointed,  by 
President  Jackson,  minister  plenipotentiary  and  envoy  extraordinary  to 
Spain.  After  an  absence  of  ten  years  from  his  native  country,  he  re- 
turned to  Vermont.  Mr.  Van  Ness  possessed  talents  of  a  high  order,  and 
he  occupied  for  a  long  time  a  large  space  in  the  public  mind;  he  had  a 
celebrated  and  glorious  career." 

The  Patroon  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  Washington,  Dec.  1,  1823. 

We  assembled  this  morning  and  expected  a  contested  Election  for 
Speaker's  chair.  Taylor  behaved  like  a  man,  and  when  the  Clerk  called 
for  the  Ballots  for  Speaker  he  made  a  Speech  and  declined,  he  would 
have  been  elected  on  the  second  liallot  but  chose  to  disgrace  Barbour  / 
presume.  I  have  had  no  conversation  with  him  on  his  declining.  Poor 
Barbour  had  only  42  Votes.  Pennsylvania  agreed  unanimously  to  vote 
on  the  Second  Ballot  for  Taylor.  Our  State  generally  for  Clay,  the  former 
ofiicer  elected  unanimously.  Pray  inform  the  Governor  of  Vermont,  with 
whom  I  have  no  personal  acquaintance  that  his  informant  is  mistaken. 
I  never  heard  any  imputation  on  his  Character,  and  rather  thought  well 
of  the  Vermonters  for  their  liberality  in  electing  a  Dutchman,  of  which 
I  was  proud.     I  have  no  recollection  of  ever  conversing  on  the  subject. 

Many  enquiries  are  made  with  respects  &c.,  for  you.  Love  to  your 
family  and  be  assured  of  my  esteem. 

Gen.  Sol.  Van  Kensselaer,  Albany.  S.  V.  Rensselaer. 

"In  the  summer  of  1823  Hon.  Henry  Clay  was  reelected  to  congress, 
without  opposition  ;  and  on  taking  his  seat,  upon  the  first  ballot  he  was 
chosen  speaker  —  receiving  139  votes,  while  Hon.  P.  P.  Barbour,  his  op- 
ponent, received  but  42.  It  was  at  this  session  that  the  recoguition  of 
South  American  independence  and  the  revision  of  the  tarifi",  in  .le  passage 
of  which  Mr.  Clay  had  taken  a  prominent  and  most  efficient  part,  were 
eflFected  and  with  it  the  establishment  of  the  protective  system." 

Oovernor  Van  Ness  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  Burlington  December  16th,  1823. 

Your  letter  of  the  27th  of  November  was  duly  received,  and  would  have 
been  sooner  noticed,  but  for  the  hurry  of  some  particular  business.  The 
Hon^ie  W.  C.  Bradly  a  member  of  Congress  from  this  State,  and  now  at 
Washington,  gave  me  the  information  of  what  Gen'  Stephen  V.  K.  has 
said  of  me,  though  the  remarks  were  not  made  to  Mr.  Bradly  but  to  a 
Gentleman  who  repeated  them  to  him.  The  Gen'  may  therefore  be 
referred  to  Mr.  Bradly. 

You  may  rest  assured,  my  dear  Sir  —  that  the  circumstances  of  former 
days  to  which  you  allude  in  your  letter,  have  never  been  forgotten  by  me, 
and  that  the  feelings  which  you  express  are  fully  reciprocated.  I  have 
always  taken  an  interest  in  your  welfare,  though  we  have  had  but  little 
personal  intercourse;  and  I  felt  a  peculiar  anxiety  for  your  success  pend- 
ing the  contest  for  the  office  you  now  hold.  And  if  it  should  ever  be 
my  fortune  to  be  placed  in  a  situation  in  which  I  can  render  you  any 
service,  you  will  not  find  me  backward  in  proving  the  Sincerity  of  these 
professions.  Your.^  very  cordially. 

The  Hon.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany.  C.  P.  Van  Ness. 


!.  V.  Rensselaer. 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleaninqs.  409 

"There  is  no  wound  so  deadly  as  that  which  calumny  inflicts:  there  is 
nocurso  more  b.ttor  than  that  which  rents  upon  the  defamer  oHnnocence 
rhey  who  can  .nvont  or  repeat  a  lie  to  injure  another's  fume,  are  ZZest 
and  most  execrable  of  human  beings,  because  you  never  can  cope  witli  it.'' 

T/w  Patrooii  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
My  Dear  Sir  Washington  Deo.  27   1823 

I  enclose  the  let  er  from  your  friend  and  shall  gi5e  myself  no  farther 
troub  e  on  the  subject.     1  have  had  an  unpleasant  interview  w  th  the 
Post  Mast  Genl.,  he  regrets  the  occurrence  and  has  promised  mT  not  to 
report  without  giving  us  notice.     You  will  recollect  that  I  wrote  to  vou 
k,t  winter  that  Crawford  would  be  the  Democratic  Candidate  and  wouM 
succeed      I  think  so  st,  1.     I  have  taken  uo  part  and  have  mentioneTlThe 
reason  to  Ca  houn  and  Clay.     1  am  in  the  confidence  of  all  the  CanSidates 
I  took  an  active  part  for  Clay  at  the  opening  of  the  Session  and  we  suC' 
rll    17^ '  ^"  has  manifested  his  good  will  on  several  occasions 
I  am  too  old  to  engage  in  any  active  Electioneering  business      1  have 
worked  against  the  Stream  till  I  am  exhausted  and  L  now  d  snosed  to 
ghde  with  the  stream.     I  should  advocate  Mr.  Clinton  if  llw  any  pros? 
pect  of  success  bnt  as  he  is  out  of  the  question  here,  I  am  satisfied  wTth 
euher  of  he  Candidates      Crawford  is  still  ill,  and  it  is  doubtful  if  iTe  is 
ever  a  well  man  again  ;  he  is  confined  to  his  room  and  often  to  his  bed 
his  eyes  are  mflumed.     His  Physicians  have  changed  his  treatment  and 
.ft  at  fails,  his  friends  will  despond.     I  saw  him  last  week,  he    ooks 
wretched  and  emaciated  but  speaks  strong.     New  England  it  is  supposed 
wH  support  Calhoun  if  Adams  is  out  of  the  question.''  PennsylvanTwill 
|r  for  Jackson,  effors  are  making  for  Crawford  by  the  Governor  and  Ga 
k>n  to  induce  the  Members  to  attend  a  Caucus  to  nominate  Crawford     A 
nomination  will  be  made  next  month  or  the  beginning  of  Februarv  •  it 
IS  reported  here  that  Gov  Yates  will  be  offered  the  Vice  Presidents  char 
It  he  does  no   recommend  an  election  by  the  people.     Let  me  hear  from 
gu  often.     Conkhng  requested  me  to  mention  him  with  his  respects      J 
Williams  also ;  he  speaks  frequently  of  having  written  to  you  and  received 
no  answer.     I  am  m  great  favor  with  all  your  friends.  ^eceivea 

n      o  1   ir      T>         .  -^^^^  yours  Sincerely 

Gen.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany.  s.  V.  Rensselaer. 

J.  B.  Mower  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
My  dear  Sir,  Washington,  Jany.  5,  1824 

Will  you  give  mo  a  letter  of  introduction,  to  your  friend   Richard  M 

Johnson,  Senator  from  Kentucky  ?  I  want  one  from  you,  because  you  and 

,are  New  Yorkers.     I  shall  have  one  from  J.  C.  Calhoun  also  Twa„t 

^^)^^  we  I  acquainted  with  Colonel  Johnson.     The  talk  here  yesteX 

was,  hat  Crawford  was  going  to  die  (he  is  better  to  day),  that  should  he 

.e,  then  Mr.  Adams  would  receive  the  benefit  of  Mr.  CVawfor  A  death 

iSr  "  l!!';u!°?.l«"  "'i7  «Y.  - -„!^-"?..-  you  please.     If  the 


g  man. 


T„   ■  I    ,  '         ,    .'     ~  J   ""J   ""  "°    oi,iuuj;  aa  yuu  Diease. 

Legislature  passes  the  law  (electoral)  De  Witt  Clinton  is  a  stron 
you  may  depend.     Look  out  for  Combinations.     Your  friend 
den.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany,  N.  Y.  J.  B.  Mower. 

Letcis  Williams  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Tf';.  .  ,    ,  ,  Washington,  Jany.  13.  182.t^ 

1  tl  ..i!,k  you   sincerely  for  your  letter  with   it;;   inclosuio   re 
yesterday  by  the  mail.     New  York  and  Virginia  ought  to  resist  the  com 


on 


410 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


i 


binatioD  among  the  small  States  to  throw  the  election  into  the  House  of 
Representatives.  If  the  small  States  determine  to  bring  things  to  that 
issue,  the  larger  States  owe  it  to  themselves  to  prevent  it  if  posBible. 
From  all  the  indications  received  I  think  Mr.  Crawford's  election  as  sure 
as  any  event  of  the  kind  can  be.  In  Congress  he  has  twice  as  many 
friends  as  any  other  candidate.  Hut  it  is  the  object  of  his  opponents  to 
distract  and  divide  the  Electoral  vote,  so  as  to  defeat  him  if  possibly  they 
can.  But  I  trust  they  will  be  disappointed  in  this  calculation.  Every 
man  acquainted  with  Crawford  knows  his  worth,  and  as  you  are  among 
the  number  of  his  acquaintances  you  will  be  able  to  correct  many  of  the 
falsehoods  and  misrepresentations  which  have  gone  abroad.  I  am  f;lad 
to  be  able  to  say  to  you  that  Crawford  is  getting  well  fast.  He  will  bo 
able  to  go  abroad  shortly.  Your  friend  truly  and  Sincerely, 

Gen.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany,  N.  Y.  Lewis  Williams. 

J,  B.  Mower  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  Washington  City,  Feb.  6,  1824. 

I  am  favored  with  your  polite  letter  to  Col.  Johnson  and  I  thank  you 
for  it.  That  part  of  the  President's  Message  respecting  'Postmasters,' 
will  not  even  get  into  the  new  bill,  give  yourself  no  trouble  my  friend, 
1/ou  are  safe.  Do  inform  me  about  the  law,  my  letters  and  those  of 
others,  are  very  opposite.  For  instance.  Root,  Peter  B.  Porter,  and  Gen, 
McClure  all  write  here,  that  the  Electoral  law  will  not  pass;  mine  say  it 
will.  I  have  mi/  fears.  It  is  confidently  asserted  here.  Sir,  that  General 
Jackson  will  be  the  strongest  man  at  the  Convention  at  Harrisburgh  on 
the  4th  of  March.  Your  friend        J.  B.  Mower. 

Gen.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  P.  M.,  Albany. 

"The  presidential  election  was  now  near  at  hand,  and  very  early,  pre- 
ferences had  been  avowed  for  particular  candidates  in  various  parts  of  the 
country.  The  legislatures  of  several  states  had  brought  forward  their 
favored  ones  as  competitors." 

The  Patroon  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  Washington  Feb.  15,  1824. 

I  give  the  result  of  the  miserable  Caucus  which  was  held  last  nighf,  in 
the  Hall  of  the  Rep.  Chamber ;  the  Gallery  was  crowded  and  overflowing. 
When  the  Ballot  was  declared  there  were  heavy  groans  in  the'Gallery  I 
was  told.  What  effect  it  will  have  in  our  State  among  the  legislature 
write  tome.  Jackson  gains  ground  daily.  Your  friend  Cocke  did  not 
attend  although  in  favor  of  Crawford,  he  is  denounced  already.  Judge 
Rugglcs  in  the  Chair.  E.  Calling,  Sec.  16  of  our  delegation  attended. 
President  —  Crawford  62  votes:  Adams  2:  Macon  1 :  Jackson  1. 
Vice-President  —  Gallatin  57  :  Root  2  :  Adams  2 :  Rush  1  :  Lowrie  1, 

Your  friend,  S.  V.  Rensselaer. 

Dear  Sir,  Washington  Feb.  19, 1824. 

I  am  sorry  to  hear  that  you  are  suffering  from  your  exertions  at  the 
Fire,  and  am  glad  you  succeeded,  and  hope  you  will  soon  be  convalescent 
I  forwarded  to  you  through  the  Po.st  Office  the  Post  Office  15111  and  will 
advise  you  of  its  progress,  it  is  committed  to  a  Com'tee  of  the  whole. 
The  new  Tariff  Bill,  will  occupy  the  house  for  a  week  or  two  louger,  I 
believe  there  is  no  disposition  to  remove  you  by  your  old  opponent.  We 
are  all  waiting  anxiously  to  hear  what  effect  the  Caucus  will  have  in  the 


Lbqacy  of  IIistorioal  Gleanings.  411 

u  '^?'}  H'."'"'"'^"-    ^'  •«  expected  Crawford  will  bo  nominated  by  them 
Mr.  (.lay  8  triends  expect  the  Hunio  ;  poor  Calhoun  it  is  thouj,'ht  will  have 
to  with-draw  if   Pennsylvania  goes  for  Jackson,  who  it  is  said  has  a  ma- 
jority  ot  the  nominatory  corn'teo  to  meet  the  4th  of  iMaroh  at  Harrisburiih 
Write  to  me  the  news  —  if  any  occurs.     Your  friend 
Gen.  Sol.  Vau  Rensselaer,  Albany,  N.  Y.  S.  V.  Rensselaer. 


rought  forward  their 


CIIArTER  XIX. 
Visit  of  General  the  Marquis  de  La  Fayette. 

General  Orders. 

uTi,    T>     -A    .    c.i     „  ."Najy  Department,  17th  August,  1824. 

"  The  President  of  the  United  States  directs  that  General  La  Fayette 
when  he  arrives  in  this  country,  be  received  at  all  the  United  States' 
Xaval  Stations,  and  by  all  the  United  States'  ships  in  commission,  with 
honors  due  to  the  hij^hest  rank  in  our  service." 

In  the  year  1824  great  preparations  were  making  for  some  important 
event,  and  the  cry- 'Zra  Fayette's  commj  —  La  Fayette's  comL"^ 
was  echoed  far  and  wide,  and  I  —  a  little  girl  not  yet  seven  years  old  — 
was  as  much  interested  as  any  one  to  see  the  revolutionary  hero  the 
valorous  champion  for  our  liberty.     General  the  Marquis  de  La  Fayette 
had  been  invited  to  visit  the  United  States  as  the  guest  of  the  nation  and 
a  fine  ship  of  war  placed  at  his  disposal.     The  invitation  was  accepted 
ut  he   had   selected   an    ordinary   sailing  vessel  — the  ship   Cadmus' 
taptam  Allyn,  with  commendable  respect  had  given  up  his  frei-'ht  and 
passengers  for  the  better  accommodation  of  La  Fayette.     After  a  pleasant 
passage  of  31  days  the  vessel  arrived  at  the  quarantine  ground  New  York 
on  Saturday  evening  August  14fch,  and  arrangements  were 'made  for  a 
grand  public  entry  into  that  city  on  Monday;  when  he  was  received  with 
the  most  enthusiastic  demonstrations  of  affection,  by  a  grateful  people  who 
remembered,  that  48  years  before  he  had  fought  by  the  side  of  Gen 
Washington.     The  corporation  had  chartered  the  Chancellor  Livin-ston 
steamboat  to  receive  the  general,  together  with  three  other  steamboats 
dressed  elegantly  with  flags  and  streamers ;  they  were  all  filled  with  ladies 
and  gentlemen,  and  each  boat  had  a  fine  band  of  music.     On  board  the 
Chancellor  was  the  superior  band  from  West  Point,  which  Capt  Center 
brought  down.      The   general   was   accompanied   by   his   son,    Geor-e 
Washington  La  Fayette  — a  very  fine  looking  man  somewhat  advanced 
m  years  —  and  his  secretary. 

The  most  interesting  sight  was  the  reception  of  the  welcome  visitor  by 
his  old  companions  in  arms.     Col.  Marinas  Willett,  now  in  his  ei<rhth-fifth 
year  —  General  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt,  (Jen.  Clarkson.  Col.  Richard  Varick 
Col.  Phvtt,  Col.  Trumbull,  and  several  members  of  the  society  of  Cincin- 


412 


Lkoaci  of  HiSTouioAL  Ulkaninos. 


iinti.  IIo  nnibriKHMl  tlioni  nil  nffoctidnntoly  niid  nunonibunul  nil  with 
woiwlitrtiil  priH-JNioii  ;  it  wuh  a  roiinion  <il  ii  Kin^  H*)|i)irtit(Ml  titinily,  A 
HpliMidid  hall  wns  ^ivl>Il  in  tlio  tlicatni  iind  ovory  hdimr  iiuiipod  upon  tlio 
niildoniaii,  wiiu  wmh  partidiilnrly  ^riitilit'd  with  liiH  viMit  nt  tlu)  navy  yard 
niid  ()th(>r  cii^'ii^Miig  local  ^«itoM,  llorallod  on  tho  widow  of  (Sonorul  limn- 
ilton  ;  with  hor  to  dwoll  upon  thu  I'dcollootionH  ot'  liiH  puhlio  8urvi(;i>H  and 
oondoli'  upon  tho  loss  Hiistainod  in  his  death  hy  his  <'ountry.  There  i-i  u 
trndor  thdicacy  and  charactiT  in  Huidi  inarks  td'  attention,  which  rciidcr 
thoni  truly  valuahlc,  also  most  cnMlihKi  to  iicart  and  mind.  "On  Friday 
20lh,  Ihogi-ncral  lol't  New  V'orkahout  ninoo'dook  in  tho  morning  for  IW 
ton,  \r  a  ooacdi  drawn  hy  lour  hcautifiil  whitt;  horHcs.  I  n  tho  pouch  was  ifn 
son  and  suilo  ;  ho  was  acconipanit'd  hy  four  othor  carriaf;oH  and  a  military 
osoort.  IIo  annoiini'i'd  his  intontion  of  roturning  to  Now  Vork  durinjjtiiu 
oarly  part  id' Sfptonilior,  and  in  a  li'w  tliiys  aftor  lio  will  proceed  to  i'liilii- 
delphia,  extending  his  tour  south  and  to  tho  far  west.  .I(din  II,  Wcndull 
and  Matthew  (ire^'ory,  two  revolutionary  patriots,  havo  hcen  appointed  hy 
the  corporation  ol  Alhany,  to  repair  to  New  Vork,  and  deliver  to  Lii 
Kayotte,  a  lottor  of  invitation  from  the  conimtui  council  to  visit  Albuuy." 

( 'oloiid  Elliott  to  Uen.  Viin  lii'iissiimT. 
J)oar  Sir,  Alhany  Au{j;t.,  24,  1824. 

Tho  Mar«]uis  Do  La  Fayette  is  expected  hero  early  next  week.  Mr. 
•John  Town.send  ono  of  tho  (!ommit,teo  (d"  tho  ('orporation,  desired  inc  to 
fifty  to  you,  that  you  were  much  wanted  in  makin<;  the  Arrnngcuicnts  — 
the  (/itizoiiH  arc  to  moot  for  this  purpose  to-morrow  JOveniii}^. 

i'ours  yinccroly, 
Gon.  Sol.  Van  Hcnasolaor.  llonT.  Elliott, 

Tho  mayor,  And)roao  Spencer,  received  a  letter  from  Ocn.  Im  Fayotto, 
accepting  the  invitation  oi'the  common  council  to  visit  Albany  and  statoJ 
that  "  in  a  tew  days  after  Scptendier  r>th  hv  will  havo  tho  gratification  of 
otVoring  to  the  citizens  of  tliis  place  his  high  respects  and  alVectionate 
gratitude."  (ireat  preparations  were  accordingly  niado  to  do  him  proper 
honor. 

"  Allxiiij/  ISvpfnnbrr  13,  1824.  Major  (ilenl.  Solomon  Van  Keii8.sclacr, 
having  hcen  rc(|ucsfed  to  act  as  nnn-shal  of  tho  day,  appointed  for  render- 
ing honors  to  (ion.  La  Fayette,  tho  illustrious  guest  of  tho  nation,  and  the 
uniform  friend  of  liberty,  cordially  accepts  of  tho  office,  and  appoints 
Majors  (\  Humphrey  and  .lohn  O.  Cede,  bis  assistants  on  this  occiision." 

(Jcneral  La  Fayt'ttc  in  comiiany  with  u  large  party  of  friends  left  New 
York  on  Tuesday  September  14th  and  bad  a  most  enjoyable  entertainuieiit 
throughout  his  entire  trip  coming  up  the  Hudson  river.  At  West  Point 
he  was  received  by  the  commandant  of  the  post,  (yol.  Thayer,  and  re- 
mained during  the  entire  day.  The  passage  up  the  river  from  New  York 
to  Newburgh  was  interesting  beyond  all  description  ;  every  mile  of  it  was 
consecrated  b\  some  revidutiomuy  event.  General  La  Fayette  pointed 
out  the  bouse  occupied  by  Arnold  and  related  all  the  circumstuueesof  his 
detestable  treason  and  escape. 

"After  leaving  Pongbkeepsie  the  boat  proceeded  a  few  miles,  nndatten 
A.  M.,  the  party  from  it.  landed  and  rode  to  the  mansion  of  General 
Morgan  Lewis,  whore  rofreshmeuts  were  received.  At  twelve  o'clock,  on 
returning  to  tho  boat,  they  found  baskets  of  choice  grapes  and  peaches 
which  the  ladies  of  Guveruor  Lewis's  household  had  sent.     At  Kingston 


Lkoacy  op  IIistoiucal  Glraninob.  418 

('olonnl  IJnrry  Mvin^Hton  cnino  on   bnnnl   fo  ^.m-t,  hi.  ..1,1   frion.l      At 
Khin.bcck,!ih„u.,uotoriMmutilulflow,,rH«n.i  a   haHk.,1   of  d,.l,„i..„H   U 

att.MUo..M  won,  o,.nHt«,rtly  roouivo.l.     At  VA.rm>ut  «   HpLndid   uJuium 

„wi,.t.,d   (;onerul   U   Fuyetto.      H..h„rt   L.    I,ivi,.K«to,.     Kh,,..   |.,u1   boo 

.overul  wookH  propar,„K'  to  give  th.,  .onoral  a  rn.mt  .nunificoU  ontertai  ! 

"lent   an.l  aHtl.o  nt.an.or  appnm.^h.ul,   Mr.    WmunnUm   hUhmI   upon   hi« 

«lmr   fo  rocom,    ho  hero,  who  farod  HU,nptuo,.Hly.      Ho  aim,  att.  ndod  a 

very  hr.ll.ant  ha  I  wluoh  w„h  ^rac-.d  by   [ho   proHon.-o  of  Mrn.    Kidu  r  I 

l..n.,.,...oryand„mnyorhiHoldeHt   friondH.     At  (JatHkil!   and   llud.son 

the^'onora   la.Miod  amid  a  roar  of  can.um  and   tho   hoartioHt  choer«  of 

aHsemhiod  thousar.ds      KxtonHlvo  propnrationH  ha.l  boon  n.ado  at   Albany 

or  '  i;  wc  con.o  u.  the  y.H.Ur  by  daylight,  but  owin^  to  tho  low  s,a,o  .ff 

lu'.M.lo   tho  st.mn.boat   c.uld    muko    but   hIow   advance.     Acoordin.'lv 

loHVi.iK  tho  company  ol   cavalry  at  tho   bar,  tho   littlo  '•  Kirr    Fly  "  was 

jallcMl  into  m,mH.I,on  an.l,  having  .,»  board  Major  (Jonoral  Holon.on  Var. 

"1:11;  j;:;r ""' '''''''  ""^^ «"""--"-  -^  ^'^  «i--<i 

"Throo  hoarty  ohocrH  wore  oxchanf,'od  when  these  gentlemen  camo  on 
bj.nl  tho    Kent.     (Jonoral    l.a  Kayott.    landed   about  nix   o'clook        the 
alteraoon  on  tho  oast  huIo  of  tho  rivor,  three  tnilcH  below  Albany,  where  ho 
w„Hn.e    byan  eneort  of   carriafro.  and  n.ounted  dra^oouH  frorn  thiH   city 
under  the  d.reetu.n  of  (Jonoral  Van  ItonsHoIaor,  n.arHhai  of  tho  day      Tl  0 
''77    guest  ent.,rod  u  Htyiish  vehielo,  and  with  (Jon.  Van   KeLelaeJ 
.e.to.l  by  h,.s  H,do  thoy  proceeded  up  tho  bank  of  the  river  to  the  villi 
.1  Oreonbush   whore  Iron,  an  elevated  staff  waved  a  large  national  flag 
anJaHplendul  arch  of  thirty  feet  .span  wan  thrown  over  tl^  Htreet  re.s  1' 
on  two  columnH  at  each  end.     The  spaee  upon  each  Hide  of  the  street  Z 
fib  with    ar^e  trees  o   evergreen.     The  arch  was  surmounted  with  fl!"' 
nd  tastefully  decora  ed  with  evergreens,  and  festooned  with  garlands  of 
n,l.t  flowers.      In  tho  rear  of  tho  arch  was  pitched  a  Keneral's  marquee 
ecorated  with  flap  carpoted  ami  hung  round  with  fine  national  painti  i^s  i 
t  w  H  also  furnished  with  side-board,  tables,  &e.      Upon  a  table  was  sc^a 
hadson.e  large  pyramid  of  cake,  furnished  by  Mrs.  Nanning  I.  Visscher 
an   decorated  with  boughs  of  mountain  ash,  filled  with  red  clusters      la 
Abany  we  saw  the  procession,  marshaled  by  General  Solomon  Van  Kens- 
caer  and  assisted   by  Majors   Humphrey  and   (.'ole.  coming  up   South 
.^iauot  screet,  and  u  Uiore  beautiful  one  was  never  witnessed.     The  dark- 
ness 0   the  ni^^ht  rather  increased  than  diminished  the  effect.     The  escort 

Ihe  band  of  Colonel  Jenkins's  regiment  played  most  delightfully  thev 
oursed  u.  eloquent  strains  and  in  a  style  but'rarely  surpassed.     AfW 
s  came  the  Military  As,sociation  and  next  a  very  beautiful  chariot  the 
op  thrown  back,  drawn  by  four  milk  white  horses,  containing  the  venerated 
juch  loved  hero    and  Stephen  Lush  Esq.,  a  revolutionary  soldier    who 
ad  received,  at  the  south  ferry,  and  welcomed  him    in  behalf  of  the 
rpora  ion,  on  h.s  landing  in  the  city.     On  arriving  at  the  park  -  » 
0    0  th    (  ,p,t  ,,  ,he  general  left  his  carriage  ;  he  was  then  Conducted 
0  he  (.ap,  ol  and   introduced  to  the  mayor  in  the  Senate  Chamber,  bv 
.eneral  holomon  Van  Ren.sselaer  the  chief  marshal  of  the  day      The 
Oor  then  addressed  his  guest,  after  which  the  mayor  conducted  him  to 
t  governor  s  room  ^yho  welcomed  him  with  another  addre.s.s.     Th^v  thei. 
pfweded  tuCiutteuden'sand  sat  down  toa  sumptuous  and  bountifurrepast" 


I 


if  • 


414 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


"  The  following  day  th'  general  was  invited  to  take  a  trip  on  the  canal, 
and  after  an  interesting  visit  at  the  United  States'  arsenal  the  party  pro- 
ceeded  to  Troy,  where  they  were  most  cordially  received  and  addressed  by 
George  Tibhits,  Esq.  The  Capitol  was,  for  this  momentous  event, 
superbly  decorated  with  greens  and  flowers,  the  pillars  of  the  porch  were 
entwined,  and  the  hall  was  elegantly  embellish  3d  with  flags  while  the 
national  standard  was  displayed  from  the  cupo  a.  On  Saturday  Even- 
ing, at  8  o'clock,  General  La  Fayette,  escorted  by  the  uorse,  commanded 
by  Colonel  Cooper,  and  accompanied  by  the  mayor  and  other  citizens, 
visited  DeWitt  Clinton,  and  remained  at  his  house  nearly  an  hour.  He 
then  proceeded  to  the  residence  of  General  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  for 
the  purpose  of  paying  his  respects  to  his  family,  and  particularly  to  the 
mother  of  PIrs.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  the  venerable  widow  of  Colonel 
Philip  Van  Rensselaer  of  Cherry  Hill.  In  the  course  of  the  conversation 
the  general  facetiously  reminded  her  of  a  certain  time  during  the  revo- 
lutionary war,  when,  as  a  dashing  young  ofl&cer,  he  arrived  in  the  city  on 
his  way  to  Schenectady,  on  a  cold  winter's  day,  clad  in  his  regimental 
small  clothes,  with  white  silk  stockings  and  shoes,  when  she  remonstrated 
against  his  venturing  out  thus  and  prevailed  on  him  to  wear,  over  both 
shoe  and  stocking,  a  coarse  but  thick,  comfortable  pair  of  woolen  hose  that 
came  above  the  knee,  and  in  that  style  he  gaily  pursued  his  journey. 
We  mention  such  things  merely  as  the  reminiscences  of  days  long  gone 
by,  and  as  interesting  to  those  who  livx  -t  in  those  perilous  times"  [I  have 
a  vivid  recollection  of  this  interesting  incident.  The  marquis  selected  out 
our  venerated  maternal  grandmother  for  a  friendly  chat ;  and  with  me,  a 
child  of  seven  summers  on  his  knee,  reminded  the  old  lady,  in  his  genial 
way  of  "  the  warm  woolen  koussen,"  and  acknowledged  the  great  comfort 
they  gave  him,  that  they  were  invaluable,  and  his  indebtedness  for  her 
thoughtful  consideration  in  those  tr-  ly  hazardous  days.  The  solution  of 
this  grateful  emotion  was  this  :  When  Lafayette  accompanied  James 
Duane  to  the  Indian  council  at  Johnstown  in  1778,  he  visited  Colonel 
Philip  Van  Rensselaer  at  Cherry  Hill.  There  was  still  much  snow  on 
the  ground,  and  being  intensely  cold,  my  grandmother  feared  he  would 
freeze  before  reaching  Schenectady.  She  therefore,  with  a  mother's  love, 
insisted  upon  his  accepting  a  pair  of  thick  woolen  long  stockings,  the 
work  of  her  own  hands,  to  draw  over  his  silk  hose,  that  his  feet  might  be 
better  protected  from  the  biting  frost.  The  mind  of  the  noble  man  seemed 
deeply  retentive  to  such  little  acts  of  kindness.] 

"  General  La  Fayette  also  called  at  the  mansion  of  the  venerable  Lt. 
Governor  Tayler,  another  patriot  of  the  revolution.  He  then  returned 
to  Cruttenden's  and  received  a  deputation  from  Temple  Royal  Arch 
Chapter,  with  an  address  delivered  by  Dr.  Eights,  high  priest  of  said 
Chapter. 

"  Having  made  arrangements  for  his  departure,  the  escort  moved  to 
Governor  Yates's  house,  where  the  general  also  paid  a  visit.  When  the 
procession  returned  from  the  Governor  Yates,  South  Market  street  was 
illumined  from  one  end  to  the  other  ;  while  whole  barrels  of  tar  blazed 
along  the  streets  in  honor  of  the  noble  and  loved  vi^'tor.  He  was  escorted 
to  the  steam  boat  landing  when  he  departed.  General  La  Fayette  reached 
Clermont,  where  he  intended  to  pass  the  Sabbath,  very  early  on  Sunday 
morning.  It  was  also  his  design  to  dine  with  the  widow  of  General 
Montgomery  before  he  returned  to  New  York  city. 

It  was  a  proud  day  for  Albany,  long  to  be  remembered.     The  mayor  - 


'm 


m  to  wear,  over  both 


Oercd.     The  mayor  — 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  415 

the  eorporation_  General  Van  Rensselaer- Colonel  Cooper- the  cavalry 
tTegre't  chief  "   '^"""'"^  respectful  kindness  and  attention  to 

'^  Albany  S^j^tember  18, 1824.  Major  General  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer 
.charged  by  the  illustrious  La  Fayette,  the  guest  of  the  nation,  toe.pres 
his  grateful  feelings  for  the  kind  and  distinguished   reception  which  he 
experienced  from  all  quarters  on  his  recent  visit,  and  at  the  same  time  to 
sta  e  his  regret  for  the  unexpected  delay  in  the  time  of  his  arrival 

•  General  Van  Rensselaer  prays  leave  to  add,  the  expression  of  his  re- 
spectful approbation  for  the  good  conduct  of  the  military  and  all  other 

r,I  rr'"'  "V^''  T^i'^'^*^^"  «^'"'«'«»-     The   demonstrations  of 
f  Ji''!-^'''^  '".  '^J'^',''"^  ^""^  universally  evinced  for  the  hero  of 

liberty  and  the  friend  of  the  human  race,  reflect  honor  on  the  AmerTcan 
people,  and  elevate  the  character  of  man."  ^mtiioda 

The  Patroon  to  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer. 
My  dear  Sir,  Washington,  Jany.  22   1826 

Your  recommendation  I  presented  to  tl  Post-Mas  er  General  I  sent 
to  him  the  letter,  his  answer  I  enclosed  to  li.  Bleecker,  Esq.,  ira'vacancy 
occur  our  friend  will  receive  the  appointment.  McLean  told  me  he  had 
received  no  complaints  yet.  Our  Presidential  question  is  drawin..  to  a 
cbe^  Mr.  Clay  has  taken  his  ground  in  favor  of  Adams,  this  wif  ensure 
IS  election  without  doubt  it  is  said  on  uie  first  ballot;  but  I  doubt  th's 
te  second  or  third  certainly.  The  Western  people  -  Ohio  and  Kentuck  v 
at  he-r  head  -  are  for  Adams.  We  may  be  divided  in  our  deS  on  a^ 
fi^t  but  Taylor  Storrs  and  Tracy  think  not.  I  feel  inclined  for  "Old 
Hickory  "  myself.     Our  Winter  has  been  very  mild  _  no  ice  and  but  on« 

sro^Ni  \:s^ ''-' '-'''  -'  ^^«^^— f  - -X^^ 

G-n.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  P.  M.,  Albany.  S.T  Rensselaer. 

"At  the  presidential  election  the  most  intense  political  excitement  nre 
vailed  throughout  the  country.  The  candidates^  were  Mess  Adams' 
rawford  Jackson  and  Clay.  Neither  of  these  candidates  hav  ng  rteived 
majority  he  house  of  representatives  was  called  upon  to  decide  the  ques. 
.  Mr  Clay,  as  speaker  of  the  house,  was  placed  in  a  delicate  and  res^pon- 
ble  position  He  was  required  to  designate  which  of  the  three  who  had 
en  his  rivals  should  be  elected.     To  his  personal  friends  his  prSence 

i  t t'hl^r"    Tr-     ^'f-  'Y'''''  P^«P"«^y  P^«^«°^«d  his  p?oclaim?„! 
'tin  public;  and  he  accordingly  maintained  a  decorous  silence  abouUt " 

JS.  Stuart  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

f  ^''''  .1     •     J  Washington  City,  8th  March,  1825 

am  -authorized  to  say  to  you,  in  confidence,  that  the  mission  to  London 

will  be  kep   open  3  weeks  to  enable  Mr.  Clinton  to  reverse  his  fi?st  de- 

sion  on  thissubject.    It  is,  I  believe,  the  unanimous  wish  of  M    CI  ntons 

rinds  here  that  he  should  accept  it.     Mr.  Adams  made  it  in  -'ood  S 

nd  neuher  he  nor  Mr.  Clay  have  any  political  object  in  viewin  sen£ 

Mr.  Clinton  out  of  the  country.  ^u  view  in  sending 

But  the  free  navigation  of  the  Sl.  Lawrence  —  the  recognition  of  South 

America  by  the  Jiritish  -  and  the  suspicion  of  Piracy  require  an  able  m„ 

represent  this  cuuutry,  at  tho  Court  of  St.  James,  i'n  London      M 
2t^;/ -'  """""'  "  '"^"  ^^^"^^  ^"^  Clay  is  that  man      Wilf^ 


■!       i 


416 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


Mr.  Clay  and  Genl.  Harrison  send  their  best  regards  to  you ;  and  Harri- 
son in  true  soldier  style  says,  while  he  is  in  the  Senate,  if  he  has  the  power 
you  shall  continue  to  be  Post  Master,  or  any  thing  else  you  may  want. 

Yours  truly, 

Gen.  S.  Van  Rensselaer,  Post  Master,  Albany.  J.  B.  Stuart, 

Mr.  Clinton  did  not  accept  the  mission  to  London,  and  it  was  at  this  time 
the  enemies  of  Mr.  Clay  were  very  active  in  their  attacks.  "On  the  8th  of 
March  a  letter  was  published,  written  by  a  Mr.  Beverly,  purporting  to 
state  the  substance  of  a  conversation  held  by  the  writer  with  Gen.  Jack- 
son, at  his  own  house,  in  which  the  latter  distinctly  said,  that  the  friends 
of  Mr.  Clay  had  made  to  him,  explicitly,  the  offer  of  their  support,  on  con- 
dition, that  he  should  not  continue  Mr.  Adams  as  secretary  of  state." 

That  Mr.  Clay  would  vote  for  Gen.  Jackson,  notwithstanding  the  at- 
tempt to  dragoon  him  into  his  support,  no  one  who  remembered  the  man- 
ner in  which  he  had  arraigned  his  conduct  in  the  Seminole  campaign, 
and  the  grounds  on  which  he  had  then  based  his  violent  censure,  could 
for  one  moment  anticipate.  He  had  repeatedly  declared,  that  in  no  case, 
short  of  absolute  necessity,  would  he  do  it.  General  Jackson  himself  did 
not  expect  it.  Mr.  Crawford  he  did  not  choose  to  support,  for  the  simple 
reason,  that,  as  he  had  satisfied  himself,  by  a  personal  visit,  his  health  and 
physical  abilities  were  not  competent  to  the  discharge  of  the  arduous  duties 
of  the  oflSce.  He  had  been  a  paralytic  for  more  than  two  years,  and  there- 
fore seemed  out  of  ,  >  question  to  Mr.  Clay.  Accordingly  he  decided  to 
vote  for  Mr.  Adams.  He  had  long  known  him  as  a  statesman  of  rare 
ability  and  of  undoubted  integrity.  He  knew  him  also,  as  the  unwavering 
friend  of  the  system  of  protection  and  of  Internal  Improvements,  and  he 
had  no  objections  to  him.  John  Quincy  Adams  of  Massachusetts  was  elected 
president  of  the  United  States ;  and  John  C.  Calhoun  of  South  Carolina, 
vice  president.  The  president  immediately  offered  Mr.  Clay  a  seat  iu  the 
cabinet  and  Henry  Clay  became  the  secretary  of  the  state,  though  many 
attempts  were  made  to  terrify  him  from  accepting  the  o&ce.  Immedi- 
ately after  the  inaugurating  of  President  Adams,  the  canvass  for  the  next 
presidential  contest  of  1828  was  commenced  by  the  friends  of  General 
Jackson  and  it  was  foreseen  at  an  early  day  that  Mr.  Adams  could  not  be 
reelected.  He  would  have  been  if  he  could,  but  all  the  signs  were  against 
him,  and  consequently  he  drew  out  of  the  race.  James  Monroe  having 
been  for  fifty  years  in  public  life,  found  the  quiet  of  his  home  in  Virginia 
peculiarly  acceptable.  Mr.  Monroe  came  in  as  asor^  of  compromise  candidate, 
after  Madison's  retirement,  and  his  administration  was  conducted  during 
a  long  era  of  "peace  and  good  will."  He  went  into  the  office  a  poor  man, 
and  came  out  of  it  a  poor  man. 

Dr.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Oen.  Van  liensselaer. 
My  dear  Sir,  New  York  March  19,  1825. 

I  intended  to  have  written  to  you  yesterday,  but  was  so  hurried  that  I 
had  not  time.  I  requested  Adeline  to  tell  you  of  it.  You  are,  as  we  all 
know,  a  Member  of  the  "  MlUtanj  Philowphical  Society,"  which  for  years 
has  been  defunct.  This  Society  had  a  fund  arising  from  the  initiation  fee 
of  Memlters  —  and  which  has  for  many  years  laid  idle.  The  Lyceum  of 
Natural  History,  being  much  in  want  of  a  Library,  appointed  a  Committee 
to  gain  the  consent  of  the  Members  of  the  "  Military  rhilosophicul  Sucicty 
to  have  that  fund  delivered  to  the  Lyceum  for  that  purpose.     The  indi- 


Legacy  of  Jlistorical  Gleanings. 


41T 


vidiwls  of  your  Society  have  mostly  ^iven  their  consent,  on  the  express 
condition,  that  the  fund  be  appropriated  to  purchase  of  books  merely  The 
ori-inal  number  of  the  Society  was  about  200  ;  of  which  40  remain  to  be 
heard  from,  and  the  (Committee  have  reserved  yourself  and  some  few  Mem- 
bers, who  were  near  to  New  York,  to  apply  to  for  the  final  Sanction.  But 
one  (jentleman  has  declined  the  request.  Let  me  hear  from  you  as  soon 
a?  convenient.  Remember  me  to  the  family  and  believe  me  —  Yours  very 
^^"'3^  Jer:  Van  Rensselaer. 

My  Dear  Sir,  New  York  Tuesday  April  5,  1825. 

Your  several  letters  have  been  received  and  the  contents  duly  forwarded 
The  "  Lyceum  of  Natural  History  "  have  returned  you  a  Vote  of  Thanks 
for  your  ready  acquiescence  in  their  wishes.  The  fund  alluded  to  has  laid 
idle  for  many  years  —  and  the  Military  Philosophical  Society  has  not  met 
in  Qiue  or  ten  years.  Should  you  see  any  of  the  folks  from  the  Greenbush 
bank,  say  that  we  are  well.     Yours  Truly.    Jer  :  Van  Rensselaer 

Gen.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  P.  M.,  Albany. 

"  General  La  Fayette,  accompanied  by  his  son  and  secretary,  traveled 
through  every  state  and  was  welcomed  with  the  stronj^est  exhibitions  of 
appreciation  and  respect,  his  journey  among  us  was  a  continued  ovation  to  the 
old  hero  who  was  now  sixty-seven  years  of  age.  He  was  every  where  received 
with  honor  as  the  nation's  guest,  and  he  found  that  forty  years  had  made 
peat  changes  in  every  thing  but  the  hearts  of  the  people,  they  still  loved 
him  even  as  t^eir  fathers  had  done  for  the  interest  he  had  ever  felt  At 
Mount  Vernon  he  had  wept  over  the  dust  of  his  beloved  Washington  and 
DOW  he  was  approaching  Albany  e.n  route  to  Boston  that  he  mi"-ht  lay  the 
corner-stone  of  the  great  monument,  at  Bunker-Hill,  on  the  17th  of  June, 
1825.  As  a  token  of  their  regard,  congress  had  also  presented  him  the 
sum  of  $200,000  and  a  township  of  land,  being  a  slight  return  for  his 
self-denial  and  loss  of  his  own  fortune  in  our  behalf  Even  when  he 
fDaliy  left  our  shores,  so  far  from  the  warmth  and  cordiality  of  his  recep- 
tion having  in  the  least  abated,  he  was  just  as  much  the  object  of  affec- 
tionate and  sincere  attention  as  he  was  the  hour  he  landed  for  the  third 
time  on  our  coast.  On  the  arrival  at  Albany  in  June  1825  of  the  distin- 
guished traveling  party  from  the  West,  they  were  again  received  with 
repeated  cheers,  and  with  patriotic  airs  from  the  Albany  band." 

The  long  and  short  La  Fayette  kid  gloves,  waist-ribbons,  had<ies  &o 
(ornamented  with  an  elegant  portrait  of  the  general,  an  excellent  likeness 
"hich  were  worn  at  the  grand  ball  that  was  given  at  the  Capitol  on  the 
«'m\  oi  t\iQ  guest  of  the  nation  on  i\ie  previous  visit),  were  now  a<'aia 
called  in  requisition.  The  line  of  troops  and  processions  of  citizens  as  an 
escort  was  as  brilliant  a  cortege  as  any  person  could  desire. 

Escort  of  Gen.  La  Fayette  —  General  Orders. 

,.     ,     ^  Head  Quarters,  June  11th,  1825. 

On  the  Departure  of  General  La  Fayette  from  this  City,  He  will  be  es- 
corted to  the  line  of  the  State  by  Captain  Spencer's  company  of  Albany 
%'it  Dragoons,  accompanied  by  the  Staff  of  the  Commander  in  Chief. 

Major  General  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  is  assigned  to  the  command  of 
this  escort  and  his  orders  will  be  respected  accordint'ly. 
By  order  of  the  Commander  in  Chief,  ° 

Charles  A.  Clinton.  Actg.  Adjt.  Genl. 
53 


. 


418 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


Departure  of  Lafayette  —  On  Monduy,  June  18,  at  early  dawn  our  citi- 
zens  were  roused  from  their  slumbers  by  the  thunder  of  cannon,  w  na- 
tional  salute  in  honor  of  the  guest  of  the  nation  —  the  bells  gave  a  uieriy 
peal  to  call  forth  old  and  young  to  take  leave  of  the  hero  who  came  from 
a  foreign  land  and  spent  his  treasures  and  periled  his  life  to  redeem  our 
country  from  thraldom  to  tyrants.  In  a  short  time  our  streets  were  all 
bustle  and  animation  ;  the  proud  charger  with  military  trappings  dashed 
over  the  pavement  with  his  gallant  rider  clad  in  all  the  panoply  of  war 
while  the  noddingplumesof  the  foot  soldiery  spake  that  each  man  wasea^er 
to  honor  the  brave.  Ac  8  o'clock  the  procession  was  formed  alonf  the 
park  and  in  front  of  Cruttenden's,  when  the  general  entered  his  carriage 
supported  by  General  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  marshal  of  the  day,  and 
preceded  by  the  military.  The  Albany  Military  Association,  under  their 
president,  Colonel  John  T.  Cooper,  escorted  the  general  to  the  ferry  with 
drawn  swords,  an  honor  never  before  paid  by  them  to  any  other  individual. 

The  mayor  (Ambrose  Spencer)  and  board  of  corporation  followed  in 
carriages  and  a  long  line  of  citizens  on  foot  conducted  through  many  streets 
to  the  south  ferry  under  a  discharge  of  cannon  and  ringing  of  bells,  where 
he  received  the  aft'ectionate  farewell  of  thousands.  On  leavipg  the  shore 
at  Albany,  the  ferry  boat  which  contained  the  escort  was  saluted  with 
music  and  the  roar  of  artillery.  The  general  and  suite,  en  route  for  Bos- 
ton,  escorted  by  a  detachment  of  cavalry  —  and  accompanied  by  tbeactin» 
adjutant  general  (Charles  A.  Clinton),  one  of  the  governor's  aids,  and  the 
Military  Association  of  the  city  went  as  far  as  the  Massachusetts  line.  The 
escort  proceeded  to  Schodack  and  Nassau.  At  Brainard's  Bridge  a  collation 
had  been  provided  and  a  committee  from  Lebanor  also  waited  upon  him, 
As  the  escort  approached  Lebanon  Springs,  crowds  of  horsemen  and  foou 
men  followed.  At  the  state  lino  an  escort  from  Pittsfield  received  the  gene- 
ral and  suite  and  the  escort  from  Albany  took  leave.  He  was  taken  by  the 
Massachusetts  committee  to  a  carriage  adorned  with  wreaths  of  beautiful 
flowers.  The  elegant  carriage,  in  which  the  honored  hero  had  journeyed 
from  Albany  to  the  state  line,  was  the  same  one  that  had  been  used  oq 
his  first  arrival  at  the  bar  below  Greenbush.  It  was  a  very  stylish  barouche 
of  English  manufacture;  the  property  of  the  late  lamented  Colonel  ban- 
ning 1.  Visscher  purchased  in  London,  while  on  his  visit  to  Great  Britain, 
and  brought  by  him  to  this  country.  It  was  kindly  loaned  by  the  widow 
of  Colonel  Visscher  to  General  Van  Rensselaer  for  these  occasions. 

The  Hudson  Rvyhter  says  an  object  of  curiosity  and  interest  as  his- 1 
torical  is  presented  to  the  visitors  at  Colombia  Hall,  Lebanon  Spriugs,  in 
an  old  and  time  worn  Hotel  Register,  the  first  volume  dating  back  to  182U. 

During  the  summer  of  1825  Gen.  La  Fayette,  in  his  tour  through  the 
states  whose  independence  he  had  materially  assisted  to  achieve,  tarried  | 
for  a  brief  period  at  the  springs,  accompanied  thither  by  a  lot  of  dignitaries, 

The  following  is  a  verbatim  transcript  from  the  register  aforesaid  under  | 
date  of  June  13,  1825  :  "  Marquis  l)e  La  Fayette  and  Son;  General  Solo- 
mon Van  Rensselaer;  Col,  Clinton  ;  Capt.  Spencer,  Lady  and  two  children; 
Mr.  Norton,  A.  D.  C.  to  his  Excellency  ;  Col.   Hloodgood  ;  Major  J.  II. 
Van  Schaaek  ;  Col.  John  T.  Cooper;   Major  F.  Seaton  Henry  ;  Major  R.j 
V.  De  Witt ;  Lieut  Col,  Knowlton  ;  Maj,  T.  A.  Bridgen,  Surrogate;  CV 
S.  V.  R.  Bleecker;  Capt.  Osborn  ;  C!apt.  Hendrickson ;  Lieut.  Webster; 
Lieut.  P.   II.   Van  Vaikonburg  Kirkland;  Adjutant  Hazard,  Adjutant  I 
Brush  ;   Dr.  Jauics  Eights,  Siirgcoo  811th  Infantry.  " 

Out  of  all  this  number  only  two  or  three  are  still  living.     "  The  sorrow  | 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  419 

for  the  dead  is  the  only  sorrow  from  which  we  refuse  to  be  divorced     There 
i- a  remembrance  of  the  dead  to  which  we  ever  gladly  turn  '' 
The  Last  F.s.^._  "  General  La  Fayette  returned  to  Albany  from  his 

Tmo^I^^TVa'"'  ""  ^/'^'"^  '^"•^  ''  ^'^-5,  en  route  to  New  YorlT 
a  which  place  he  had  engaged  to  spend  the  national  holiday  of  July  4  h 
The'  Nat  on  s  Guest'  sat  down  to  a  sumptuous  dinner  in  the  hall  of  tho 
Capitol ;  ,t  was  a  well  spread  board, '  wit  walked  the  round,  son.^  filed  he 
air  Ihe  mihtary  escort  from  Troy  and  a  committee  of  our  ciCens  who 
went  to  bring  him  in,  sat  down  with  him.  The  general's  arrival  at  the 
cy  bounds  was  announced  by  a  discharge  of  cannon.  In  vaHous  parts 
0   the  city,  bright  flags  were  flying  through   the   day  in   bono?  of"  the 

tTZZ7     ^'  tt  ^■""^^'  ^''-  ^'-  Chester  as/ed  a  bl  ssing  from 

he  Ihrone  of  Grace.     The  toast  of  General  La  Payette  was  •  '  AlbTvnv  a^ 

have  known   it,  and  Albany  as   it  is  now~a  compi  at  vc     t  „dVd 

kUveenroyal  guardianship,  and  the  self  government  of  tliepople-n^y 

t  .s  difference  be  more  and  more  illustrated  at  home,  and  understood 

Sri  M  >•''  '^;°"''"'  '■*  ''"'^^  '''^''^'  *he  general  a,  a  suite    t    her 
w,th  the  Military  Association  visited  the  theatre      After  the  play  was  over 
e  honored  party  in  carriages  preceded  by  a  fine  band  of  m  usicfwe^re  escorted 
to  the  steamboat  Bolivar;  he  embarked  on  board  and  proceeded  down  the 
n.er  as  far  as  West  Point.     This  wa.  his  last  visit.     The  marnuis  wis 

Lte\t"eiti:"i''';''^"^ 

hrougliout  the  en  .re  land  whose  cause  he  had  adopted  in  its  darkest 
burs  and  whose  liberties  he  had  assisted  so  much  in  establishing'' 

W  i  Clbton'"    w',  'P  ■^'"'1'  '^''  '^'  g^^^^-^^^  «f  *J>°  «ta°te  -  Do 

U.ttUin  on-was  necessarily  absent  on  the  occasion  of  both  visits   but 

ctotpVff  sert;;;-'^^'  ''  '''  -^<"  ^^^"'-^  ^--^'  Charles  a! 
"Preparatory  measures  were  on  foot  leading  to  the  Ohio  canals    of 
opemng  and  rendering  permanent  a  navigable  ^ater  communication  be 
ween  Lake  Erie  and  the  Ohio  river.     The  completion  of  tie  Erie  or 

Iitro"f  tl^n""'" '^nt-^^^^^n'"'  ^'^^P^"^^  ^'•'-bts  about  the  prac- 

Oll  ^to  tr'A        "■     ?7Tr  ^""*""  ^'^  ^^^«'-°^  ^he  ad^mis- 

Tnt     Thl  no       •    •    '""'  '°^.  ^'''^  "'^'^^^  heen  friendly  to  its  advance- 

liie  t.    Ihe  commissioners,   early  in  the  year  1825,  determined  on  tha 

Z  "?vTrr'""  ''  ^'^'t"'^  and  ending'at  Portsiliouth  on  he  O 
5  WittS?oT  '"  being  made,  the  constituted  authorities  invited 
1  of  m.Sr^i  """"7  "V^""'  ^'''^'  '"  he  present  at  the  commence- 
BTaids  Colonel  t"  °'"''.  ^^'T'^^Sb  (Governor  Clinton  attended  by 
Alb anv'who  ,^'/""''  and  Reed;  General  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  o^f 
G  S  W  r?''".?  *l^t'*"*"  ^hen  a  wilderness,  as  an  officer  under 

General  Wayne  ;  Judge  Conkling,  United  States  district  iud.^e  and  aTw 

irH  5!    ^  T  1     ^^  f  "^^"^  ""^  ^^"^""'^  "ear  the  Licking  summit  on  the 
th  rd  day  of  July  on  a  beautiful  afternoon.     Here  were  assembled  to  meef 
elconje  and  receive  these  distinguished  friends  of  OMo,X  lov  rnor  of 

?re  id  tr^r^^K^r "'^''  ^'^^  '^^  ^^'^^^  ^'^'^  functionanes  an7m  H  Iry 
ed  in  their  best  attire  with  all  their  arms.  As  soon  as  Gove  nJr 
ton  8  carnage  appeared  on  the  public  square,  the  many  thousand  "of 

^,i;iNTON,    the  father  of  internal  improvements.'     Four  oompar--  -"  - 


hundred  guns  in  lit 


11  living.     "  The  sorrow ■  "ssembluge,  many  of  them 


nor  01  tnc  state's  guest.     Oi'  this  "reat 


IS  personal  friends,  with  many  of  whom 


420 


Legacy  op  IIistouical  Glkaninqs. 


lie  had  all  along  corresponded  on  t'  t  subject  which  had  brought  them 
lo;;ether.  The  meeting  of  ho  many  old  IriLMids  on  an  occasion  ho  dear  to 
nil  their  heartn,  was  deeply  affecting  to  all  present. 

"  On  the  4th  day  of  July,  1825,  Ibrty-nino  years  after  the  declaration  of 
indopendeuco,  this  great  work  of  connecting  Lake  Erie  with  the  Ohio 
river,  by  a  navigable  canal,  was  coninienccil,  by  the  sons  of  those  who 
achieved  the  independence  of  their  country.  The  day  was  aH  fair  as 
heart  could  desire,  and  the  summit  where  the  first  shovel  full  of  earth 
was  to  be  excavated,  was  three  miles  or  mure  westwardly  of  Newark,  The 
underbrush  was  cleared  off  from  an  acre  or  more  in  the  woods,  near  the 
summit,  where,  under  many  wide  spreading  beech  trees,  tables  and  seutH 
were  placed  for  the  assemblage  to  dine.  At  an  early  houriu  the  niorniii),' 
of  the  4th,  the  whole  company  moved  from  Newark,  on  to  the  ground 
which  had  boon  prepared  for  them.  Governor  Clinton,  Governor  Morrow, 
and  the  state  officers  went  to  the  ground  ou  the  summit,  and  ex- 
cavated each  a  few  shovelfulls  of  earth.  AftOT  this  ceremony  was  per- 
formed, these  officers  retired  to  a  rude  platform,  under  a  shade,  where 
being  seated,  Thomas  Kwing,  Kmj.,  delivered  an  address.  This  address 
was  replied  to  by  Governor  Clinton,  who  was  repeatedly  interrupted  by 
the  loud  huzzas  of  the  thousands  there  assembled.  As  soon  as  his  address 
was  finished,  one  burst  ol'  universal  applause  from  all  present,  ibllowod  it. 
One  hundred  guns  told  the  world  that  the  canal  was  begun.  The  ad- 
dresses having  been  delivered,  the  company  sat  down  to  dine  in  the  shai'.o 
of  wide  spreading  beeches.  The  governors  of  Ohio  and  New  York  oc- 
cupied the  highest  places  ai  the  table,  and  the  state  officers  of  both  states 
sat  next  to  them.  Toasts  were  drank,  in  honor  of  thq  day,  and  of  the 
particular  occasion.  One  of  these  was  as  follows:  By  Mr.  M.  Seley  — 
*  General  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer.  He  this  day  reaps  a  rich  reward  for 
his  toils  in  the  wilderness  in  179G.' 

"  On  the  5th  of  July,  Governor  Clinton  was  escorted  to  Lancaster  where 
he  tarried  over  night.  On  the  next  day,  he  and  a  great  concourse  who 
followed  and  accompanied  him,  went  to  Columbus  the  seat  of  the  state 
government.  Here,  ou  the  next  day.  in  the  Capitol,  in  the  presence  of  all 
the  .state  officers  and  of  a  large  assemblage  of  both  sexes,  Governor  Morrow 
delivered  an  address  to  Governor  Clinton,  which  the  latter  answered  in 
an  appropriate  and  eloquent  manner.  A  public  dinner  ended  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  day.  Escorted  from  Columbus,  to  Springfield,  by  a  large 
number  of  gentlemen,  either  in  carriages  or  on  horseback.  Governor 
Clinton  was  received  by  the  people  of  the  town  last  named  as  he  had  been, 
by  those  of  Columbus.  The  governor  of  Now  York  was  addressed  by 
Charles  Anthony,  Esquire,  in  behalf  of  the  citizens  of  Springfield.  Ou 
the  next  day,  after  partaking  of  a  public  dinner,  the  two  governors  and 
their  escor",  moved  forward.  At  Cincinnati  a  dinner  had  been  gotten  up 
for  the  Hon.  Henry  Clay  of  Kentucky.  This  the  governors  of  Ohio  and 
New  York  attended  as  invited  guests.  At  this  period  there  was  no  canal 
around  the  falls  of  the  Ohio,  and  there  were  two  chartered  companies, 
one  by  Kentucky  and  the  other  by  Indiana,  each  disputing  about  which 
side  of  the  river  was  best  adapted  to  a  canal.  These  companies  invited 
Governor  Clinton  to  visit  the  falls  and  settle  the  dispute.  The  two 
governors  as.sented  to  visit  Louisville  and  after  a  patient  and  careful  ex- 
amination of  the  ground  on  boili  sides  of  the  river,  Clinton  gave  his  de- 
cided preference  to  the  Louisville  side  of  the  Ohio.  To  this  decision  all 
parties  assented,  aud  on  that  side,  siuce  then,  a  canal  has  been  made.    At 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  421 

escort  wcreVclTf  the  «tat^    "^ ''"^"«''""^  ^^^^  -^-o  trip    ho  and  1m» 

.ngu,,s  .ed  oftcers,  who,  under  the  eorrunand  o(  Ger.  WarnHont    buted 
to  wrest  this  terr  tory  from  (ho  T?rifiK}i  nnn,^^      'ri.-        -"®'  C""irU>uted 

am....,  us,  at   h.H  day,  ,,any  to  whom  the  chivalrous  darin' of  the  voun' 
oj-ccr  of  ca-     ry,  a,.!  the  desperate  wounds  he  received  fna  sucrsS 
charge  upon  the  eneu.y,  on  the  _'Oth  of  Au-ust    1794    i,  Jrn.omhori;. 
n  nmwArir  fni/i      Ti,:  •-,■.,     .     ■'^"n"'"')  '  I  t7t,  IS  rcniemtjereu  as 

rtS,  "  '       ^        ^  ^'  '"'^  ''^  •^''"^  ^^""  "without  fear  and  without  I'e-' 

Trilmte  to  Merit. —  Proceedirxrq  rcl-iti'ii,,  *«  „        ui-      ^• 
O™.  Sol„,„o„  Van  Rc„  JC  af  Lt^o';  'tuXU^.^'JSS  *'""  "^ 

iM.jor  Gen.  bol.  Van  lleusselaer.  Jno.  R.  Williams,  Mayor. 

Sir,  lleply. 

wtroit  the  ueep  obligation  under  which  they  have  thus  laid  mp    «n^  f 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  Sir,  jour  oht.  humble  Servant, 

Hon.  John  U.  Williams,  Mayor  of  the  Cit,  '?Derroi  """"''■"''■ 

Col.  John  F    V.i'^!    '^-I    i    "     n-  •      n 

«i.«a„  j:-n.:„l  t>  ivrS'l-yi'L-the-^drrl'-^'  '"'  '* 


422 


Leqacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


To  Col.  John  R.  Wool,  Monday  July  11,  1825. 

Sir  —  The  citizens  of  Detroit  having  concluded  to  f^ive  a  public  dinner 
to  Maj.  (len.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  on  his  first  visit  to  Detroit,  as  a  murk 
of  the  high  respect  entertained  for  his  character,  patriotism  and  public 
services,  considerin<j  Sir,  the  gallant  part  which  you  acted  in  conjunction 
with  him,  in  the  affair  of  Queenston  Heights,  one  of  the  scenes  of  his  military 
career,  the  favor  of  your  company  is  solicited  at  a  public  dinner,  at  Wood- 
wortii's  Hotel  at  2  p.  m.  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect  Sir, 
your  obt  Servt.  J.  11.  WiliUAMS,  Mayor. 

My  Dear  Sir,  ''^^P'^-  Detroit,  July  12,  1825, 

Your  favor  of  yesterday  was  received  last  evening.  Under  any  circum- 
stances it  would  afford  me  peculiar  pleasure  to  dine  with  the  Citizens  of 
Detroit,  but  on  the  present  occasion,  an  additional  inducement  is  ofl'erud 
to  accept  of  the  proffered  honor ;  in  the  circumstance  that  a  distinguished 
mark  of  respect,  is  intended  for  one,  who  was  once  a  companion  in  arms, 
when  his  civil  and  military  command  was  as  conspicuous  as  his  blood 
flowed  copiously  in  the  cause  of  his  country.  With  the  most  respectful 
consideration  I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Sir,  your  obt.  servant. 

To  Col.  J.  R.  Williams,  Major.  John  E.  Wool. 

Hon.  Alfred  Conkling's  Reply. 
Sir,  Monday,  July  11,  1825. 

I  have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  invitation  of  the  citizens 
of  Detroit,  to  a  public  dinner  to  be  given  to-morrow  to  Gen.  S.  Van 
Rensselaer.  As  a  citizen  of  the  State  of  Nev?  York,  I  cannot  but  feel 
flattered  by  this  distinguished  tribute  of  respect,  to  one  of  her  most  gallant 
and  favorite  sons,  with  great  pleasure  accept  the  invitation.  With  the 
highest  respect,  I  have  the  honor  to  be  Sir,  yr.  obt.  humble  servant. 

A.  CONKLINO. 

Hon.  John  R.  Williams,  Mayor  of  the  City  of  Detroit. 

Tuesday  July  12.  At  two  o'clock,  agreeably  to  arran;;ements  made  with 
Capt.  Woodworth,  the  worthy  proprietor  of  the  Steam  Boat  Hotel,  a  large 
number  of  the  respectable  citizens  of  Detroit,  after  having  been  introduced 
by  the  mayor  to  General  Van  Rensselaer  and  to  the  Hon.  A.  Conkling, 
sat  down  to  an  elegant  and  plentiful  ('inner.  J.  R.  Williams,  mayor  of 
the  city,  presided,  and  the  Hon.  Soloi  au  Sibley,  one  of  the  judges  of  the 
supreme  court,  assisted  as  vice  president.  After  the  cloth  had  been  re- 
moved, the  mayor  rose  and  after  soliciting  the  attention  of  the  company, 
delivered  the  following  address :  Major  General  Solomon  Van  Rensse- 
laer, sir,  connected  as  your  military  career  is  with  the  introduction  of  lib- 
erty to  this  land,  we  hail  your  first  visit  with  sentiments  of  heartfelt 
pleasure.  In  the  darkest  period  of  the  western  settlements  of  the  Union, 
after  the  defeat  of  Harmar  and  St.  Clair  in  their  attempt  to  give  protec- 
tion and  security  to  those  frontiers ;  when  the  ruthless  and  merciless  savage 
with  the  tomahawk  and  scalping  knife  reeking  with  the  blood  of  thousands 
of  defenceless  victims,  then  it  was  that  the  discriminating  judgment  of 
the  illustrious  Washington  selected  the  gallant  General  Wayne,  the  com- 
panion of  his  toils  in  the  great  struggle  for  independence,  to  the  command 
of  an  ariny,  destined  in  its  victorious  career  to  achieve  to  the  western 
states  peace  and  permanent  security,  and  to  the  brave  and  heroic  officers 
and  soldiers  who  composed  it,  unfading  laurels  — and  trophies  still  more 
lasting,  perpetuated  in  the  national  glory  and  gratitude. 


lEaACY  OP  Historical  Gleanings.  423 

Thesinrnal  victory  gained  by  the  American  arms,  over  the  combined 

>7.4  at  the  Miami  rapids,  opens  to  our  view  one  of  the  scenes  of  vmir 
gal  nt  deeds.  n.pelled  by  the  force  of  that  patriotic  fi  e  whid/vou 
justly  inherited  from  your  gallant  and  revolutionary  sire,  you  was  a  >ld^r 
before  you  became  a  man.  The  nineteenth  year  of  your  lirexhbi ted 
your  brave  conduct  at  the  head  of  a  company  of  legionary  c^^  vary  wh  oh 
.gnalized  itsel  byoneof  the  most  brilliant  and^ffe7ual  IS^reier 
nade  against  the  savage  nations  of  this  hemisphere.  Here  vo^  firsl 
lood  was  shed  for  your  country,  and  although  yoEr  wounds  wer/beieved 
to  be  morta    you  tenaciously  refused  to  bedfsmiunted  from  3  ch  rZ 

SXdCin S^Je^  ^'"V'^'  '"''  '""  '^  f^'loriouslyrdrcc    2  ,; 
wieiuea  against  the  enemies  of  your  country.     From  the  victorim.s  r...™ 

unhappily  reigned  in  your  native  state,  marked  you,  amoT'  Ed\  in 
guiHhed  men   as  one  of  its  victims.     But  the  truly  soverXn  neonlo  In   K 
majesty  of  their  might,  have  prostrated  in  the  dust   aud  blot^  7!u't  ?ri' 
political  sway,  those  men  and  those  principles  which  whilo    hp!.        •  iT 

physical  .„„6b.  „f  .ho  nuuon.  S„t'e  „«  f'  ^^^t  dTL  J  """"'  '^^ 
'» '7,  *.e  drooping  .pints  of  the  JioTX^i  "^  pt"  „"?„  Th"  'S'Z 
which  had  been  cast  upon  our  land  forces      Tho  hnffl.^-.*-  n  ^ 

Heights  may  be  considered  as  a  lesson  to  n  oxulin.  Se'  t  e  tarin"''°". 
theenterprize  — the  boldness  in  which  it  was  nl.nn  J      i  1     °  "^ 

gallantry  displayed  in  the  attack.^hfmaj:ti^  £"n  ^'whth  "e nvXpId 
the  noble  warriors,  when  performing  their  various  nirt.  3  ^ 
remain  as  one  of  the  imperishable  monuments  f  "urination!  .17/ 
Here  again,  Sir,  we  behold  you,  leading  your  youn^^er  and  lesslvni;^  ^^' 
companions  in  arms  on  to  glory  to  death  or  n  vfJ  '^ss  experienced 
covered  with  honorable  wounds'  For  t  oh  «  ^•"'o'-J^-""t»l  jou  full 
you  honor  and  adm?ration;a„d  fof  the  b  od  wS^v'T"'?  '''''  '"^ 
rously  shed,  there  is  due  t^  you  he  asti„  ^ati  ude  o7^''/  "^  ff^^t 
our  best  wishes  for  the  preservation  of  a  it '  fndered  thL't^".  ^^''^ 
country,  we  sincerely  hope  that  the  evening  of  your  dw.h.  ?  ^7", 
with  hea  th  and  hapniuess  "  Thpn  fh!f;il.  •  ^  •  ^^'^  ^®  attended 
the  president  of  the^?2    and  drfnk  ^  "'  i^^^^lraTe      1"'  T  '^'''J  ^' 

Gen.  Van  Rensselaer's  Ueply. 

"Sir  — I  should  do  violence  to  my  feelings    worn  T  t^  ,  r    •     /• 
Sivin- utteranno  fo  the  (^v^  emotion      f        -      -       ?  -  -  *''   '^^'''^"^   f'""'" 

.h.u  should  00.  .o«  .easy;"^up"/sr:st'."i';  i:  rEti: 


,     s«' 


f 


i>     13 


fli 


fc'i'-!i 


424 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


endeavor  to  discharj^e  the  duty  of  a  citizen  to  his  country,  it  has  boon  my 
good  fortune  to  render  some  Hcrvice  to  the  republic,  the  approbation  of 
my  fellow  citizens,  of  which  I  am  this  day  receiving  ho  signal  and  so  flat- 
tering a  proof,  is  an  ample  reward  for  any  sufferings  which  I  may  have 
endured  in  the  service  of  my  country.  Be  assured  that  I  shall  retain,  as 
long  as  1  live,  a  grateful  and  lively  recollection  of  this  distinguished  and 
UTjcipu' tful  honor,  and  shall  never  cease  to  regard  this,  as  one  of  the 
liiipp'i;3t  and  proudest  days  of  my  life." 

Geu.  Van  Rensselaer  then  gave  the  following  highly  complimentary 
toast :  "  The  City  of  Detroit  —  the  headcjuarters  of  hospitality  and  patriot- 
ism." IJy  Judge  Sibley  the  vice  president  at  the  table  —  "The  President 
of  the  United  States."  By  Col.  John  E.  Wool —  "  The  People  uid  the 
Army  of  the  United  States,  united  in  the  support  of  principles  which 
saved  America  and  will  save  the  world,"  The  following  are  a  few  among 
the  many  t  iijts  :  — iJy  Maj.  1).  Baker,  Com't  of  the  United  States  forces 
at  Detroit  —  "  The  Heroes  of  '9-4,  who  first  taught  the  savages  ihe  imiuuta- 
bility  of  American  valor."  By  Alderman  T.  Rowland  —  "  Gen.  Van  Uens- 
Belaer  our  esteemed  guest:  On  the  banks  of  the  Miami  and  the  Hcij^hta 
of  Queenston,  his  blood  flowed  with  no  stinted  tide,  may  the  gratitude  of 
his  country  flow  as  freely."  By  Major  Biddle  —  "  The  13th  Oct.  ISU ;  its 
events  conferred  honor  upon  more  than  one  of  our  guests."  After  Col. 
Wool  bad  retired. 

By  Lieut.  J.  W.  Webb  — "Col.  John  P].  Wool,  while  the  events  of 
Queenston  Heights  have  a  place  upon  the  page  of  history  his  gallantry 
will  be  remembered."  By  Judge  Sibley  —  "The  Governor  of  the  State  of 
Now  York,  the  patriot  and  the  statesman,  may  his  country  duly  appreciate 
his  worth."  After  the  dinner  was  over,  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer,  Col.  Wool, 
and  the  Hon.  A.  Conkling  took  aii  aflfectionate  leave  of  the  company,  who 
accompanied  them  on  board  the  steam  brig  Superior  with  emotions  which 
may  be  better  conceived  tbaa  expressed. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

Erie  Canal  Celebration. 

The  completion  of  the  Erie  canal  and  the  celebration  of  the  joyful 
event  in  New  York  city  was  a  splendid  exhibition  in  honor  of  the  entire- 
ness,  the  perfect  state  of  the  longest  canal  in  the  world.  The  Erie  canal, 
commenced  July  4,  1817,  was  finished  on  October  26,  1825.  It  connects 
the  great  lakes  of  North  America  with  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  passing  through 
the  state  of  New  York,  a  state  which  seventy  years  before  was  a  wilder- 
ness, thinly  peopled  by  a  little  more  than  100,000  souls.  The  work  has 
been  completed  in  the  short  space  of  eight  years,  by  this  single  stiite,  and 

Ijrj^r  ^o  n  p,(in)jpfjp(>  ;    'Vha    C.ANMi  r.P.T.KP.RAT TON    took  plu.Ce  OQ     ^ridilY  ^0" 

vember  4,  1825.     For  several  days  previous,  strangers  from  every  part  of 


Legacy  op  ITrsTORTCAL  Gleaninos. 


425 


tho  surrounding  country  Iv-i  been  crowding  into  the  city  to  witness  the 
interesting  event  and  join       'ho  anticipated  festival. 

On  Wednesday  (October  -c»),  at  ten  o'clock,  a.m.,  the  waters  of  Lake 
Erio  were  admitted  at  Huffalo.and  the  first  boat  (Seneca  Chief)  from  the 
luke  commenced  Us  voyage  to  New  York,  an  objectof  very  great  interest. 

Ihis  joytul  event  was  announced  to  the  citizens  of  the  state  by  the 
roar  "f  cannon  planted  in  a  continued  line  along  the  banks  of  the  canal 
and  0  the  Hudson  at  intervals  of  about  eight  miles,  and  extending  from 
iuffalo  to  bandy  Hook,  a  distance  of  about  544  miles.  The  cannon  were 
lirtM  in  succession,  commencing  at  Buffalo  at  the  moment  of  the  entrance 
fl  the  boat  into  the  canal,  and  the  intelligence  thus  communicated,  reached 
this  city  (Now  York^  precisely  at  twenty  minutes  past  eleven  o'clock,  at 
which  time  a  national  salute  was  fired  from  the  battery,  and  this  acknow- 
led-ment  that  we  hid  received  the  intelligence  was  then  immediately  re- 
turned  by  the  sam  s  line  of  cannon  to  Buffalo  as  telegraphic  movements. 
A  sub-committee  had  been  appointed,  who  had  proceeded  to  Buffalo  for 
the  purpo.se  of  tendering  and  receiving  congratulations  in  behalf  of  the 
common  council  of  the  city  of  New  York  on  the  completion  of  the  -rand 
hrio  canal ;  and  to  invite  a  committee  from  each  of  the  towns  and  villa-es 
on  the  route  to  unite  with  the  citizens  of  New  York  in  celebratin-  that 
happy  event,  ° 

On  Thursday,  Novefi^ber  3d,  at  Albany,  six  steamboats  dressed  with 
the  flags  ot  difiorerit  nations  were  put  under  the  direction  of  a  committee 
at  whose  invitation  the  numerous  guests  of  the  corporation  repaired  on 
board,  at  about  ten  o  clock  ;  among  whom  were,  besides  the  committee  of 
the  west ;  the  governor  [De  Witt  Clinton]  and  lieutenant  governor  [James 
rallmadge]  of  the  state.  l        ^' 

Generals  Stephen,  Solomon,  and  Jacob  11.  Van  Rensselaer— Simeon 
De  Witt,  surveyor  general ;  Colonel  Schuyler;  Judge  Spencer.  Judges 
l.eddes  and  Conklin,  together  with  a  most  respectable  delegation  from 
Albany,  were  among  the  invited  guests.  When  the  guests  reached  a 
point  between  Weehawken  and  state  prison,  the  committee  from  New 
lork  met—  hailed  the  leading  boat  of  the  flotilla,  and  inquired  the  place 
trom  where  she  was  and  her  destination,  to  which  the  cheering  an- 
swer  was  returned  by  the  acting  admiral  she  was  "  from  Lake  Erie  and 
bound  tor  Sandy  Hook."  The  newly  arrived  friends  were  greeted  at  New 
lork  with  the  peal  of  bells,  martial  music  and  the  roar  of  cannon.  At  nine 
oc lock  A.  M.,  Kiday,  November  4,  1825,  all  arrangements  being  com- 
pleted, the  grand  aquatic  procession  commenced  and  proceeded  down  the 
ay.  The  fleet  consisted  of  thirty-seven  boats.  The  safety  barges,  Lady 
Uinton  and  Lady  Van  Rensselaer,  attached  to  the  steamboat  Commerce  were 
superbly  decorated  and  most  ta.stefully  festooned  with  evergreens  and 
flower.s  and  wore  exclusively  appropriated  to  and  crowded  with  ladies 
elegantly  attired,  presented  a  most  beautiful  spectacle. 

Ihe  barge  with  the  ladies,  among  whom   was  Mrs.  De  Witt  Clinton 
proceeded  to  the  ocean  in  the  line  of  the  fleet  and  returned  in   its  order' 
beforXtdd  ^^^^'^^  transcended  all  anticipations,  such  a  sight  was  never 

Twenty-nine  steamboats  so  gorgeously  dressed,  with  barges,  ships,  pilot 
boats,  cauu  boats,  conveying  thou^^ands  ufladies  and  gentlemen,  presented  a 
scene  which  cannot  be  described,  the  movement  of  the  whole  flotilla  an- 
peared  to  move  as  by  rnagic, 

54 


'9H 


426 


Leoacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


The  steamboat  Wasliinfjton  took  the  lead,  on  board  of  wliiuh  the 
lionorabli!  tliocorpuiatiuii,  with  the  society  ofl'incinnuti,  the  reverend  cleriry, 
of  all  denominations,  the  army  and  naval  otfioers,  all  the  consuls  of  I'urcign 
nations,  the  judges  of  all  our  courts,  and  very  many  other  citizens  and 
strangers  were  guests. 

As  the  fleet  passed  the  battery  they  were  saluted  by  the  military,  the 
revenue  cutter,  and  the  castle  on  (iovernor's  island. 

As  they  proceeded,  they  were  joined  by  the  ship  Hamlet  whinh 
had  previously  been  dressed  for  the  occasion  with  the  flags  of  all  nations, 
and  on  board  of  which  were  the  marine  and  nautical  societies.  As  the 
fleet  piiHsed  the  narrows,  they  were  saluted  by  Forts  Jiafayctto  and  Tomp. 
kins.  They  then  proceeded  to  the  United  States  schooner  Dolphin, 
moored  within  Sandy  Hook  at  a  point  in  the  Atlantic  south  of  Long  Is- 
land.  Governor  Olinton  now  went  through  the  interesting  ceremony  of 
uniting  the  waters,  by  pouring  that  of  Lake  Erie  into  the  Atlantic,  Two 
barrels  of  Lake  Erie  water  had  been  brought  from  Buffalo  on  the  canal- 
boat  Seneca  (Jhief,  which  was  towed  down  with  the  fleet.  Dr.  Mitchill 
also  performed  some  ceremonies  and  delivered  an  address.  After  which, 
the  bugle  then  announced  to  the  ladies  that  dinner  was  ready,  and  they 
found  a  sumptuous  repast  was  prepared. 

Two  British  packets,  at  anchor  in  port,  saluted  and  cheered  the  line  of 
steamboats  as  they  passed  for  which  our  band  in  return  played  "God  save 
the  King." 

The  procession  on  land  was  formed  of  all  the  different  societies,  fire  de- 
partments, hook  and  ladder  companies,  bands  of  musicians  in  dresses  of 
scarlet  and  gold  ;  the  elegant  engine  of  the  eagle  fire  company,  was  luouut- 
ed  on  a  car  carpeted  and  beautifully  decorated  with  festoons,  and  drawn 
by  four  horses  led  by  four  colored  grooms,  dressed  in  Turkish  costume;  on 
the  top  of  the  en<M;io  was  the  American  flag  upon  the  engine-pipe  asaflaj^ 
stafl".  Standing  upon  the  car  ws  a  fireman  flanked  on  either  side  by  a 
link  boy.  This  was  only  one  of  an  innumerable  specimen  of  cars  all  hand- 
somely decorated.  There  were  also  a  great  number  of  military  officers, 
soldiers  and  Free  Masons. 

The  festivities  of  the  great  day  of  consummation,  of  the  connecting  link 
between  the  Atlantic  ocean  and  Lake  Erie,  were  very  appropriately  closed 
by  a  most  brilliant  pyrotechnic  display  exhibited  upon  the  roof  of  the 
City  Hall,  which  building  was  illuminated  with  wax  candles  and  lamps 
total  '1,  306. 

On  Monday,  November  seventh,  the  festivities  of  New  York  were  appro- 
priately concluded  by  a  Canal  Celebration  Ball,  which  was  a  very  splendid 
aifair,  it  was  given  in  the  Lafayette  amphitheatre  by  the  militia  officers 
and  citizens  of  New  York. 

JMedals  of  very  beautiful  design  and  workmanship  were  given  to  all  the 
invited  guests  of  the  corporation,  both  ladies  and  gentlemen.  On  one 
side  is  Pan  and  Neptune  in  loving  embrace  with  the  cornucopia,  showinjr 
fruits  of  the  land,  the  sea,  and  shore  with  light-house,  etc.,  and  the  inscrip- 
tion "Union  of  Erie  with  the  Atlantic." 

The  reverse  showed  the  coat  of  arms  of  the  state,  with  a  section  of  the 
canal,  with  its  locks  and  tunnel,  the  bay  of  New  York,  ship  in  full  sail, 
and  the  city,  with  an  inscription,  "Erie  canal  commenced 4th  July,  1817. 
Completed  26th  October,  1825.  Presented  by  the  city  of  New  York," 
There  were  fifty-one  gold  medals  struck  and  sent  to  the  different  crowned 
heads  of  the  world  and  eminent  men ;  one  was  sent  to  Gen.  LaFayette, 


Legacy  op  Historical  Qlbaninqs. 


427 


by  the  military,  the 


There  wore  also  sovonil  huaJrcds  of  silver,  but  the  largest  number  wore 
ol'b!(»ck  tin  or  white  metal.  The  buses  containing  the  silver  inudals  wore 
mailo  from  logs  of  cedar  brouj^ht  from  an  island  of  Lake  Krio,  in  the  vicin- 
ily  of  Huffalo.  The  gold  muditls  were  inclosed  in  elegant  square  red  mo- 
rocco  cases.  The  citizens  from  Huffiilo  were  furnished  with  a  keg  of  water 
taken  from  the  ''briny  leep'  for  the  purpose  of  being  mingled"with  the 
waters  of  Lake  Er'c  The  k  jg  wit.,  handsomely  ornamented  with  the  arms 
ofthecityof  New  Yoik,  ^ver  which  were  tho  words  in  letters  of  gold 
\\ip(une'8  rHurn  * .  r       '  a,„]  u„der  the  same,  tho  words  "  Nkw   York 

/  I  A  ^^'^^■"  -  '  ^  o*^'>er  side  of  the  keg  were  tho  words  "  Water 
of  the  Atlantic"  Th  inner  in  which  tho  Senem  Chief  v/m  fitted 
up  by  the  commirtee  dc  t  them  great  credit;  nor  can  we  omit  a  more  par- 
ticular mention  oi  >/>  ,ui,ting:j  which  were  executed  in  Buffalo  and  sent 
doffn  on  board,  t  no  waa  a  view  of  Buffalo  harbor,  a  section  of  Lu'  «  Krie, 
Buffalo  creek  and  itsjunction  with  the  canal,  &c.,  the  whole  representing 
the  scene  exhibited  at  tho  moment  of  starting  tho  Seneca  Chief.  The 
other  IS  purely  a  classic  emblematical  production  of  the  pencil  and  is  an 
eseellent  design  for  such  an  occasion.  The  piece  on  the  extreme  left  ex- 
hibits a  frame  of  Hercules  in  a  sitting  posture  leaning  upon  his  favorite 
club,  and  resting  from  tho  severe  labor  just  completed.  The  centre  shows 
a  section  of  the  canal,  with  a  lock,  and  in  the  foreground  is  a  full  lon^'th 
figure  of  Gov.  DkWjitt  Clinto.v  clad,  like  a  Roman,  in  the  toga  and  san- 
dals, with  head  uncovered  and  hair  cut  short.  He  is  supposed  to  have 
just  flung  open  tho  lock-gate,  and  with  tho  right  hand  extended  (the  arm 
being  bare)  seems  in  the  act  of  inviting  Neptune,  who  appears  upon  tho 
water,  to  pass  through  the  lock  and  take  possession  of  the  watery  rcions 
ffhich  the  canal  has  attached  to  his  dominions.  The  God  of  the  sea  is 
iipoa  the  right  of  the  piece,  and  stands  erect  in  his  chariot  of  shell,  which 
13  drawn  by  sea-horses,  holding  his  trident,  and  is  in  the  act  of  recoiling 
With  bis  body  as  if  confounded  by  the  fact  disclosed  at  the  opening  of  the 
lock.  Naiades  are  sporting  around  the  sea  horses,  in  the  water,  who,  as 
well  as  the  horses  themselves,  seem  hesitating  as  if  half  afraid  they  were 
about  to  invade  forbidden  regions  not  their  own. 

Besides  the  paintings,  the  boat  carried  two  elegant  kegs,  each  with  an 
eagle  upon  it;  above  and  below  which,  were  the  words,  '  Water  of  Lake 
me.  These  were  filled  from  the  lake  and  on  the  arrival  at  Sandy  Hook 
were  emptied  into  the  ocean.  Tho  cedar  logs  used  for  the  medal  boxes 
were  brought  on  this  boat.  But  there  was  another  and  perhaps  the  most 
novel  of  all  the  boats,  which  started  about  two  hours  later,  and  overtook 
the  party  at  Loekport.  This  was  "  Noah's  ark"  literally  stored  with  creep- 
iDg  things ;  she  had  on  board  a  bear,  two  eagles,  two  fawns  with  a  great 
variety  of  other  animals  and  birds,  together  with  several  fish,  not  forgettin" 
two  Indian  boys,  in  the  dress  of  their  nation,  all  beinj  products  of  the  great 

Mrs.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Iver  Daughters. 
%  Dear  Girls,  New  York  Monday  Eve,  Nov.  7, 1825. 

lour  dear  Father  and  Sisters  with  the  Doctor  and  his  Wife  [Dr.  Jere- 
miah Y  R.]  together  with  Case  [Cornelieus  G.  V.  R.]  have  gone  to  the 
Unal  Celebration  Ball,  given  by  the  Officers  and  Citizens.  Mary  Bay, 
too  was  one  of  the  party.  I  was  proof  against  all  persuasion  or  would 
jot  bo  so  well  employed  as  I  am  now,  and  surely  not  less  gratified.  If 
tecriptive  powers  were  mine,  I  should  soon  fill  my  p;iper  with  incidents 
Jl  Ihe  Grand  Canal  Celebrutien ;  but  it  would  be  a  hopeless  task,  sol  refer 


428 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


a?- 


you  to  the  news-papers  —  will  only  say,  I  think  it  almost  impossible  to  convey 
an  idea  of  such  an  impressive  spleudid  scene.  The  representations  ave  all 
very  tame  wlien  recalling  the  actual  existence  of  the  complete  view,  f 
wafi  preseut  at  the  impressive  ceremony  of  uniting  the  fresh  water  of  Lake 
Erie  with  the  briny,  blue  Atlantic  Ocean  ;  it  was  effected  by  the  Governor 
who  made  a  short  address.  Dr.  Mitehill  emptied  small  bottles  filled  with 
water  from  some  rivers  in  Europe.  3Ir.  Colden  too,  gave  to  the  Mayor  a 
written  document,  the  history  of  the  canal  from  its  commencement.  But 
like  the  Cat  that  went  to  Holland,  I  saw  so  much,  can  say  wo  more.  We 
dined  on  board  —  it  was  asumptuou.s  entertainment,  here  we  were  met  and 
welcomed  by  Dr.  Jeremiah  V.  E.  and  on  our  return  to  the  city  accompanied 
him  to  his  house,  receiving  a  very  kind  reception  from  Charlotte.  The 
brilliant  fireworks  in  the  evening  at  Vauxhall  Garden  and  City  Hal!  were 
greatly  enjoyed.  Last  Saturday  morning,  your  Papa,  Elizabeth  and  Blar- 
garetta  called  at  Mr.  Jerard  Beekmans  and  promised  to  make  their  house 
our  temporary  home  after  the  return  from  Belville.  At  3  oclock  the  saiiie 
day  we  started  from  the  Dr's,  arriving  at  Belville  just  at  candle-light  and 
were  most  cordially  received  by  every  inmate  of  the  family.  Mr.  John 
Van  Rensselaer  had  been  on  the  lookout  for  us  the  day  before  in  New 
York,  but  in  that  multitudinous  sea,  it  was  a  vain  search.  Angelica 
Henrietta  and  our  girls  were  in  high  glee,  and  General  Van  Cortland  the 
Beau  among  all  others,     Sunday  our  party  attended  church. 

The  neighbors  joined  our  friends  and  kindly  urged  us  to  proion"  our 
stay,  which  we  would  gladly  have  done,  to  enjoy  the  amenities  of  "their 
cheerful  home,  but  for  the  attractions  of  the  Canal  Ball.  Tomorrow  we 
spend  here  at  Dr.  V.  Rs  ;  the  day  after  are  engaged  at  Cousin  Caty  IJeek- 
mans,  and  how  long,  or  shortly,  you  may  expect  our  return,  the  one  who 
writes  next  will  tell.  Your  Aunt  Maria  promised  if  my  dear  old  moth  r 
continued  well  to  spend  much  of  her  time  with  you;  it  is  a  great  comfort 
to  know  it  can  be  so.  Tell  your  Grandmama  that  the  th!rti/-one  years, 
since  I  was  here,  has  made  great  and  sad  havoc  among  my  ac(maintance.s, 
and  as  her  old  friends  are  mine,  I  am  anxious  she  should  particularize^ 
that  I  do  not  neglect  them  —  ascertain  their  names.  Take  good  care  of  my 
little  ones,  be  particularly  careful  of  them,  and  of  every  thing  in  case  of 
another  illumination  I  will  leave  this  open  for  them  to  add  a  line  on 
their  return.  May  God  bless  and  preserve  you  all  my  dear  children  is 
the  fervent  prayer  of  your  affectionate  Mother,    A.  Van  Rensselaer. 

After  Mlilniijht.  We  are  all  homo  from  the  Ball  except  Cornelieus, 
and  no  accident  of  consequence,  though  Charlotte  says  she  has  some  ribs 
cracked  in  the  press.  We  met  the  world  and  his  wife  :  military  heroes, 
noble  statesmen,  artificial  and  natural  characters,  the  audacious,  the  clown- 
ish or  vulgarized,  the  polished  and  refined,  Mantua-makers,  Milliners, 
Tailors  and  Tailoress's,  stylish  ladies  and  courtly  gentlemen  and  a  tew 
seemed  my  ideal  of  perfection.  But  we  were  squeezed  to  death,  are  sleepy 
and  heartily  tired.  The  Dr.  says  "  Uncle  Solomon  has  had  a  good  Supper 
and  I  have  had  none."  We  enjoy  ourselves  much  in  this  great  and  splen- 
did City.  Good  Night,  Elizaheth  V.  R. 
Miss  Adeline  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany,  N.  Y. 

Grand  Canal  Ball. 
"  The  celebration  of  the   completion  of  the  great  western  canal  was 
closed  on    Monday  evening,  November  7th  —  by  a  iete,  equalled  only  in 
magnificence  by  that  given  in  honor  of  La  Fayette.     The  ceiling  of  the 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  499 

.nolen^atical  pai„u„,s  exhibited  in  the  process       0  '  May   a^  An 

::;3vTt'ed'to"e:;f^'"^'  of  thirty  pie'r   glasses  .ithou!  11  an3 
.icouiaieiy  ntted  together,  was  e  evated  on  tho  wall  at  th^  ™«  *      j      i^'i 
.1,.  arther  end  wa.  occpicd  bj  b„«s  Sed  wlh',      *"  ToS^^ 


tiling  was  conducted   with    the 


pread  for  the  invited  guests.     Every- 
reatest   regularity  and   attention;   the 


ladies  were   dressed  with  great  sJlonX^^r  Sc^rasrcdLt  and 
plenty  of  ,t ;  and  every  one  seen.ed  to  participate  in  the  iov  of    ?.. 

:r;'i;:  eXe: -n^  tt'  ^-P'-^-'^'^'^  eCncV'nVwl,!:  r  butS 
porter  of  internal  improvements      1171^0^:^'^^^     principal  sup- 

^rs.  Van  Rensselaer  to  her  Children. 
3iy  dear  Children,  tj  «•  1      t        ^«   , 

i.  Cc.e.„,  our  rcccp,i„„  was  l^^ulj- S.I  and  ,r  1  „  rh'e"Z    """i 

I  was  in  the  house  of  one  of  the  boatmen  who  rowed  vonr  li\tl,o, 

lie  river;  then  crossed  the  Niagara  and  went  to  the  TirifJ^t  t      "^        °^ 
I  could  almost  see  that  body  of'  Indians  sail  vfo?  f     •        •    '    ^^'''^^- 


ay  ;  and  aa  we  retraced 


our  seeps,  you  cau 


480 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


i 


imagine  how  my  feelings  were  moved  with  pleasurable  excitement,  and 
how  well  satisfied  I  was  with  the  hours  spent  at  these  wonderful  sites. 
We  made  a  solemn  halt  for  sometime  at  Brock's  Monument  which  is  still 
unfinished;  every  thing  was  so  forcibly  suggestive  of  past  stirring  scenes, 
and  I  could  not  help  seeing  how  vividly  all  seemed  to  come  across  the 
noble  man's  remembrance.  The  extensive  view  from  this  summit  is  very 
grand,  having  a  sight  of  country  for  at  least  fifty  miles  Our  next  turn 
was  about  half  a  mile  west  to  the  battle  ground  at  Lunuy's  Lane,  which 
left  us  just  time  enough  to  go  below  the  Falls  on  the  Canp.tla  side.  We 
had  a  good  view  of  the  Horse-shoe  Fall  with  its  mass  of  deep  emerald 
water,  it  was  indeed  magnificent ;  but  the  spray  was  not  so  pleasant  to  us 
or  good  for  our  clothes.  The  following  morning  we  left  to  visit  the  Burn- 
ing Spring  ;  stopped  to  see  the  battle  ground  at  Chippewa  about  two  miles 
from  the  falls.  We  crossed  the  Niagara  river  in  the  same  ferry  boat,  to 
Black  Kock,  with  General  Peter  B.  Porter,  who  was  particularly  civil. 
T  was  very  happy  to  witness  such  a  cordial  meeting  between  the  two 
Generals ;  old  grievances  were  laid  aside,  and  seemed  entirely  forgotten 
by  both ;  it  was  the  rare  triumph  of  magnanimous  minds,  which  gave  me 
pleasure.  In  a  day  or  two  we  leave  this  for  Ohio.  I  feel  well  repaid  fur 
all  the  fatigue  of  our  journey;  and  we  felt  very  glad  to  meet  and  receive 
much  kindness  from  another  old  friend,  Dr.  Cyrenius  Chapin,  oi  this 
pleasant  place.  *  *  *  Good  Night.         Your  affectionate  Mother. 

m-     .  J  1-     ir     r)         1        All         lu  V     A.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Miss  Adeline  Van  Rensselaef,  Albany,  N.  Y. 

Post  Master  General  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Dear  Sir,  Washington,  July  13,  1826. 

In  your  late  tour  you  have  probably  had  a  good  opportunity  to  learn 
something  of  the  public  sentiments  on  various  interesting  topics.  Will 
not  Mr.  Clinton  be  elected  without  much  opposition  ?  If  the  State  should 
refuse  to  do  this,  its  loss  of  character  would  be  greater  than  his.  I  am 
sure  that  the  Bucktails  are  not  hostile  to  him,  at  least  they  like  him  much 
better  than  some  of  the  members  of  the  family  at  Washington.  The  Clay 
bubble  in  New  York,  in  making  a  government  is  not  to  be  feared.  The 
j)owcr  only  is  wantiny.  How  does  the  administration  stand  in  New  York  'i 
Would  Mr.  Adams  take  the  vote  of  the  State  if  the  election  w^re  at  hand  ? 
What  is  his  prospect  of  taking  it  when  the  proper  time  shall  arrive? 
Will  the  mode  of  your  election  be  changed  to  a  general  ticket?  K  no 
change  should  be  made,  will  not  the  vote  be  divided  'i  Who  stands  in 
the  way  of  Mr.  Adams  ?  What  is  the  standing  and  prospects  of  the 
Secretary  of  State  in  New  York  [John  Van  Ness  Yates  Secretary  of 
State].  Has  Mr.  Calhoun  sufi'ered  much  from  the  events  of  the  last  ses- 
sion ?  Your  friend, 

Gen.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  P.  M.,  Albany,  N.  Y.       '^^"^  McLean. 


"  Our  principles  are  those  of  Republican  Americans,  we  love  our 
country,  we  venerate  its  institutions,  and  our  whole  hope  and  wish  and 
thought  of  glory,  is  centered  in  their  success,  In  our  dreams  have  we 
seen  our  National  Standard,  '  flag  of  the  free-hearts  only  home,'  wav- 
ing aloft  in  the  azure  sky,  flaunting  its  stripes  and  its  stars  above  the 
wreathed  clouds  and  floating  proudly  o'er  their  silvery  folds,  the  beacon 
light  to  guide  the  world  to  liberty  and  independence  V 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


431 


Post  Master  General  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Washington,  Sept.  14,  1826. 


Penr  Sir, 

To  your  private  note  I  should  be  at  a  loss  to  reply  had  not  a  gon  le- 
man  told  me  the  other  day,  that  this  same  Cakb  Atwater,  who  is  the  most 
profligate  ereature  m  regard  to  truth,  within  my  knowledge,  wa    giving 
currency  to  a  report,  wh.eh  he  originated,  that  I  was  exerting  mysdf  if 
beha  f  of  Gen   Jackson  and  was  circulating  the  Telegraph  paper  to  aid 
ks  election,  throughout  the  State  of  Ohio  f   A  more  infamoS^falsehood 
was  never  uttered.     To  Atwater  I  have  never  written  one  word  on  tl.t 
su^iect,  or  to  any  one  else  in  Ohio,  or  out  of  it,  which  I  would  not  be 
wll.ng  to  have  published  to  the  world.     I  have  sent  the  Tele.rmrocca' 
.ona  ly  to  mv  two  brothers  in  Ohio,  one  of  whom  was  on  Adams'  elecS 
ncket,  and  the  other  voted  for  him  in  the  house  of  representatives      I 
have  sent  this  paper  to  no  other  persons.     No  man  in  Ohio  has  heard  me 
express  a  wish  on  the  presidential  election,  in  favor  of  any  one  cand  daTe 
In  fact,  I  have  been  specia  ly  guarded  on  this  subject,  knowing  tha     Mr' 
Clay  and  some  of  his  friends  are  very  hostile  to  n.e,  and  would  wi  linlly 
assail  nie^ith  effect ;  they  denounce  all,  who  do  nut  support  the  Secre- 
tary of  State  [Henry  Clay]  for  President  next  terra 

Long  before  the  late  election,  I  broke  off  all  correspondence  with  At- 
water, except  once  or  twice  to  make  a  general  reply  to  several  lon-^  letters 
e  wrote  me.     He  is  a  man,  who  pays  not  the  slightest  re-^-ird  "o  truth 
Uu  may  roeollect,  that  a  few  days  before  the  late  electionrhe  had  hand 

P"    m\'"^  '•''"''''!.^^  '^'''''"^  '"«ny  parts  of  Ohio,  charging  Mr 

Ac^anis  with  being  a  gambler,  and  that  he  played  cards  co^stantfy  o^,  tho 

abbath,  and  was  addicted  to  many  of  the  most  abominable  vices.     I  think 

.s  name  was  signed  to   the  hand  bill.     Where   he  is  known     nobody 

;  rZ        V,  "'  ^''  r  '•"^"'^•"^'^'  ^"'^  «"  ^''-  »'^  »"«  «««<^»et  may  lave 
an  effec    on  the  next  election,  it  must  be  unfavorable  to  the  candidate 

hriint'TJ^'    pT""   r^  '^"T-^^'*^  ""^^^^-^  this  foolish   rpo 
than  I  intended.     Perhaps,  I  may  be  mistaken,  and  he  has  assailed  me 
.s  pros  ituting  my  office  to  advance  the  election  of  Mr.  Adan:s      Here"  e 
would  be  equally  at  fault.     I  have  a  higher  object,  than  to  become  the 
tool  of  any  man,  a  sense  of  duty.  I  trust,  will  ever  influence  me 

Your  friend, 

Gen.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Esqr.,  Albany,  New  Ywk.     ^   ^^^' 
P.  Master  Genet  J  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

tV^'i'''   ,  Washington,  28  November   1826 

hnd  a  le„tor  wriior  in  New  York,  agrees  with  you,  that  Mr  Ad-iim 
.hake  the  '/ote  of  you.-  State -the  letter  is  published  in  the  enclosei 
p  '    o  1   >         ,  ,  Your  fnend- 

Gen.  Sol.  ^  :..  t\.„sselaer,  Esq.,  Albany,  N.  Y.         Joim  Mc^.ean. 

Hor  Caleb  Aiwater  was  a  member  of  the  house  of  representatives 
MI^'";.J'L"!!  --f.the  committee  on  schools  and  Lho^^tir 
—  ■'  ^T-A*^  ^""'^  appointed  by  Aluen  Trimble,  Esquire,  the  then 
bJvr.u.  Of  J/iao,  oneot  seven  commissioners  in  reg.iru  to  schools  1„» 
^  .j.J)o.nted  ,r  con.vess  lamls.  The  seven  con.missbners  ac  pS;^ 
u  of  thcin  o.^ered  on  (heir  duties,  and  a.ssen,bled  at  Columbus  the  iit 
^t  government,  ,n  June,  1822.     They  organized  their  board,  wit    ^'4 


Atwat 


er  as  »heir  chairman. 


The  board  -. acceded  in  their  Lboiv,  day 


I     'm 


ilk  1^ 


iW 


432 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


after  day ;  their  room  became  the  centre  of  attraction  for  all  the  lovers 
of  learning,  who  visited  the  seat  of  government,  during  that  session  of  the 
state  legislature,  and  a  system  of  education  for  common  schools  was  es- 
tablished for  the  new  state  of  Ohio. 

Horrible  Assassination. 
"  One  of  the  most  horrible  instances  of  deliberate  assassination  that  we 
have  ever  been  called  upon  to  record  was  committed  in  this  vicinity  on 
Monday  evening  May  7th,  1827.  The  particulars  of  this  transaction  are 
as  follows.  Mr.  John  Whipple,  of  this  city,  whilst  writing  at  a  table, 
about  nine  feet  from  the  window,  in  a  back  room  in  the  second  story  of 
the  dwelling  house  on  Cherry  Hill,  a  mile  below  the  city,  between  nine  and 
ten  o'clock  at  night,  was  fired  at  through  the  sash  with  a  pistol.  The  ball 
passed  through  and  shattered  a  pane  of  glass,  entered  the  body  of  Mr. 
Whipple  through    the  blade  bone  of  his  left  shoulder,  cut  one  of  the 


proached  his  victim  by  clambering  on  the  roof  of  a  back  stoop,  and  firing 
from  it  diagonally  at  the  short  distance.  A  young  gentlemen —  Mr, 
Abraham  L.  Van  Rensselaer  —  was  sitting  in  the  room  with  the  deceased; 
but  in  the  confusion  of  the  moment  no  pursuit  could  be  made,  nor  were 
any  measures  taken  until  information  was  conveyed  to  the  police  of  the 
city.  The  steps  of  the  villain  are  plainly  visible  on  the  roof  of  the  porch, 
as  is  also  the  flash  of  the  powder  on  the  frame  of  the  sash. 

Mr.  Whipple  was  in  the  prime  of  life,  industrious,  enterprising,  and 
fair  in  all  his  transactions.  He  was  respected  as  a  valuable  and  intelligent 
citizen.  He  has  been  cut  off  in  the  midst  of  his  usefulness,  leaving  a 
bereaved  widow  and  an  interesting  young  son  to  lament  his  untimely  fate, 

Mr.  Whipple  returned  from  New  York  on  Sunday  night,  where  he 
had  completed  an  advantageous  contract,  connected  with  the  Hudson  and 
Delaware  canal,  in  the  construction  of  which  he  had  participated  largely; 
and  was  at  the  moment  of  his  death  arranging  his  papers  for  a  departure 
from  the  city  yesterday  morning  (Tuesday^.  He  was  often  from  home 
for  weeks  engaged  in  his  business  transactions.  As  it  may  well  be  con- 
ceived an  affair  so  atrocious  and  so  unusual  amongst  us,  has  excited  great 
feeling  and  indignation. 

A  person  by  the  asaumed  name  of  Joseph  Orton,  arrested  on  suspicion 
of  being  the  murderer  of  Mr.  Whipple,  was  fully  committed  for  trial.  The 
trial  commenced  on  the  26th  of  July  and  concluded  on  the  27th,  when 
the  jury  rendered  a  verdict  of  guilty.  On  the  4th  of  August  he  was 
brought  in  and  sentenced  to  be  hung  on  the  24th  of  the  same  month  be- 
tween the  hours  of  twelve  M.  and  three  i>.  M.  Joseph  Orton  conl'e.ssed  his 
real  name  of  Strang  to  John  V.  N.  Yates  whom  he  desired  for  his  counsel, 
Mr.  Yates,  however,  declined.  He  then  employed  Mr.  Calvin  Pepper, 
an  eminent  and  able  lawyer,  to  whom  he  made  a  confession,  whom  he  re- 
quested to  go  and  remove  the  lifle,  lest  it  should  be  found.  He  confes,sed 
to  the  jailer,  Mr.  IJecker,  that  he  had  committed  the  murder  and  that 
Mrs.  Whipple  was  the  whole  cause  and projirtor  of  it. 

Jesse  Strang,  the  son  of  a  respectable  farmer  of  Westchester  county,  N. 
Y.,  deserted  ins  wife  and  two  children  the  latter  end  of  June,  1826,  and 
arrived  at  Albany  under  the  assumed  name  of  Joseph  Orton,  in  tho 
latter  part  of  August  he  hired  himself  to  Mr.  Philip  P.  Van  Rensselaer - 


ii|-»^ 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  433 

whose  fi,mily  consisted  of  ten  or  eleven  persons  and  he  resided  at  Cherry 
1 11,  the  house  where  the  murder  wms  counnitted.     T„  this  house  boarded 
John  Whipple  u„d  his  wife.     Strang  mude  a  full  eonfession  T'he  rrand 
jury,  .MVing  the  hornd  recital  with  much  minuteness  accomparLdbvCh 
circumstances,  as   left   no  doubt  of  his  guilt.     In  his  disclasures   Stran<^ 
.mphcated  his  paramour,  Mrs.  Elsie   D.° Whipple,  and  charrd  her  wiJh 
havmg  instigated  the  murder,  also  as  having  aeied  with  hfm  in  alT 
.ages,  by  furnishing  the  means  of  purchasing  the  rifle,  the  -I^ss  for  tria 
of  the  effect  of  the  ball,  &c.      He  got  on  a  shed  and  saw  the"  curtaTn  1  ad 
been  rolled  up  as  Mrs.  Whipple  had  promised  to  do.     He  put  thrmuzzt 
of  he  rifle  close  to  the   owest  pane  of  glass  in  the  sash,  tooklZuXXZte 
™  at  the  upper  part  of  Whipple's  left  breast  and  fi-ed.     He  then  jumpe^^^ 
off  the  shed    ran    to  where  he  left  his  bundle,  threw  it,  the  "in  and 
boots  over  the  fence,  went  to  a  ravine  and  hid  the  rifle  in  the  sandyCid  _ 
.tamped  it  down  and  covered  it  with  leaves.     After  which,  crossLi"  the 
enee  he  joined  the  crowd  of  people  on  their  way  to  the  sceneTf  n  frder 
trang  went  for  the  coroner,  was  one  of  the  coroner's  jury  Tnd  carried 
own  a  cot  from  the  garret  on  which  he  assisted  to  place   he^co  p.se      The 
p  .^  of  glass  when  broken  by  the  ball  was  a  most  corJect  profile  resemblance 
ot  himself      He  was  taken   by  the  police  ofiicers  to  the  ravine   trwhom 

t'dfi?    Mr     wf^'\",  ""  '"  '"'  ?'^  ^"'^'^^  "-'^  -  ^he  occaln  and 

iifae.     Mrs.  Whipple  'was  arrested  in  June  and  held  in  custody  in 

the  prison,  having  been  i.dieted  as  acees.sory;  but  however  criminaMier 

conduct  may  have  been  in  other  respects,  noVroof  exists  of  an;  pJrtipa- 

... -^      er  part  in   the  murder  and  she  was  accordingly  acquitted.     Po- 

.::''^ht:^nrH;^^burS:!;"^^^"^^^""'-^p^^^^^^ 

.neold  double,  spacious  mansion  at  Cherry  Hill,  havin-  separate  on 
ranees,  was  we  1  eu  culated  for  two  families  who  could  live  enS  dTs-" 
n  t  from  each  other.  The  north  half,  at  this  time  was  still  oe  up  ed 
y  the  widow  of  the  revolutionary  quarter-master  general,  PhHip  Van 
trr  ^1'''""^  f^''"^  ''  179H):with  her  son  Kilian  LdJanZor 
a      M.,  subsequently  wife  of  Jacob  S.  Glen.     The  south  half  was  the 

i.]y      The  w.  e  of  the  latter  gentleman  being  an  auntof  Mrs.  Whipple 

t   rl  •      u?V''P^^- ,  ^^'^  ^^""'^'•^l  «P"''«n  »«w  was  that,  by  means 

oLnje^^tts"'  '""  '''''-''  ''  '''  '''-'  '^^  -y  -^'^^  be  «'-  !•- 
Among  my  "  Scraps  of  Experience"  is  a  panoramic  view  of  those  har 
wiug  scenes.  1  a  little  girl  of  not  ten  yeans,  had  been  stayLg  for  two 
three  days  with  my  grandmother  at  the  north  side  of  Cherry  Hill  and 
5  rather  homesick,  was  net  a  little  rejoiced  when  one  sunny  morntn. 
aw  my  father,  in  his  gig,  drive  up  to  the  door  with  the  Horf.  Herman 

l^t^S^ll^'^'^r^l  «-^^^  by  his  side.     When  their  viskto 

out 

'""lie."    Th-  kind  reply 

MuomI)ered.     "Never   mind,   genond, 

'•nil(l  so  with  us,  it  will  do  hei  no  har-' 


e,^  ^bt      /  S^'b-^'btieoke  seated  by  his  side.     When  their  visit  to 

;  1^' v'ble  lady  was  made,  I  begged  to  be  allowed  to  return  with  them, 

ray  .   .  er  -a,  her  pu.  aie  off,  saying  they  were  "  not  immediately  going 

i,K„i."^  '^:^i  '^P'^  "^      ''''''  Knickerbucker  is  still  affectioifatel? 


,       .  ^^.!y 

that  IS  easily  managed;  let  tiio 
A  ready  ac(juiescenee  hav'nir 


'lu  im  Mrs.  Whipple  was  raarriod  at  New  Bruuswick  to  Mr.  Freeman 

55 


434 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


•w 


been  given,  I  was  soon  prepared,  and  seated  on  the  prince's  knee  we  were 
in  the  little  chaise  wending  our  way  to  the  city,  no  one  happier  than  my- 
Bolf.  Soon  to  my  dismay  we  drove  up  to  the  jail  and  alighted.  I  felt  no 
fear  as  we  ascended  the  stairs,  for  clasping  my  father's  protecting  hand,  I 
could  have  goi«e  to  the  muzzle  of  the  cannon  if  he  was  to  light  the  fuse ; 
the  very  novelty  of  my  surroundings  only  caused  a  little  flutter.  At  the 
request  of  the  gentlemen  *he  barriers  were  removed ;  the  ponderous  door 
being  unlocked  slowly  moved  back  on  its  hinges,  and  we  were  in  the 
presence  of  the  unhappy  criminal,  Strang,  who  was  chained  to  a  stroni' 
iron  staple.  Q'here  was  a  momentary  gleam  from  his  defiant  eyes,  and 
then  his  unquiet  gaze  turned  again  to  the  Bible  he  was  reading  when  we 
entered  the  room.  My  heart  thrilled  with  horror  at  the  remembrance  of 
the  atrocious  deed  that  had  placed  him  in  this  grated  cell.  It  was  a  ter- 
rible scene  to  see  the  imprisoned  one  whose  manhood  and  moral  nature 
had  been  so  fearfully  corrupted  and  wrecked;  who  was  stimulated  to  pro- 
ceed in  the  current  of  evil  with  an  irresistible  dril't,  by  a  very  fair,  beau- 
tiful but  frail  woman,  till  he  murdered  without  compunction  at  least  one 
human  being  possessing  many  noble  traits,  pouring  out  his  life  blood  to 
satiate  lust.  After  a  time  we  went  to  Mrs.  Whipple  who  had  been  as- 
signed by  the  jailor,  rooms  on  the  same  floor  ;  she  occupied  an  apartment 
adjoining  Strang's.  Mrs.  Whipple  was  in  a  recumbent  posture  on  her 
cot ;  dressed  in  an  elaborately  trimmed  white  cambric,  her  soft,  glossy 
hair  of  extraordinary  length  floated  over  her  shoulders.  There  was  some- 
thing indescribably  attractive  in  her  fair  face,  and  indeed  she  looked  lovei. 
and  really  seemed  much  distressed  when  she  recognized  her  visitors.  With 
breathless  stillness  I  took  in  the  whole  scene,  and  forcibly  reahzed  the 
isolation  and  helplessness  of  one,  who  was  born  a  lady,  but  had  by  frivo- 
lousness  and  vanity  sold  her  birthright.  The  poor  captive  exerted  herself 
to  regain  her  self  command,  and  resolutely  checked  the  hysteric  sobs.  I 
remember  how,  while  struggling  even  to  agony,  she  lifted  her  streaming 
eyes,  and  poured  out  her  heart,  conversing  with  an  enthusiasm  and  per- 
sonal pov.'or  that  kindled  pity  and  heartfelt  sympathy  in  the  breasts  of 
the  gentlemen.  "  There  is  nothing  that  touches  feeling  like  feeling  itself, " 
and  it  was  honorable  to  humanity  that  her  peril  should  have  stirred  these 
large-hearted  gentlemen  to  vigorous  exertions  to  save  this  woman  from 
the  fearful  jeopardy  that  then  seemed  inevitable. 

The  execution  of  Jesse  Strang,  a  wretched  victim  of  his  own  passions. 
for  the  murder  of  John  Whipple  took  place  August  24,  1827  A  multi- 
tude of  at  least  thirty  thousand  witnessed  the  execution  ;  the  site  was 
Beaver  Street  hollow,  a  short  distance  south  of  the  Capitol.  The  valley 
where  the  execution  took  place  was  surrounded  by  a  number  of  hill>.  I 
capable  of  afi'ording  to  each  spectator  a  perfect  view  of  the  gallows.  At 
one  o'clock,  precisely,  the  wretched  criminal  was  seen  to  issue  fr.ui  the  jail 
escorted  by  the  Albany  Artillery  companies,  and  attended  by  the  sheriti.! 
Oonrad  Ten  Eyck,  the  jailor,  sheriffs  officers  juid  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lacey. 
Strang  appeared  dressed  in  a  long  white  robe,  trimmed  with  black, 
black  gloves  and  shoes,  and  wearing  on  his  head  a  white  cap,  also  trimmed 
with  black;  preceding  him,  in  a  wagon  drawn  by  two  black  horses,  w:;< 
jtluoed  his  eolfiu,  whi(.'li  was  enclosed  within  a  pine  tox.  He  fulloweil  I'l 
loot  between  the  clergyman  and  the  sherifl",  with  firm  and  undaunted j 
ht(;ps ;  and  on  urriving  at  the  gallows,  he  immediately,  unassisted 
ascended  to  the  platform,  where  Mr.  Lacey  read  to  him  the  fhureh  d 
England's  burial  service,  Strang  joining  him  fervently  in  prayer  for  God's  I 


^INQS, 

prince's  knee  we  were 

une  happier  than  niy- 
nd  uiip;hted.  I  felt  no 
er's  protecting  hand,  I 

was  to  light  the  fuse  ; 
I  little  flutter.  At  the 
d  ;  the  ponderous  door 
8.  and  we  were  in  the 
ran  chained  to  a  strong 
I  his  defiant  eyes,  and 
3  was  reading  when  we 
at  the  remembrance  of 
ed  coll.  It  was  a  ter- 
)od   and   moral  nature 

was  stimulated  to  pro- 
't,  by  a  very  fair,  beau- 
mpunction  at  least  one 
'  out  his  life  blood  to 
)ple  who  had  been  as- 
occupied  an  apartment 
mbent  posture  on  her 
mbric,  her  soft,  glossy 
lers.  There  was  some- 
ideed  she  looked  lovei. 
ized  her  visitors.  With 
J  forcibly  realized  the 
lady,  but  had  by  frivo- 
captive  exerted  herself 
d  the  hysteric  sobs.  I 
le  lifted  her  streaming 
n  enthusiasm  and  per- 
ithy  in  the  breasts  of 
■ling  like  feeling  itself, " 
ould  have  stirred  these 
save  this  woman  from 

ini  of  his  own  passions. 
it  24,  1827      A  multi- 
xecution  ;  the  site  was  | 
e  Capitol.     The  valley 
by  a   number  of  hill>. , 
3W  of  the  gallows.    At  | 
en  to  issue  fnui  the  jail 
itteuded  by  the  sheriti, 
id  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lacey. 
,   trimmed  with  black, 
white  cap,  also  trimmed 
two   black   horses,  w:;~ 
'  I. ox.      He  fdlloweil  i"i 
!i    lirni   and   undaunteilj 
imediutely,     unas.sisteil  I 
to   him   tlie  ohureh 
intly  in  prayer  for  God'sj 


Legacy  op  JIistorical  Gleanings.  435 

mercy  and  grace.     Strang  made  a  brief  address  to  tlie  spectators,  exprcss- 
....'  h.s  contr.t.on.       Strang  himself  drew  the  cap  over  his  fal^^Tl  e 
kno tshpped  to  the  back  of  h.s  neck,   his   neck  did  not   break,  and   1  is 
;  e      Und"  n,V^P^l''"^  ^.  '"^'  ^^  P-"^'"'-     'J^^e  body  was  taken  from 
wLr  is   w''"l     ''' n^'^^u '"'^"'^''^^  ^""^  ''"''^'y'^  ^'  t»>«  residence  of 
■   m  ?L'dl  h  f  ^  -n  Dutchess  county.    [lis  brothers  and  sisters  waited 
0    mm  the  day  before  the  execution  to  bid  him  a  last  and  eternal  farewell 
The  poor  and  affl.cted  father  could  not  bring  himself  to  bear  such  a  uTodo 
tTlSn.'  ^'  ''''  ^'''^"^  ^'^^^  ''^'  P^^'---     «^-"S  le/u  wifba^Jd 
The  trial  of  Jesse  Strang  after  he  was  indicted,  at  a  special  Court  of  Over 
and  Terminer,  held  ,n  the  Capitol,  Circuit  Judg^  William  A  Duer  nrS 
H>g,  was  a  time  of  intense  excitement.     Man/ of  the  sui^in'  n  .'.ft   udo 
came  in     he   wantonness  of  mere  curiosity,  to  see  one  wl^ose  ca  ^r  was 
brought  to  this  untimely  end  by  crimes  that  could  admit  of  no  Xiill 

0  he  s  came  tosee  that  neither  force  nor  fraud  should  frustrate  the  sun^ircV 

S    f  ."''  TJ^  "'"'.  ""°  ''^"  '""'^  "^"^  '•*''«*™"  »»i«  J>a»d.s  from  'needle's 
bloodshed  should  pay  the  pennlty.    By  taking  the  life  of  a  human  bein 
w  en  no   required  by  God,  a  man  forfeits  hi.°own,  and  ought,    n  ob  di^ 

man  s  b'jod,  by  man  shall  his  blood  be  shed."  This  was  designed  to  b'« 
ano  her  safeguard  of  human  life.  Meanwhile  there  wire  otf  present 
^vhe  hearth  was  desolate,  who.se  hearts  were  crushed  with  an-^uish Te 
neah  this  terrible  ordeal,  they  were  bowed  down  by  sorrow  a^nd  hare 
uld  be  no  relief.  Yet  in  the  midst  of  all  their  trouble  they  ever  can 
hear  those  gracious  words  "My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee."      ^ 

IUruZ^?riV8'.^^''7-0^^''"'°\fP"'^"^  the  evening  of  Monday, 

Wi,  r  ^  AT      ,    :,'"'!''?  >'•'"'•     ^^^  ^'"^  ^o'-n  in  tli«  village  of  New 

Wiudsor,  March  2d     i7G9.     His  father.  General   James  CHnton,  waT 

b  ave  and  useful  ofhcer  in   the   French   and   Indian   wars,   and  ii   The 

nrk  state  when  l)e  Witt  commenced  the  study  of  law  with  Samuel 
,rr798l)'e  wl^r  PI  r"''"*  ''  l^''  vice-presidency  of  the  United  States. 
L  of  V      V         ^'l'.'"".  ""'^^  •''"'"^'^  '''  '"•^"^ber  of  assembly   from  the 

1  frJu^'  r '^  '"  \^^^  ^'^^  '^'''^'^  ^  ««"^tor  and  then  by  a  joint 
S  to  of  tt  \]'''\'%f '^'^  J'^f  Hiature,  he  was  elected  to  a  sea't  in'  the 
seaato  of  the  United  States,  where  he  took  an  active  interest  in  the 
eoncern«  of  the  country,     Clinton  early  became  a  strong  part",   in  fav 

the  hrie  canal  and  it  is  owing  to  the  bold  stand  he  took  in  this  -^reaJ 
terprise  that  his  popularity  in  a  measure  was  owing.     In  the  summe 

ueof'  IwrrV.""' '"•''' "'•^'^  commissioners   for  exploring  the 
ute  of  this  work.     This  country  was  then  comparatively  a  wilderness 
there  was  not  a  house  where  the  city  of  Rochester  now  stands      S      ' 
t  Clintons  person,  in  his  youth  and  early  manhood,   was  remarkable 

a  acter.     II.s  stature  was  upwards  of  six  feet,  straight,  lar-e  robust  and 
Mr  proportioned;  taking  him  all  in  all,  he  ^as  the  bestt'o    ng  m" f 

P  su  tl  an  r"  """'  ^''t''^-     ^^'  ^"^  ^'''''^  ''  "^«r-3^  •''"J  ««'-tia« 

e!anfa„     nr  /"    i'  "    f^'"'"'.    ^'  ""''  ""  «'^^"^»^  sUit.^ai,  an 

u    'r  "^  ^«:' h  ^^'•^^od  great  sorrow  to  his  numerous  friends, 

iue  summons  came  without  scarcely  a  momout^  warnincr,  whilst  he  wa- 


i 


ill 


486 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


Pt)! 


sittinj,'  in  his  chair,  in  his  study,  in  the  midst  of  his  family,  convcrsiri" 
with  his  sons.  The  first  indication  of  the  approach  of  the  attaciv  boin ' 
the  falling  back  of  his  head  upon  the  chair,  and  life  instantly  left  him"; 
the  lapoe  between  that  moment  and  the  arrival  of  Dr.  ]Jay  was  not  mure 
than  ten  minutes.  Gov.  Clinton's  fame  will  live  after  him.  The  eiiiise 
of  his  sudden  death  was  the  rupture  of  a  blood  vessel  at  the  heart ;  a  pain- 
less, and  speedy  extinction  of  life. 

"  The  funeral  took  place  on  Thursday,  February  14th.  The  day  was 
ushered  in  at  sunrise  by  the  discharge  of  cannon,  which  was  repeated  every 
half  hour  until  sunset.  The  two  houses  of  the  legislature  proceeded  in  a 
body  to  the  mansion  of  the  deceased.  The  hearse  was  covered  by  a  superb 
canopy,  and  drawn  by  four  white  horses,  their  heads  decorated  with  black 
plumes  and  their  harness  trimmed  with  crape.  The  horses  were  led  by 
grooms  properly  habited,  with  white  turbans  on  their  head. 

"  At  the  vault  military  honors  were  paid  them  in  the  presence  of  an 
immense  multitude  of  spectators.  The  side  walks,  windows  and  roofs 
were  thronged  with  people,  many  of  whom  wore  badges,  of  white  satin 
ribbon,  bearing  a  miniature  likeness  of  Clinton.  Colors  of  vessels  at  tbe 
wharf  were  displayed  at  half  mast.  A  solemn  knell  which  announced 
the  moving  of  the  procession  fell  with  sorrow  on  many  hearts ;  the  clergy 
and  physicians  with  scarfs,  the  minute-guns,  masonic  honors,  military,  all 
tended  to  render  the  scene  solemn  and  impressive,"  Rev.  Dr.  Ludlow, 
in  the  absence  of  llev.  Dr.  Chester,  prayed.  The  shock,  when  told  of 
the  death  of  that  noble  man,  and  the  funeral  spectacle  comes  up  forcibly 
to  my  mind  ;  my  childish  love  for  the  great,  majestically  tall,  handsome 
and  good  governor,  my  father's  true  friend,  was  very  strong,  for  he  mingled 
playfulness  and  mirth  in  his  familiar  conversation  with  the  little  ones. 
Valuable  mementoes  given  by  Mrs.  Clinton,  after  the  governor's  death, 
are  still  preserved  and  cherished  in  our  family. 

The  charter  for  the  Hudson  and  Mohawk  railroad,  the  first  in  America, 
from  Albany  to  Schenectady  was  passed  by  our  legislature  at  the  session 
of  1826. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 


Interesting  Letters  from  South  America. 

Gen.  Harnson  to  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Dear  General,  New  York,  8th  Nov.,  1828. 

I  am  extremely  glad  to  hear  that  you  have  determined  to  commit  your 
Son  to  my  care.  It  will  be  his  own  fault  if  the  trip  does  not  prove  bene- 
ficial to  him.  He  will  acquire  an  accurate  knowledge  of  the  French  and 
Spanish  Languages.  See  a  great  deal  of  the  world,  by  the  necessary  inter- 
course with  the  I'iplomutic  Agents  with  whioli  he  will  associate,  become 
intimately  acquainted  with  a  most  interesting  country,  whoso  relatiuii? 
with  us  are  becoming  more  and  more  important  to  his  country,  and  should 


NGS. 

9  family,  convcrsini; 

of  the  attack  boitij; 

instantly  loft  him  ; 
>r.  IJay  was  not  mure 
ter  him.  The  ciiuHe 
at  the  heart ;  a  pain- 

14th.  The  day  was 
ih  was  repeated  every 
ature  proceeded  in  a 
)  covered  by  a  superb 
decorated  with  black 
5  horses  were  led  by 
r  head. 

n  the  presence  of  an 
,  windows  and  roofs 
udges,  of  white  satiu 
)lors  of  vessels  at  tbe 
ill  which  announced 
ly  hearts ;  the  clergy 
c  honors,  military,  all 
'  Rev.  Dr.  Ludlow, 
shock,  when  told  of 
ile  comes  up  forcibly 
;icaUy  tall,  handsonie 
tronj?,  for  he  mingled 
with  the  little  ones. 
he  governor's  death, 

the  first  in  America, 
slature  at  the  session 


A.MERICA. 


er. 

k,  8th  Nov.,  1828. 
lined  to  commit  your 
does  not  prove  bene- 
;e  of  the  French  and 
Y  the  necessary  inter- 
pill  associate,  become 
iitry,  whose  reliitiuii> 
s  country,  and  should 


Legacy  of  Historical  Qleaninos.  437 

;va.a«  engage  in.     A  fine  youn,  u.a„  ^^^ Z  na'„. "o  '  Brke"   Z^  ^:f 
e  i\  r.   Ilenry  Ogden,  whom  I  uicntioned   to  you,  w")!  W     hi     1 

u:ij,'c  amh.s  well  uc.m.iiitti.l  vv.il,  fl,,  .        '"i- Spanish 


ihise  you  to  send 

''■ivo  commenced 

•rrives)  oblii^'cd 

•f,  tor  there  aio 

'    ;   fit  him  out, 

'^(■ii>ic»   and 

**Mrh 


H:ij,'C  and  i.s  well  uc.ju.inted  vml,  tl,, 

Min    with  him.      By  the  time  they 
■  IvcepiDg,  being  in  the  mciuitinie  (.» 
'  <;  111  the   house  of  a  geutlemiin   wh-  K 
KT  tavorus  nor  boarding  huiw»  in    1! 
/nink  him  to  me,  after  his  arrival  i    . 
11  him  to  you.     A  phiin  bine  rout  wiu 

'ly  be  got  in  Pbikdelpbio.  i^  ail  tb     ., 
i-utton  eannut    ...  ...t  ut   has  a,  Kagie  wrtb  a» 

and  a  thui.u,  ,  ta-lt  lu  the  other)  th-  butuo)  of  i 
<T.     Mrs,  A  an  Koufiselaer  need  not  <ear  the  cb.    . 

;.r-.n  of  respect.    He  tuund  thin  unh^t::  ^i  ^  T"'  ''''''  "^""■"' 

auti  (.enerai  himon  lbilivarapp:,>>M!th    ' 
'fa  iiiilitary  dictator.   HbooktM.'  ji  ih..-  - 
old  soldier.  I..-  wrote  his  eeiebratcl 
Mpersoded      I'o  every  H«ntinicnt  ? 
■•rt  could  respond  and  could  ««,t  Ih 
<  of  the  writer  in  its  dietation.     h'mn  ■  ■ 
<■  revolution  iu  Colombia,  every  Ntr-*' 
iirc  patriot,  and  all  who  visited  - 

predilection  in  hii^  f'-U'oi-,  bi"    ! 


,),... 1 


;'   > 

.  Ii> 

'    I 

r 
ui'i 

thi> 

lid 


■■■'  •■."■  i;!tH;,t,l 

■  'vor  of,  aii'l  r 

''!    b,.s  own   woi'!- . 

'."'tors  towards  one,  who  bad 

-    though  be  regretted  the  ill 

'Plre    Before  leaving  America 

'n-i  old  friend  should  join  tli^ 


i'f  was  not  well  founded,' 
••!  1  !'-'perly  estimate  tlif  differoi. 
■'^ni.!;,.o  of  Bolivar.      A  soldioi  i 
no  feelings  but  those  t.»  it 
;>.'a  .-!..  much  lu.«»re  on  tliepr.. 
^■i"is,d  policy  which  led  bin,  !• 
'iiirrison  reque.Mted  (lun 
■  >>iuii. 

My  brother,  Rensselaer  \  ,  •    ,    i.n   m 

-the  steam  boat  0,n.  W   f  G    rSr  ^''''"^^  •^^*' 

,,-New  York   city,  on    l.,e..M..r    !■    '        h^,,  i   '^^?^"'.^"!^^'''^'i 
■"'^1'   'mider  a  hopeful  flau-  .p.)  h  pvy^  ■      )        "       ^^"'Pi.co,     Capi^ 

'  !  -;.^  to  join  William  11.  liar  li  m'^Ur^i  b'^  T^'^''-  ^''^  '^^ ' 
Poton.iary  at  Bogota  the  capital  ^Sc^t;.;^^,^ ^l'^™'^^-/''-;- 
-n^descnptive,  private  letters,  penned  by'tho^tuth^^rand'oW 


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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER, N.V.  H580 

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i° 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  437 

lie  choose  to  devote  himself  to  that  pursuit  l-.u  fl,    r      ^  •  • 
emplo>.,uent  in  the   Diplomacy  ot ZZLn     ^f ^^"^^t'""  of  '«ture 
knowledge  which  will  be  useful  to  him     n  '^'"'^  ^^  ^'"  "'-•'l»i'-e 

wards  engage  in.  A  fine  young  man  o^'f t  ^^  ''^0^'""  ^'  '"'-^^  ^'t^'- 
the  Mr.  Henry  Ogden.  ClTent  on  d^?v7«  w^uY''  ""  'T'  "^ 
Bogota  in  about  two  months  hehashprnth  J^  '  ^'"  ^^'^^^  ^his  for 
language  and  is  well  acquainted  wih  the  ro^.'  ^^«'^' «Pf  k«  the  Spanish 
your  son  with  him.     By  the  time  thpl  '  ^  7?'*^  '''^^''''  ^^  *«  send 

housekeeping,  being  in  hmeantLe  until"''' /  ''•'"  ^'''  commenced 
to  live  in  the'  house  of  a  gentleman  ^^.^  "'"''."'''  ""^^«)  «l>l'Ked 
neither  taverns  nor  boardinj  houses  in  L.  '""T^  "^'^  ^''  '^'"'■'^'^ 
nnd  frank  him  to  me,  after'his  ar?  vd  I  IT'  ^u  ."?"''  ^'  ^'^  «»t, 
return  him  to  you.  A  plain  buecTaf with  h  ^l^-  f  ^'?  f^l'*^"«^«  ^^^ 
can  only  be  got  in  Philade"phl  is  '  iTh.  "^w.  'P'r^^'"  ^""«"'  ''^'''^ 
that  button  cannot  be  got  C  t  iTa's  m  Fn  I  "ll"''"  ^^  ^^"  '«q»'«-e-  If 
talcn,  and  a  thunderboft  InThe  0  h")  thfbuTton  Tf  ^^^^  ^^^"^'^'  ^"  «"« 
answer.  Mrs.  Van  Rensselaer  need  not  1  .  v^'''  """""^  ««»-ps  will 
as  healthy  there  as  in  NewToTk  Nor  can  a- Ir^^^^  "^  ^°^^*^'  ''  '« 
country  affect  us.     In  haste.     Your  friend  ^ "'''^^^^«T'^''"'^  '"  ^he 

Genl.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Po^rMi;  Albany,  lA    ''"^^'''''' 

.i-aStXSS  S^C^^^l  t?V^  Tippecanoe, 

eralship  of  Venezuela.  He  acc/nted  Z  .^ '""^  *^'  '"^«  «'*'Pt«''n  gen- 

delay  to  the  scene  of  his  dutes  where  r^^^^^"«"'  "^"^  "'^^"'''^  ^'^^^"'^ 
stration  of  respect.  He  found  thrunl^nn?  ''T''-'^  ""''^  ^^«^3^  ^emon- 
tion  ;  the  people  ignorant  of  their  Z^trL7T\'^  '  deplorable  condi- 
and  General  Simoon  Bolivar appaTen^fy'litrsum"^^^  ^'r'^^^^^' 

of  a  military  dictator.  Shocked  at  this  statP  nf  f^-         ^¥^"^^^^0  power 
of  an  old  soldier,  he  wrote  his  cefebr  .tpH  Ih     .    n  "'' '""'  '^^  frankness 
was  superseded.     To  every  sent  m.n?       f-  ^'^  P'"'""^'  ^^J'^'^''  ^^^er  he 
can  heart  could  respond  and  courno    fX     '°  *^''  ^'''''  '''^  '"^P^bli- 
motives  of  the  write^r  in  its  dicta  don      Tt  if  ^"^^nT"'  '^'  Philanthropic 
the  late  revolution  in  Colombia Terv  North^A""^      "°^°  ''■''  '^'''  P"«'  *« 
as  a  pure  patriot,  and  all  who  vTs  fed  th  «  ^™""'^"  ^^^.mated  Rolivar 
strong  predilection  in  his  favor  buthlfoonL-^  T''^  "'•'*'  '^'"^  ^ 
the  chief  was  not  well  founded      Gen    h'  r^        V"  ^'^^''^P^blicanism  of 
did  properly  estimate  the  Sent  tl.  hoT^    ''7''  ^''  himself  and 
prejudice  of  Bolivar.     A  soldier  him  efL?     i,'"  ^''''  '^^'  ■"'"'^  ^^  ^^e 
possess  no  feelings  but  thospTtllr  J  '.u^'"  ^"  ^^"  ^o'-ds),  "could 
shed  so  much  iSe  onte  p     e^ion  o^ar^^^ 

advised  policy  which  led  hinf^t^^Ta facTpVe    g^l^^^  ^'^^  '" 

Ge.  Harrison  requested  that  the^on  of  Kd  S^^  13^^  tS 

rom  New  York  city,  on7len,heT4^h^^^^^^^  ^"^  ^^^'"'^d 

J^ish,  "under  a  hopeful  flag  ^d  a  pm^  'J"/^^  ^"^  "  ^ampico,"  Capt. 


1' , 
1-1 


438 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


ant  traveler,  for  the  home  circle  of  "loved  ones,"  in  his  own  graphic, 
bold,  off  handed  style,  without  hesitation  as  to  choice  of  words  or  lan- 
guage, were  written  in  that  southern  peninsula  forty-five  years  ago.  They 
will  be  found  interesting  and  instructive  as  making  us  better  acquainted 
with  the  natural  features  of  the  country,  its  productions,  ceremonies,  go- 
vernmout  and  religion,  as  delineated  in  scenes  and  occurrences  which  fell 
under  his  immediate  observation.  His  connection  with  the  diplomatic 
body,  also,  gave  him  ample  opportunities  to  become  well  informed  regard- 
ing this  country  ruled  by  the  rod  of  Spanish  despotism.  A  region  so 
varied  in  aspect  and  exquisite  in  beauty,  of  which  but  little  was  known  at 
that  early  period,  that  the  human  mind,  even  now,  is  "successively  sur- 
prised with  the  sublime  and  astonishing  works  of  nature  where  rivers  of 
amazing  breadth  flow  through  beautiful  and  widely  extended  plains,  and 
where  lofty  mountains,  whose  summits  are  covered  with  etarnal  snow,  inter- 
cept the  course  of  the  clouds  and  hide  their  heads  from  the  view  of  mor- 
tals." Yet  despite  the  conflicts  and  hardships  of  travel,  with  its  perils 
both  in  the  valleys  and  mountains,  beautiful  spectacles  were  seen  on  every 
side,  all  of  which  added  their  quota  to  that  enjoyment  which  his  capacity 
for  description  traced  as  he  observed  Nature  in  all  her  various  garbs."  It 
is  also  a  very  highly  favored  part  of  the  globe,  compared  with  the  other 
great  divisions,  as  It  respects  the  salubrity  of  its  climate,  the  fertility  of 
soil,  and  the  value  of  its  natural  productions. 

"The  surface  is  greatly  diversified.  The  western  part  consists  chiefly  of 
elevated  table  land,  crowned  by  chains  of  majestic  mountains;  it  is  tra- 
versed by  the  Andes,  at  a  distance  varying  from  fifty  to  one  hundred  and 
fifty  miles  from  the  western  coast;  the  most  celebrated  summits  of  which 
are  within  Colombia,  and  they  have  been  seen  at  sea,  at  the  distance  of 
one  hundred  and  eighty  miles  from  the  shore.  A  number  of  these  ele- 
vations are  volcanic,  an('  a  great  many  of  them  clothed  with  snow.  They 
abound  in  natural  wonders,  as  stupendous  precipices,  impetuous  torrents, 
picturesque  cataracts ,  and  frightful  chasms.  The  torrents  and  chasms 
are  often  cros.sed  by  rope  bridges.  The  highest  summits  have  an  aspect 
of  unrivalled  sublimity,  their  elevation  carrying  them  above  the  region  of 
the  cloU'^3  ;  and  below  their  snowy  tops,  the  storm  is  seen  to  burst : 
and  the  exploring  traveler  hears  the  thunder  roll,  and  sees  the  lightning 
dart  beneath  his  feet.  Between  the  diflerent  ridges  there  are  extensive 
plains  of  great  fertility  and  beauty,  well  cultivated  and  populous. 

"The  Andes  are  said  to  derive  their  name  from  the  Peruvian  y^ord anti, 
which  signifies  copper.  They  are  composed  in  great  part  of  porphyry, 
and  abound  in  precious  metals.  The  Andes,  too,  are  a  great  nursery  for 
birds.  Among  these  the  condor  is  the  most  remarkable,  and  is  the  largest 
bird  that  has  the  faculty  of  flying  in  the  air.  Its  wings,  when  extended, 
measure  from  twelve  to  sixteen  feet ;  and  it  soars  to  the  height  of  more 
than  20,0U0  feet;  it  is  of  the  genus  vulture.  Many  parts  of  South  Amer- 
ica are  extremely  subject  to  earthquakes,  and  for  thesakeof  greater  secur- 
ity, the  houses  are  commonly  built  of  ouly  one  story." 

Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Oen.  Harrison. 

My  Dear  Sir,  Albany  Dec.  1st,  1828. 

My  Son  —  Major  Rensselaer  Van  Rensselaer  of  the  Militiu  of  this  State, 
sails  on  Monday  next  to  join  you  in  South  America.  I  do  not  wish  to  say 
any  thing  in  his  favor,  lest  you  .should  be  disappointed  in  your  expecta- 
tions of  him.     lie  goes  from  hero  fully  equipped  and  must  do  as  you  and 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  439 

Any  difficult  business  you  pu  him  up;?!  tn  V  '^T;'^  '""^  ^''^'''''' 
my  God  and  to  you  mv  oM  frip.w?  t^  '  ■  V-  ^^ P"'''^^^  execute.  To 
only  legacy  I  cari^^^e^i^/^He'taVesTi;^^  S  "'''  -\blessing,  the 
my  family,  as  his  body  servant  thev  d  d  nS  'l  .  "u^™  ^''^'  '"''"'^  ^" 
boy-named  Cato-says  he  wil    be  of  no  !  '"  ^'  '"P"'""^'^-     ^he 

he  probably  may  be  of  serv  ce Tn  vn„r1  "' "^P,^"^.'^  ^« ^'^«^'^'^'-  Rensselaer; 

I  am  dear  Sir,  your  old  friend, 
His  Excellency,  Major  Genl.  William  H.  Har'^WsoI^''  K^nsselaer. 
Minister  Plenipotentiary,  Colombia,  South  America. 

Benmlaer  Van  Renssela&r  to  his  Fathey 
Dear  Father,  vr       v    ,  „    ,  x. 

Self  ieLr!  1,  ™.ff ''T'™  T  '""'"'"''«  «'"">'  «  ^e  (n..  (o  make 

i.«uj  more  expert  in  hia  new  callini;  than  I  ant  oinated  he  would  C      H« 

M  anx,oua  a,  ■nyaelflo  comn,e..ee'onr  new  eareii  n  SoutrAlrL      ? 

lT„„i        T  7    ^, "'"  ""= ''"  """»»'  diligence  in  the  path  of  dutv 
I  kno.  ,onr  fondest  hope,  and  affections  are  centred  in  u'e  (thev  ar-  Jf 

(.en.  Sol.  Van  llensselaer,  Albany,  N.  Y.  Henss.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Rensselaer  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Father. 

1),.,,  V  fk  ^"^'  "  '^••""P'^'o"  New  York  Bay, 

i^car  leather  ofl"  Staten  Island,  4th  December  18•^S 

Aw'Su'ui  T-fli  •^^"'"^'•^'^^  r^^^  o„'boa,.d.:r;iid  'nJfli. 
waTand    win  V'^''^/'^'^  rr"'"^'-  ^^"t  w..  are  now  under  fine  head- 

>vay  and   will  soon  be  outside  with  this  favorable  wind.     The  bustle  of 


I 

1. 

r 


Immi 


440 


Legacy  cp  Historical  Gleanings. 


departure  and  the  noisy  preparations  of  the  crew  overhead,  which  although 

attractive  to  nie  for  its  novelty,  does  not  permit  my  ideas  to  flow  copiously. 

I  therefore  consider  it  peculiarly  fortunate  that  I  have  not  u  jj;reat  deal  to 

say  now.     The  Doctor  and  John  Glen  have  been  very  attent-ve  and  kind 

to  uie.     The  Diplomatic  buttons  were  given  me  yesterday,  they  are  very 

different  from  those  of  the  Marine  Corps.     Of  course  I'll  have  them  put 

on  instead  of  those  I  had  ordered  in  New  York.    Don  Glen  has  given  me  a 

host  of  letters  for  persons  in  Colombia,  which  will  mr.ke  for  me  plentv  of 

acquaintances  in  ray  travels.     We  have  but  one  passenger  besides  myself 

a  French  gentleman  from  }'anama  who  speaks  the  Spanish  language  very 

fluently,  he  will  be  quite  an  acquisition  as  cjnipany  and  useful  to  me  in 

my  studies  aboard.  .^    ,  ,    ,  /^/r  th    .t    n 

■'  10  oclock  A.M.  Off  Fort  Lafayette. 

The  Captain  says,  there  will  be  no  stop  now  until  Carthagena  picks  us 
up,  and  suggests  the  propriety  of  my  closing  letters.  I  coincide  with  him 
in  it,  not  only  on  account  of  the  shortness  of  the  Pilots  stay  aboard,  but 
there  is  a  sort  of  an  indigenous  sensation  within,  (caused  perhaps  by  the 
notion  of  the  vessel)  that  bids  me  fin.sh  soon,  or  it  will  raise  a  tumult 
that  will  prevent  all  letter  writing,  but  I  will  anticipate  it.  We  have  a 
prospect  of  a  fine  run,  the  wind  is  fair  and  off  the  coast.  All  this  good 
brig  wants  in  case  of  a  gale  is  plenty  of  sea  room,  which  we  will  soon 
have,  as  we  are  sailing  triumphantly  onward.  You  need  not  apprehend 
any  danger,  I  do  not ;  the  sea  sickness  I  would  rather  court  than  shun, 
so  cheer  up  each  one  keep  a  good  heart,  and  all  will  yet  turn  out  well. 

i  past  10  o'clock.  Sandy-llook  Light-house  just  by,  the  Pilot  leaves  us 
soon.  My  qualmishness  has  already  left  me.  I  must  now  close.  Cato 
does  stand  it  well,  and  is  delighted  with  all  he  sees  in  thi  sea  route. 
God  bless  you  all  —  all ;  bushel  baskets  full  of  love  to  all  inquiring 
friends,  don't  forget  Rykeman.  Yours  ever  sincerely, 

Gen.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  P.  M.,  Albany.       R.  Van  Rensselaer. 

"  It  was  regretted  that  South  America  so  beautifully  formed  and  en- 
riched by  the  hand  of  nature  had,  by  Spanish  oppressiveness,  so  long 
been  prevented  in  their  abject  depression  from  all  improvement  or  the 
population  of  a  country  which  might  ha^-e  supported  millions  of  beings  in 
affluence.  A  set  of  avaricious  men  have  successively  drenched  with  inno- 
cent blood  those  widely  extended  plains  on  this  vast  peninsula."  Colom- 
bia, the  temporary  home  of  our  travelers,  is  a  very  extensive  country, 
comprising  all  the  northwestern  part  of  South  America,  and  is  composed 
of  the  Old  Spanish  vice  royalty  of  New  Grenada  -nd  Oarracas  or 
Venezuela,  which  were  united  and  formed  into  a  repa*  ;  in  1819.  The 
former,  extending  along  the  Pacific  ocean  from  the  isthmus  of  Darien  to 
Peru,  is  bounded  on  the  east  by  the  latter  which  comprises  a  triangular 
territory,  lying  between  the  Amazon  river  and  the  Caribbean  sea  nearly, 
if  not  quite  equal  to  that  of  the  United  States.  The  two  regions  are  sub- 
divided into  departments,  and  into  provinces  or  states  which  represented 
in  a  congress  assembled  at  Rosario  de  Cucuta,  in  1821,  according  to  an  act 
of  confederation  and  to  a  constitution  modeled  in  many  respects  after  our 
own.  After  confirming  the  election  Oi  Gun.  Simon  Bolivar  to  the  presi- 
dency it  established  the  seat  of  general  government  at  Santa  Fe  De  Bo- 
gota. 

For  a  time  every  appearance  indicated  the  speedy  establishment  of  a 
happy  result  to  the  tremendous  struggles  of  this  brave  and  chivalrous 
people  for  independence;  but  in  the  practical  test  of  some  of  the  provisions 


Legacy  of  IlrsTORiOAL  Gleanings.  44^ 

of  their  new  Constitution  many  inconcrniM-A.,  ..„  1  • 

ifested.     Tho  diffieuUioH  an.i  IZZ^TZTv  '"'"'l"'«°i«n°e«  wore  man- 
mountainous  country,  for  tlio  hi  rl,  nnnrV     '.^^""n  through  such  a  very 
so  formidable  to  app^ants     r    fa  ,0^0;  brf n  "r  '"'  '^''  ^^P''^'" ''  "PP-^od 
valont  to  a  denial.'^  spirit  of^Z  en  'w  r  hu^  ''  1  '°  ^^""/'  '^l"^" 
several  portions  of  the  republic    and  timTl    p     -r'^^  engendered  in 
for  near  a  dozen  years  had%nioyed  the  flfn..        ""•''^"'"^  '^''''  (w'>o 
of  war.  either  closed  with  the'^  otirii^f  oYX"'' """"^^"^'^ 
mcQt,  or  piqued  at  the  fancied  slL^hts  ZL.T!       ^     "l  P''^"^  establish- 
distribution  of  the  lucrative  offices)  did  111    f  7"'^"  themselves  in  the 
It,  in  order,  as  they  hoped,  to  promote  thl       ^^""''jr^'  'o  encourage 
queatly,  instead  of  being  at  leisure  to  rem  d  v""?!;""^'? '7^  ''''''■    ^^^ ««- 
iiiont  were  harassed  by  a  succession  of  nnn-^  their  defects,  the  govern- 
which  nearly  all  their'time3roul    "w^^Lt  ^t^^ffP--"  ^^ 
however,  conventions,  for  the  purpose  o£  oZlZlT-     \  ^"  ^^^  intervals, 
Bion  between  the  different  «tat^es  rbetwee7statol"!  '^"  '''''''  ''  ''^^''^ 
cal  ed      Owing  however,  to  the'extremrd^v    s Uv  of  ^ZT'^T^''  ""''' 
and  to  invincib  e  jealousy    it  wa«.  inZJ:  l!u7     ,  sectional  intorests, 

be  done  and  that  the  integdty  of  d  e  con^^^^^^^^  "''K"^'  '^''''''  ''^"'^ 

zuela  first  seceded  and  form  d  a  g  vernme^^^^^^^^^^  ^'''-     ^^»«- 

statosofNew  Grenada  next  prClgaTed  t/eif  S  .Pr^"^'^  western 
designated  as  the  "  government  of  thp  F.-.Tm  f  ^^P^^'ation,  and 
Geoeral  Flores,  are  n^ow  wa^^^^^^^.^^ :^,  J^,^^^^^^^^ 

My  Dear  Father,  ""'^'''"^'^  ^'^  ""^^t'  ''  f  TT 
^  My  last  dated  'the  4th  seat  ashore  byThrpnofl^r"^"  '''  ''''■ 
brig  scudding  away  finely  n.st  S?nS  n    f    . '  T^'  *""'"  ^^i^^aoh  little 
hour.  We  lost°sight^of  the  no'ted  H  "hfandrof '^  '''' 'T  ''  '  ^"°^^  P^^ 
wind  continuinlfuir  we  reached    tvS  1'''"^"' *^"'"s^^^'  the 
There  we  had  a  touch  of  what  h    saits^J  1  -Plr.^^..''^'-^'^  '''^  ^'^' 
about  handsomely;  the  few  saih  wThJl        ^  weather,"  and  were  tost 
pitching  and  rolli;.g motion  of  he  ve  sel  tf^^^u^'^  ^'^'^''^y-     ^ho 
had  first  grappled  with  me  at  Sandy"  00k  ad  heido??"^^"'^"^^  ^''''^ 
I  was  not  well  durin.r  the  wholo  v,L2.       a    .  .•       ''°  ^'^^  ^^^«'"'»1  Jays, 
quisitely  sick.    But  a°s     to^k  the  SSn's  ad    ''""''  7'',  ''""^^  ^'^^^  ^^- 
the  provisions  I  could  stoTaw^ty^  Tssoon  ^f.f  >;«' ^^^mg  aboard  all 
discharge  of  the  old  stock  wls^rgottpn   T  did  nnM  '  '"''"»  ^'""^  '^' 
strength  or  flesh  as  might  have  been  exDectL       Ta'''  '°  ^"^  "^""'^ 
the  harbor  in  still  water  or  on\E  ^,f  P'"'^'^-     ^^^  now  a  residence  in 

petite,  an  indulgent  of\Lich  tslde  T/T^  '  '"''''  ''''''''^^'  '»P- 
Cato  was  sick  but  once  and  tha   wo?  H     •      ff  ^^/*«.«t''o«g  as  I  ever  did. 

ter  the  9th  we  had  ^"U'd  thf  tTf^Str^^m^and  t'1  ''  ^'\^^'^-   ^^f" 
with  light  winds.     Indeed  we  were  ofttn  hi  1      ]  ^  '^  smoother  water,      • 
made  head-way  every  dav    TLTvL  t^    becalmed  for  a  short  time,  bu 

IJUnve  had  th^e^S^.S;;o'f^!^tkfnfa^b^^^^^^ 

condition  to  give  any  Pirates,  that  millTbe  ^ere   a^"    S  "•■ '""'''^   " 

^^^  I)o.ui„gol^Jhe^;8ul;;th;Jt  i^SpIn^^^^"'  '''''  ''  '''  '^^^^  ^^ 

66 


f  ' 


<1 


tw 


442 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


I.B. 


It-*' 


11^ 


The  beach  is  very  similar  to  that  of  lionj^  THlaiul,  flat  land  of  a  H^^ht 
Bdiidy  soil;  on  tho  mIJo  wo  pasHoil,  was  hilly,  covensd  with  a  growth  ol'low 
vorilant  bu8hc8,  they  looked  well  to  us.  After  reachinj;  the  Mona,  wo 
wore  favored  by  the  trade  winds,  which  waited  us  gaily  on  our  courHe. 
While  in  the  neighborhood  of  tho  West  Indies  we  had  frequent  rain 
Btornis  accompanied  with  dangerous  gusts,  sudden  and  violent  teiupostsof 
wind,  rain,  thunder  and  lightning,  but  a  sharp  lookout  enablod  the 
experienced  captain  to  foresee  their  approach,  in  time  to  avoid  the  effect  of 
the  furious  swelling  of  the  sea.  On  tho  22nd  we  reached  the  port  of 
Carthagenu,  of  which,  the  town,  vicinity  &c.  I  will  write  from  Uarran- 
quilla.  Kdward  Glen  was  in  town,  but  just  in  the  act  of  leaving,  with  a 
lot  of  goods,  when  the  Captain  and  Custom  House  officers  wont  ashore 
with  the  letter-bag ;  but  as  part  of  his  horses  had  already  started,  and 
being  anxious  to  overtake  them,  ho  was  obliged  to  leave  without 
seeing  me.  He  yesterday  sent  back  horses  for  me,  with  which  I  start 
to  day,  immediately  after  dinner  which  is  now  coming  on  the  table, 
I  intended  to  have  deferred  writing  to  you  till  after  reaching  Glen's 
residence,  as  the  Tampico  docs  not  leave  here  till  the  10th  proximo; 
but  as  a  letter  might  miscarry,  I  thought  best  to  have  two  "white 
winged  messengers"  on  the  way  for  your  satisfaction.  This  one  I'll 
leave  with  the  Captain  and  send  the  other  by  mail  express.  They  are 
loading  the  horses  so  I  must  hurry.  The  Climate  within  the 
tropics  is  hot  enough  here  in  all  conscience,  a  continual  and  scorching 
heat,  but  just  now  the  weather  is  as  moderate  as  with  us  the  last  of  June. 
The  general  character  of  the  people  is  as  described  by  John  Glen ;  as  far 
as  I  now  sec  they  have  a  mixture  of  pride  and  laziness  combined  wi^h 
avarice;  but  I  feel  as  sanguine  as  ever  of  doing  well  here.  My  lovd  to 
all.  Yours  as  ever,        Hens.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Gen.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany,  N.  Y. 

Rensselaer  Van  Rensselaer  to  Ms  Father. 
My  Dear  Father,  Barranquilla  S.  A.  Jany  1,  1829. 

I  little  thought  two  mouths  since  that  the  last  day  of  1828  vould  leave 
me  at  Barrankelia,  but  so  it  is,  and  now  having  told  you  where  I  am, 
after  wishing  you  my  honored  Father,  my  own  dear  Mother,  Sisters  and 
kind  friends  a  great  many  happy  returns  of  this  day,  will  (as  my  letter 
from  Carthagena  was  written  in  such  haste)  waft  you  back  again  to  Lat. 
2ft°.50\  Lon.  68°.30',  where  we  were  Sunday  Dec.  14th  ult.  speaking  the 
brig  "  Louisa  of  St.  Johns,"  from  Trinidad  bound  home ;  the  wind  was 
fresh,  we  barely  had  time  to  exchange  the  usual  inquiries  of  "  What's 
your  name?"  "  What's  your  Longitude?"  "  Where  from  ?"  "  Where 
bound  V  we  passed  each  other  so  rapidly.  Our  hailing  first,  gave  John 
Bull  the  last  word  and  though  he  improved  his  time,  I  could  not  under- 
stand a  word  of  the  long  yarn  he  was  spinning  when  leaving  us,  but  our 
Captain  thought  he  said  something  about  the  Mona  passage,  and  supposed 
he  might  have  warned  us  against  pirates.  The  next  day  the  sea  was  too 
rough  to  allow  us  to  overhaul  our  armory,  but  the  day  after,  the  cartridges 
were  made  for  the  2  s\x  pounders,  for  my  fire  arms  &c.  The  only  sword 
on  board  was  put  in  my  hands;  in  Cato's  a  Spanish  knife  about  two  feet 
long,  which  with  another  knife  and  pistol,  comprised  our  means  of  defence, 
under  the  management  of  ten  men,  and  a  Frenchman.  The  night  before 
we  reached  the  passage,  the  Mate  came  below,  and  told  us  of  a  black  look- 
ing schooner  on  our  lee  quarter.     He  had  seen  her  some  time,  but  did  not 


KINGS. 

(1,  flat  hind  of  a  li^rht 
fid  with  11  growth  of  low 
Miching  the  Mona,  wo 
IS  gaily  on  our  course. 

we  liad  frequent  ruin 
and  violent  teiupostsof 
p  lookout  cnablod  the 
me  to  avoid  the  efFuct  of 
c  reached  the  port  of 
ill  write  from  15arran- 
e  act  of  leaving,  with  a 
se  officers  went  ashore 
,d  alrendy  started,  and 
igcd  to  leave  without 
e,   with  which  I  start 

coming  on   the  table. 

after  reaching  Glen's 
till  the  10th  proximo; 
st  to  have  two  "  white 
faction.  This  one  I'll 
lail  express.  They  are 
)  Climate  within  the 
ontinual  and  scorching 
ivith  us  the  last  of  June. 
i  by  John  Glen  ;  as  far 
laziness  combined  wi^h 
well  here.  My  lovd  to 
.  Van  IIenbselaer. 


father. 

I  S.  A.  Jany  1,  1829. 
day  of  1828  vould  leave 
;  told  you  where  I  am, 
car  Mother,  Sisters  and 
day,  will  (as  my  letter 
you  back  again  to  Lat. 
3.  14th  ult.  speaking  the 
ind  home ;  the  wind  was 
I  inquiries  of  "  What's 
''here  from  ?"  "  Where 
hailing  first,  gave  John 
ime,  I  could  not  under- 
(vhen  leaving  us,  but  our 
na  passage,  and  supposed 
lext  day  the  sea  was  too 
i  day  after,  the  cartridges 
ns  &c.  The  only  sword 
lish  knife  about  two  feet 
■led  our  means  of  defence, 
man.  Tlie  night  before 
d  told  us  of  a  black  look- 
er some  time,  but  did  not 


Leoaoy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  44^ 

•<  Ave  aw  Sir  ".1 .  "  ""'•'""S  "il»  boy«,  bo  livorv  now  " 

■..i.i„.  of  ,.o„o  iiico  0,  tir°«'o-„rit:r"¥h°e";ir  7"'°° 


s({ual 


wind, 


accompanied  by  heavv  showor«  nf  ro,-.,   „  /. 

i.U.eVe».I„'diesT/afl«Mird;     ioriLtK^ 

agarnst  m    time  the   effect  k  fatal      On   th«  ia,h         i        "»' guarded 

Jl....ingo,  and  on  Sunday  21»t  the  L-h  peak,„?  the  V°,l  °     ""'"  "'  ?'' 

l^i  nzzzt  bii-zTae-sr  thtr.;'f'^'  t?^ 

trasted  with  the  beautiful  azure  skv  and  f  f.  1 .  .*^'^«°'"^••«  "hade  con- 
till  it  reaches  the  dark  bluroJ^a  ^Wes  ifa  ve  i  sin^i^:"^^  '^'"" 
persons  accustomed  to  the  mo,.oto..ous  view  on  /nlTtlie  LSr'""''-'" 

Nahuange)  meets  our  view  Tnev  are  u"  29  ?i«fl,-  .^.u  •'  '"t^'-vc"'''/.' 
with  pe^rpitual  ice  nnd^snoir';:  l^icl^tt 't'stie:^^^^^^^ 
splendor  long  after  he  has  buried  himself  from  our  'aze  in  ho  I 
gmng  them  a  resemblance  to  immense  bodies  of  crysta  sfusp  „ded  inS 
a.r  Thos.3  glaciers  reflecting  back  the  prismatic  color  cauTdbvJhe't^ 
of  he  sun  at  twilight,  from  high  above  the  clouds  whicrclothe  its  ht{« 
and  rests  upon  the  deep  blue  ocean,  has  a  ma-ical  effect  nnonh  I 

the  seasick  wanderer.  22./.  Our  course  nft^rt^f  k  „  fa.V  rpaTlld 
with  he  coast,  but  we  did  not  ke.p  near  enough  to  distinguish  Inv  th  fi 
save  the  mountains,  until  we  apprLhed  Carthagena,  where  La  Sa  f 
only  hill  of  consequence  in  the  vicinity,  shows  i"self  about  a  mi  e  North 
WoT  ^'i^C•'y  .crowned  with  the  remains  of  a  dilapidaterNunnerv 
We  passed  the  City  about  4  o'clock,  on  our  way  to  Bona  Chica  o^the 
sm  1  entrance  to  the  harbor,  nine  miles  South  West  of  u  Boca  bldo 
or  the  ,arge  entrance  three  miles  from  the  Town,  was  cbsed  by  the 

dtrt^y'dlcuU."^'"'"'^"  ''  '''  ^''''  ''  *^^  P--^-  ^^'^^ 

is  h^ut'lZ  'r^'  ^^t'-^^^f  ly  ^"^ll  in  passing  by,  its  appearance  from  sea 
TliPwL  ^rom  any  other  quarter,  it  is  the  principal  seaport  town 

I     d  fniTr  n7    uf  *  "  "'i  approaching  the  la'nd.  wEich  wL  a  fortul 
Date  thing  for  us;  although  there  is  a  good  anchorage  for  vessels  in  the 
y,  which  ,s  seven  miles  wide,  yet  there\re  many  shallows  and  h  zard  u 
pots     In  consequence  of  the  darkness  of  the  night  we  struck  in  a  reef 
abut  9  o'clock,  near  Boca  Chica.  and   the  vessel  heaving   and  sinS 

Iltn'f  ^'^f'*^-^  '^'"''^  ^""^'^  '^^^'^  »««"  beat  to  pieces  if  thos? 
waves  had  been   heavier.     As  it  was  the  Captain,  although  alarmed  for 

fl.^  'i  ^!f  "'''"''  ^''^^'^'^  '^'  «^«»«  equaliimity  of  min™liat  he 

petu  s,ty,    and  the  same  composure  exhibited  during  the  whole  passa!^ 
At  the  same  time  his  orders  were  obeyed  with  a  right  good  willTy  tf  e 


it 


i . 


444 


Legacy  of  Uistorical  Gleanings. 


entlro  crow.  I  had  never  seen  even  our  Frenchman  disphiy  so  much 
alacrity,  ho  wuh  out  of  cabin  in  an  instant  after  the  firnt  thump;  and  whoa 
the  bout  was  let  down,  to  carry  out  an  anchor  by  which  to  warp  the  lirij,' 
out,  ho  was  the  first  man  in  it ;  and  in  spite  of  the  ussurunce  of  the  Muto 
that  he  should  not  be  left  behind,  in  ouao  we  went  to  pieces,  he  remained 
there  till  the  heavy  anchor  was  dropped  in  deep  water,  and  did  not  come 
aboard  again  till  the  last  of  the  men  had  left  the  boat.  The  poor  felluw 
was  in  real  trouble,  but  foi  my  life,  I  could  not  but  laugh  at  him  whilst 
he  was  in  the  boat. 

Cato  had  tried  the  pumps  as  directed,  and  they  soon  sucked  and  the 
vessel  was  proved  stanch.  Monsieur  lio8(iuet  was  standing  by  the  pumps 
and  shortly  after  hearing  the  noise  cau.sed  by  the  air  rushing  in  to  fill  up 
the  vaciium  caused  by  the  receding  water,  he  made  a  spring  towards  me, 
and  getting  hold  of  my  arm,  exclaimed  with  tears  in  his  eyes,  "  0  vion 
Diev  !  Mr.  Valencia,  Mun»!cur  Vulctciu,  nuns  Herons  pirtln  !  "  i.  e.,  "  0 
my  God  !  Monsieur  Valencia  (as  he  called  mo)  we  will  be  lost." 

I  explained  the  cause  of  tho  noise  he  had  heard  and  pointing  out  the 
short  distance  we  were  from  land  said  we  would  be  saved.  The  rising 
moon  enabled  us  now  to  distinguish  the  shore,  but  that  would  not  pacify 
him,  he  could  not  swim,  and  wo  were  on  a  sharp  rocky  bottom,  that  some 
of  the  shaggy  points  could  certainly  go  through  the  vessel  and  sink  us  he 
was  quite  sure.  Just  then  I  found  by  the  lead,  which  I  was  holding, 
that  the  heaving  on  the  anchor  started  the  brig  and  passed  the  word  to 
the  Captain  "  she  moves."  "  She  moves  boys,  heave  away,"  says  tlie 
captain  from  one  end  of  the  capstan  ;  "  She  moves,  my  bullies,"  says  tho 
Mate  from  tho  other.  All  hands  now  appeared  to  have  received  new 
vigor  from  the  news  I  had  imparted  and  exerted  themselves  accordingly. 
Tho  Captain  who  had  taken  tho  lead  corroborated  my  report,  and  a  new 
hand  at  the  pumps  pronounced  her  a  "  sound  ship."  The  cry  was  echoed 
aloud,  and  all  hands  on  board,  but  the  Frenchman,  manning  tho  windlass 
brought  the  vessel  up  to  the  second  anchor,  when  a  favoring  blast  filling 
our  sails  we  soon  left  our  dangerous  berth.  At  eleven  o'clock  we  cume 
to  anchor  under  the  guns  of  the  forts  at  the  mouth  of  Boco-Chica.  The 
Forts  are  about  half  a  mile  apart,  strongly  built,  well  garrisoned  and  stored, 
of  a  circular  shape,  mounted  with  two  tiers  of  heavy  guns.  The  Spaniards 
have  confined  in  them  a  number  of  persons  supposed  to  have  been  con- 
cerned in  the  disturbances  at  Bogotii,  among  whom  is  General  Santander, 
Vice  President. 

Having  for  eighteen  days  bv3en  accustomed  to  hear  the  roaring  of  the 
elements,  and  hum  of  the  seamen  about  me  only,  on  that  night  the  period- 
ical cry  of  the  Sentries  on  the  walls  of  the  castles,  the  tolling  of  the  bells, 
the  twittering  of  the  pelican  and  other  birds,  the  barking  of  dogs,  together 
with  the  melodious  tones  of  the  jackass  on  shore,  formed  such  "a 
combination  of  sweet  sounds,"  that  I  being  naturally  fond  of  music,  could 
not  think  of  sleeping  five  minutes  at  a  time  during  the  night,  although  I 
feit  fatigued  not  only  from  my  exertions  the  evening  before,  but  from  the 
operation  of  a  heavy  dose  of  salts,  of  which  J  had  taken  a  good  one,  (not 
by  any  means  forgetting  to  give  the  same  to  Cato.")  On  L'ecember  23rd  at 
7  P.  M.  a  Pilot  came  on  board  and  conducted  us  into  the  harbor  as  tie 
assistance  of  a  good  pilot,  amid  all  the  many  shoals,  is  quite  necessary. 
Wc  passed  the  61  gun  ship  '  Columbia  "  fitting  out  for  the  coast  of  Peru, 
(since  gone),  another  national  vessel  of  the  same  size,  together  with  three 
other  smaller  ones  lie  in  the  harbor  dismantled  and  going  to  decay.    The 


NING8. 

iiiian  (liHpliiy  so  much 
tlrHt  thump  ;  und  wIumi 
which  to  warp  the  bri^' 
UHHurunce  of  tho  Muto 
to  pieces,  he  reinuined 
atcr,  and  did  not  cuine 
boat.  The  poor  fellow 
ut  laugh  at  him  whilttt 

y  soon  sucked  and  tho 
standing  by  the  puinpa 
lir  rushing  in  to  fill  up 
le  a  spring  towards  nie, 
i  in  his  eyes,  "  0  mon 
oils  pirdn  !  "  i.  e.,  "  0 
will  be  lost." 
1  and  pointing  out  the 
be  saved.  The  rising 
that  would  not  pacify 
3cky  bottom,  that  some 
e  vessel  and  sink  us  he 
which  I  was  holding, 
nd  passed  the  word  to 
leave  away,"  says  the 
;,  my  bullies,"  says  tho 
to  have  received  new 
hemsclves  accordingly, 
my  report,  and  a  new 
'  The  cry  was  echoed 
,  manning  the  windlass 
a  favoring  blast  filling 
leven  o'clock  wo  cume 
I  of  Boco-Chica.  The 
1  garrisoned  and  stored, 
guns.  The  Spaniards 
)sed  to  have  been  con- 
1  is  General  Santander, 

sar  the  roaring  of  the 
1  that  night  the  period- 
the  tolling  of  the  bells, 
rking  of  dogs,  together 
ore,  formed  such  "a 
ly  fond  of  music,  could 
the  night,  although  I 
ig  before,  but  from  the 
taken  a  good  one,  (not 
On  L^ecember  23rd  at 
ito  the  harbor  as  tl  e 
s,  is  quite  necessary. 
t  for  the  coast  of  Peru, 
ze,  together  with  three 
1  going  to  decay.    The 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  445 

u  Lnzaretto  and  a  Monastery  k  0   1  t.Tif  ''  •  "°'l'"  "'""-'"'*-' 

tends  to  diversify  the  scene  :  near  the  last  f h.  J  '/■ '  V"'"-'  ''  "'  "'^  ""^^''^ 
uf  cultivation  is  nutnifestod^ra  fil  or  two  o?''  "'^'''"^r"  ^"  '"'^«  «««« 
you  Cato's  description  of  the  villi  houses  'T"  W^T'  '^''P'^« 
Htraw  thatched  barns"  The  porf  i  n  n«  1°^  """^  '''"'  "«'  '"""y 
one  to  three  miles  wide,  is  a  Sd  harhnr  ?  '',  ""^'  ""'■^'"K  ^'^^ 
of  wafer  and  land  locked.  The  la^>d  su  n  t  • '^"'^  11^^^^  ""'^^  P'^"*^ 
not  in  any  point  attain  a  great  elevation  "^'  '''  '''""8»>  uneven,  does 

^^^'^^^^'^-tZ;^  -".  ^  -arer 

the  water.  A  boat  of  revenue  officers'soon  n  ,ml  \  f'""  8h..lIow.-..s  of 
the  Captain's  papers,  and  Hoalin7uTthe  h  t^  ll^H^  n''  ''""""•""« 
the  number  on  board  to  prevent  smuL'Ji„r«Ln^'  ^T   ""^  '^"^"'g  one  of 

land  without  a  W...  or 'permit  ?rITUt    't^^^^^^^ 

of  introduction    from  John   Glen  to  1    T  •  u    ."^''f  <^ay  I  sent  a  hatter 

ofKinselIa,asMr.GlenIdledl  to  J"'^-^?^^^^^^  by  the  name 
thing  for  a  friend  of  his  but  beinr^nl  /^"'^  *^"*  ^^  ^""'^^  ^^  ^^y 
toonmchofasoldt  toforsakehT3^^  '  T";*'""'  ^^P^'^'''^"  •« 

I  therefore  after  sealing  uTasecond^Ltlr  f^7n^^  ^'''  ^^'''"g^"' 
Consul,  sent  that  ashorf,"!  Eg  h  d  s  L  Sfffiru "  ^'jf/™--- 
authorities  there  CHe  had  been  in  nr;«  n!^  1      ^'^'^'^^y  with  the  civil 

arising  from  that  WLmsta  r3  SetltlontiHo  'p  'T'^^'r^ 
and  Mr.  Clay,  he  afterwards  showed  me  „ni  •  '"**'"^  President  Bolivar 
me  to  take  on  to  Gen.  H^r lonTcouhl  „  .  ^'^'T''''^  ^  statement  for 
gavethebusinessb  thehrdsofa  New  V  T'i  P'""'""""^  '«  '^'  ^^' 
took  all  the  steps  for  gett  "g  me  a'h  1"^  wLiiTt  ^l  T'  f  ^^^"^'  ^'^^ 
I  observed  the  Lnne';  of  discha^^inT'a  v^s  t  caC  The  7  't'"' 
taken  to  the  Custom  House  rwhere  Pv«rJ^;  i  ^^j"  •  ^^^  ^""^'Sht  is 
large  canoes  or />««^«,s--LKluldK"^    '"'''^  ''  exan.ined)  in 

ent.on  of  going  on  to  Barranquilla,  and  sent  him  word  that  I  would  be 
uppy  to  accompany  hnn.  He  returned  as  answer,  that  he  deslned  to 
^tait  on  baturday  evening  the  27th,  and  would  be    xtremely  glalof  ny 


} 

1 

As! 


u 


446 


Leoacy  of  IlrsTORicAL  Gleaninos. 


company.  Tn  conMtMjuoiico  of  which  I  dotain'iil  tho  liorsos  ami  f,'iii(lo, 
thiit  Kdwiird  (ileri  hmi  procured  for  ui«,  ut  a  hoiivjr  oxpetipio  ;  however, 
whoii  thu  (hiy  arrived  Mr.  Burlio,  who  hml  iiolthor  thought  proper  to  cull 
>ipoii,  or«orid  mo  word  about  it,  Wuh  not  yet  ready  ;  and  uh  I  did  not  linow 
when  he  would  be,  I  left  Carthugenn  the  next  day  aUmd.  I  wa.s  advised 
to  wait  for  hitn,  but  I  told  MelMierHon  and  othorw  that  Mr.  Hurke'H  com- 
pany wa.s  as  little  dcHirable  to  me  as  mine  appeared  to  be  tu  him,  and  that 
1  could  travel  without  putting  'nyaelt'  under  any  obligatiouH  to  him,  that 
it'  our  Hituation.s  had  been  reversed,  my  conduct  under  the  sumo  circuin- 
HtancoH  would  have  been  different.  The  grand  dillicui'y  in  procuring  niy 
oortiticateH  was  in  .onaequonoo  of  tint  holilays,  a  gala  Hoason  in  every 
fionse  of  thu  word,  when  the  entire  community  engage  in  feasting  and 
masquerading  to  tho  exclusion  of  attention  to  buHincHS.  My  papers  wero 
given  as  a  mutter  of  very  great  favor. 

Carthagcnia  is  situated  on  what  was  formerly  a  Peninsula,  but  the 
ppaniards  in  fortifying  it  dug  a  ditch,  35  or  40  feet  wide  across  tho 
IsthmuH,  to  prevent  sapping  <juite  deep,  inside  of  which  the  walls  of  stone 
arise  30  feet  high  and  fr  m  10  to  15  feet  in  thickness.  The  suburbs  us 
called  though  larger  t'  i  the  city,  are  secured  in  tho  same  manner  well 
fortified  with  wall  and  ditch.  One  bridge  across  each  ditch  serves  to 
connect  it  with  the  mainland;  those  are  of  wood  and  can  bo  dcstioyed 
with  ease  when  necessary.  The  whole  line  of  fortification  is  ornamer,ted 
with  24  pounders  of  copper,  elegant  workmanship,  besides  ruortars  ko. 
jialf  a  mile  from  the  City  walls,  is  the  Castle  of  St.  Fhilipf  '.t  is  situ;,  d 
on  an  eminence  150  feet  high,  it  is  also  strongly  fortified  and  commands 
tho  town,  it  presents  a  grand  appearance.  Half  a  mile  further  in  the 
Bime  direction  from  the  City,  the  hill  of  Jja  Papa,  rears  its  coronated  head 
upwards  of  500  feet  above  the  sea.  With  a  singular  oversight  the 
ypaniards.  in  their  wisdom,  when  erecting  works  for  tho  defence  of  the 
City  did  not  think  of  fortifying  it,  in  consequence  the  troops  of  Gen. 
Bolivar  became  its  masters  without  much  trouble  during  the  revolution. 
From  whence  they  securely  cannonaded  San  Philippe,  till  battered  walls 
on  the  land  side  affording  no  protection  to  the  famished  garrison,  they 
were  compelled  to  strike  to  the  Colombian  flag  ;  after  which  its  guns  in 
conjunctiim  with  those  on  Lu  Papa  were  directed  upon  the  City.  Whilst 
those  land  operations  were  going  on.  General  Padilla  (since  shot  in  Bogota) 
taking  advantage  of  a  favorable  breeze,  run  by  the  Forts  at  Boca  Chici, 
in  a  small  sloop  of  war,  at  night,  anchored  in  the  harbor  and  thereby  cut 
off  the  inhabitants  from  the  only  remaining  source  of  procuring  supplies. 
Shortly  after  the  City  yielded  to  its  assailants;  but  with  provisions  plenty 
the  place  is  impregnable. 

After  reporting  myself  to  the  civil  authorities,  being  at  liberty  to  follow 
tho  dictates  of  my  fancy,  I  yielded  to  its  impulse  and  followed  the  crowd 
to  the  public  square  m  the  heart  of  the  City.  Here  the  Magistrates  had 
assembled  to  dispense  Liberty,  the  greatest  bles.singof  man,  as  a  Christmas 
present  to  about  thirty  slaves  of  both  sex  and  all  ages.  It  was  a  most 
interesting  sight ;  when  the  Cap  of  Freedom  was  presented  to  them,  the 
poor  mortals  could  not  restrain  their  tears  and  theory  of  Viva  el Lihrator 
and  Viva  lu  Repuhlica,  burst  from  the  crowd  at  the  conclusion  of  the 
ceremony.  The  delighted  frced-men  uoffod  their  ordinary  hats  and  havin<; 
uiountcd  their  tri-colored  caps,  paraded  the  streets  with  the  most  grotesque 
demonstrations  of  joy.  It  was  laughable  to  witness  the  ludi(  ous  expre.s- 
sion  with  a  broad  grin  on  their  comical  faces  and  the  spring  halt  scrt  of 


ht!t,  when  it  is  Hucceedeu  dv  tlio  Ih-kI  »■•.«,.,.      i-  l   .1 vt ,  nm, 

M,  Hetweon  tho  chunKos  ti  „ir  h  ll„rwhil«  If  '"""  'l"  ^^  "  ^■ 
a  .noHt  perpendicular  ra^n  with  huc  h  '.no  L M;;';  T""  '^•"^•"  ^'" 
the  .nha  manrB  Heek  tho  nheitcr  of  their  houses     ho  \  "'"•'""'y  «^ 

tunes  w  riHe  in  the  H«n  to  160°,  in  tie  laU;  '  o%  o"or  oJo''-V""!; 
Ihave  been  excecclindy  careful  of  «« If  «Hll  ;.  »  ."  .  "  ■'''>»>igh 
timcH  necesHaril.  exposed  to  th«  h  at  a  \  1  L  1  7'; '''^'  ^'''^^  '^''«"  »* 
not  HubHoquentfy,  J  far,  oxperiene;:i\:^;  .j'^^'.^  '^^^^^  >-« 
poHure;  on  the  contrary.  I  ieel  Ktron,rnr  ..n-i  .  ,  '"  *'^°'"  ^''e  ex- 

the  five  or  «ix  last  years  The  Jl  n  iTn.v  hr  ""^  I^^'f^'  '^""  ^  ''"^«  ^«r 
«oa,e  to  ,ne  at  hJo  for  that  pe?  3  1  a  Lt  X^  i'^  was  of^en  trouble- 
know  not  whether  to  attribut^e  thi^  J^le^Se  I'LT  '^''  '''"'•  u^ 
cl.umte,  but  imagine  both  have  a  "  hand's  8h,«"7nT.  f''  *?'  ^'^  *•>« 
too,  is  as  hearty  as  a  buck  goat.  '"  '•'°«^"'^  ""^""'t.  Cato, 

Tho  houses  of  Cartha"ena  arp  hniU  ,^p  ».  1 

roofs;  those  of  tho  wea^  oL  a"     tfo  t;!;/h th""^ 
hanging  over  the  street,   with   lattices  of  wood      T«      ^'**\  balconies, 
generally  have  two  apartments,  one  0?  whS  Is  u  eJ  „«'"'  ''P  ^''''''  ' 
and  working  room  ;  the  other  «,  T  ;,„        i     1       ■        "^  "  P"''""".  «"'  ng 

family.     Tll^e  hamuloek:  ?or  t  rangL^TlptT^^  '""^  ^^' 

or  in  a  shed  at  tho  back  of  th«  ht,Z        suspended  either  in  the  parlor, 

to  it,  in  tho  rear  of  which  La  rotmfb  ZU  '^""'.'  ^^  "  ^"^  ''"«*'hod 
are  no  ceilings  and  no  floo  s  oxcen^  tjl  ^""^  ""'^  for  servants.  There 
ground  floors' in  tho  Iwor  stor^'Th  "  usTste"'  '"^'"^"-^'^  ''"'^ 
antnjue:  the  latticed  or  barred  windows  wT  Tr  T^  T^"'"  ""^ 
thick  walls  and  heavy  doors  Xe  I.  h  7.  "*  '''■'''''  ^'^^  '"""^^nse 
dunoeoo,  but  when  yL  rter  thev  't  ""'  "^'  ,«??«/'•""««  o*'  «  castlo  or 
edifices  have  the  1^'"  ^^sp^ct  he  7' ^  'f  ^'^""-  '^^^^  P'^^'^'^ 
bellished  with  iurnituro  of  th'e  Zs  co  tVy  do  r  pt n  "Th'"^  "^''^  ^"- 
regular  squares,  but  not  very  wide  •  not  naved  fnrV  '  '^'^^^'  "^  '» 
is  sand,  they  are  very  dustv  in  Z'rlrvL^  ?.m  °^,f°»'-se.  «8  the  soil 

25  or  30,000  of  every  shade  Von.  f  h^?        T\    ^  'I  I>ulation  is  about 

the  Crooies  or  contSfa  ed  Z  pr  dStJ  ovl'r  t^  ""^  ^^TT^^^' 
the  aborigines  form  the  largest  ZZZT  T     •       ^^  """"xed,  though 

European's  with  NegroLSfan^and'creole?  '  Tl.rratt^J^'e^.h '  V'" 
ness  class  and  generally  thriftv      PnUrA^         .  f^  ^^^  ^^^  busi- 

er augment  the'  resnelliuf^'of  a^.  person 'a'l'a^'^f '' 'l",""^t  ^'°'"' 
opportunity  to  observe  are  equal  nrovid.7?I'  i  u  ""'  ^  *''*'"  •'"'^  '^^ 
here  as  wifh  us  '<  money^Tes  'thTmat  gl'"'  '"^  ^'^  necessary ./.«.. 

endre  cessation  from  labor  indeed  f-o^^  .Ir  "5  'f  '\''V'  ^^"'°«'  «» 
the  transaction  of  business      Danoinlir         "^"''f'  *^' ^"'^  P™'"^>if« 


I 


ill 


448 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


of  the  "black  spirits  and  white,  blue  spirits  and  pray,"  in  their  fanciful 
disguises  is  most  astonishing.  There  surrounded  by  the  mob  who  have 
free  access,  you  see  hundreds  "  trip  it  on  the  light  fantastic  toe,"  engaged 
in  the  giddy  waltz,  and  at  intervals  breaking  off  to  witness  the  explosion 
of  some  splendid  pyrotechnical  exhibitions.  The  richest  class  alone  as- 
sume the  mask,  and  probably  the  greater  proportion  attend  without  being 
able  to  bear  the  expense.  Most  of  the  ordinary  dresses  for  the  ladies  are 
very  costly  and  elegant ;  the  prevailing  hea^'  gear  is  a  large  figured  tortoise 
shell  comb  covt rod  with  a  rich  black  lace  veil;  gold  neck  ornaments, 
white  gowns,  figured  silk  stockings  and  satin  slippers  constitute  the 
dress  for  all  kinds  of  weather  ;  bonnets  are  never  worn  because  the  climate 
here  is  extremely  hot,  and  sultry  during  the  whole  year.  The  gentle- 
men's dress  is  a  complete  suit  of  white  material  with  pumps.  The  young 
of  the  poorer  cla^- js  run  about  the  streets,  with  all  the  clothes  that  Nature 
gave  them  and  no  more.  The  ladies,  in  masquerading,  appear  more  de- 
sirous to  remain  incog  than  to  support  any  character  as  they  do  in  Europe. 
For  that  reason  I  was  not  as  well  pleased  as  I  had  thought  I  would  be  ; 
some  few  of  the  Masks,  however  did  sustain  a  character  tolerably  well. 
Among  those  was  a  North  American  Indian  with  his  tomahawk,  wampum- 
belt,  knife  and  rifle,  a  vevy  demure  looking  Nun  ;  a  gouty  Sexagenarian 
with  two  pretty  daughters,  both  of  the  Senoras  evidently  were  watching 
an  op  it,rtunity  of  running  away  with  some  handsome  lover.  When  they 
were  dancing,  the  poor  old  man,  scarcely  able  to  see  across  his  nose,  would 
hunt  for  them  till  his  cough  compelled  him  to  be  seated.  There  was  also 
a  Monkey  with  his  two  keepers.  The  best  of  the  whole  company  was  a 
Bashaw  with  his  Sultana  j  they  were  richly  dressed  in  Oriental  robes 
and  supported  their  characters  to  a  nicety.  I  remarked  to  Oapt.  Fish  as 
they  passed  by  us,  what  I  thought  of  them,  and  added,  I  did  not  wonder 
at  his  taste  in  confining  himself  to  the  society  of  one  Senora,  who  could 
move  and  act  the  Sultana  so  well.  In  the  next  turn  the  Mask  addressed 
me  in  Spanish  with  "  How  do  you  do  Sefior  Ingles,"  from  which  I  in- 
ferred that  he  had  understood  my  remark.  I  could  not  find  out  who  it 
was,  but  from  the  height  and  figure  supposed  him  to  be  a  Mr.  Bunch,  the 
richest  Englishman  in  the  place,  to  whom  I  ha  \  been  introduced.  The 
masks  seldom  hail  a  stranger,  or  a  person  unknown  to  them,  but  always 
return  a  salutation.  Sunday  is  the  grand  gala  day  for  the  amusements  at 
which  time  a  more  general  muster  is  made  with  much  smoking  of  cigars. 
A  corner  of  the  same  square  is.  appropriated  to  the  slaves  for  their  use 
during  the  "  Fiestas,"  who  imitating  the  example  of  their  betters,  have 
their  own  fun  in  dancing  the  monotonous  "  fandangos  "  while  the  festivi- 
ties last. 

There  is  one  custom  in  Colombia  chat  does  not  suit  my  Yankee  stomach 
at  all !  at  all,  and  that  is  to  be  content  with  two  meals  per  day.  It  is  a 
universal  practice  to  swallow  a  cup  of  coffee  at  first  rising  in  tho  morning; 
the  regular  breakfast  is  taken  at  10  o'clock  it  generally  consists  of  coffee, 
hollos,  fish,  a  mixed  dish  (made  of  salt  meat,  yams,  plantains,  potatoes  and 
other  roots  called  Sari  Cocho),  poultry  &c.  At  6  o'clock  i>.  M.  you  are 
called  to  dinner  of  innumerable  dishes  of  soup,  fish,  turtle,  poultry,  pork, 
and  other  meats  which  are  served  up  in  succession  with  a  change  of  plates 
for  each  variety.  Instead  of  bread  and  potatoes,  we  have  fine  yams  aiiJ 
the  "bollos,"  which  is  the  substitute  for  bread  where  fluur  cannot  be  obtained , 
Cit  is  a  nrenaration  from  n>aizo  and  is  quite  palatable,  though  not  equal  to 
our  "staff'  of  life.")     The  meal  is  finished  with  oranges,  papaws,  plantuius 


jray,"  in  their  fanciful 


Leoacy  of  HiaTOEiCAL  GLSASiNas.  449 

but  at  the  conelusion  of  the  nea  we  are  fn"  Tl  "°r^^*«'y  ^^  «u^«et, 
here  used  by  n,en,  womea  anTc^irdrea  o/jve"  -■  T^  "^' •''  ""^''^  ^^« 
room,  without  regard  to  time  or  p  aco  from  IS  ^  ''i','''  "^^  '°  *^^  ^.a!!- 
The  road  for  a  mfle  or  two  fJom  fhTJhu2  ^  "'n*^''  *''  *^'  '«'^^'«  <''''^tch- 
in  use,  and  indeed  the  o2  onT  kind  tha,  /'  "I  ""'"°?  ^''  ''''''^'' 
Even  these  are  used  only  by  the  most  wp'U  r^'''  '^^'^  ^'^'^^^y^. 
of  gigs,  dram  by  one  ho^rsef  on  wS  Th;  &  ''^  "•■'  "'7  ^'"'"^y  ««rt 
calculated  to  carry  three  ncrson.  on  ;f  ,  ^''  ''  mounted ;  the  gig  is 
poor  horses  that  tL  route^rrndrno  f^/l^  '''*'  '.^^  "  '^  ^^"  ^^^  °the 
chine  is  load  enough  withou'  a  passenge  ^Burn^'  ""''t'  '^  '^'  °»- 
is  the  have  headed  ladies  seem  Te^?;  he  drfve've'v  much  "'"^'^^'^^^^ 

CaranTat  w^/retrtol^hrir  *^^  ^-  the 

4  P.  M.  r  left  the  strJngty-rScSSnS  iS"  4' t^'^'^^^o' 
26  ,  accompanied  to  the  outer  "••.(p.,  hv  cf^  ""  '  ^''-  ^^°"-  75° 

where  we  found  that  the  S  had  1^^/.^'''".  ^'^".=  Americans, 

ba^^gage  .;  also  had  demanS  a  search    a'n  op  ra'tifn1t\"?  ^f  ^""^  '"^ 
passing  through  the  Custom  Hnn«n\  k\%?P         ,    '^  ^^^  undergone  in 

Lre  allowed^o   V'oiTrJC7ilV2rZ'::Z'°'IrT  " 
arf/a?  from  my  Countrymen   who  h-,d  tm^i      •  ^^^*'""^"-.    After  hearty 

supposed  ^,u,  ™iji,rrit  ito^ti^^XtZnczTs  "r' 

lufty  domes,  the  sp  endid  Cnfjiorlr.,!   ti         c  ■  ?  ,  ;  ""^''J^  streets, 

handsom.  turrets  and  vryth^^^^^^  ^'T'^^  Inquisition 

Terra  Firma.  [''This  co^niy  was  S  ed  Te    a  fCT^  p'^^       '°^^  '" 
count  of  its  beino-  the  first  ^JtZ'tlTn    r       .T-^  ^^  Columbus,  on  ac- 

*.  .aod,  J.c„ve'red;^:r:„1,:^\l"  '^.t^    ™  *°°'"'^'  "» 

look  at  ourselves  and  nT,r  nl?'  T  r '^  °?"'.^  ^^''  ^'^^"'^  ^"^  "^^  we  can 
he  sits  '' in  nU  l!-        •  °"'^/"'"^^'«-     First  in  line  is  the  Patron  or  -uide 

crossdo     ;     "^i^'lrhLfc^  -y  two  trunks  with  his  legs 

tl-.e  horse  him  th"  tawr  v  do,^  -  V  ?  °  'T'  ^'  ''  f"^  '^'  ^'"'^  '^^^ 
pantaloons  2l  short  SpfV  .  .'"  '""'''•  I"^  "'^^^'^  ''^^  '"  ^^^duroy 
Lp.no     nntf  '^'lo^.Ja^'^et,  boots  and  spurs  with  holsters  and  pistols  be 

^■>w^^  ck  p    ^e'foi   mVs     "  "'^''  1'^'^''^'  ""^''^  '^  »°^^i""  "^«re  than  a 
pKucd  on  mats  are  my  two  bags.     Ho  does  not  like  the  way  of 

■'  has  his  legs  straddling  without  the  cross  :  under 

57 


lorsea, 


P 


i 
I 


'  4  . 


I 


450 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


him  is  my  hammock  and  his  mat,  on  his  shoulders  the  gun.  Our  guns 
are  all  loaded.  Oato  has  had  his  lesson,  and  being  fully  prepared  in  case 
of  trouble  we  shall  be  able  to  show  a  pretty  good  fight.  Now  that  you 
know  how  we  look,  wo  must  tell  you  how  we  feel,  strangers  in  a  strange 
land,  very  much  like  cats  in  a  strange  garret. 

As  I  had  never  been  in  the  country  since  landing  in  South  America, 
every  object  was  novel  to  me  ;  nothing  at  all  that  meets  our  view  is  like 
what  we  have  seen  before.  The  houses  are  built  of  reeds,  thatched  with 
palm  leaves ;  goats  are  substituted  for  cows,  jacks  for  horses  ;  (horses 
are  as  rare  hero  as  jacks  are  with  us).  Dogs  look  like  wolves  and  cats 
like  skeletons  of  things  that  have  been.  Birds,  insects,  trees,  foliage,  man- 
ners, language,  all,  all  is  new,  but  then  being  so  strange  and  1  of  such 
a  contemplative  genius,  the  whole  assemblage  serves  as  food  for  amuse- 
ment and  pour  passer  le  temps.  The  guide  laughs  and  swears  by  turns 
because  I  do  not  understand  his  Spanish  lingo,  but  then  I  laugh  when 
it  pleases  me  becnuse  the  stupid  jacknapes  knows  nothing  of  pure  English  j 
my  revery  is  frequently  broken  in  upon  by  his  guarding  me  against  some 
projecting  branch  whilst  dodging  among  the  trees.  Our  ponies  are  going 
on  while  I  am  moralizing,  and  ten  o'clock  at  night  finds  us  five  leagues 
[15  miles]  from  Carthagena  at  the  village  of  Turbacco,  but  the  evening 
was  too  far  advanced  to  be  able  to  distinguish  what  kind  of  a  place  it  was. 
I  was  both  hungry  and  fatigued  ;  at  first  there  was  some  diflSculty  in 
making  my  wants  known,  but  what  with  my  Spanish,  signs,  the  landlord's 
broken  French  and  the  ditto  English  of  a  young  gentleman,  whose  di- 
rection is  Seiior  Buenaventura  De  Aleazer,  (Phoebus  !  what  a  name !) 
I  finally  succeeded  very  well.  Seiior  De  Aleazer  was  very  polite ;  after 
inspecting  my  Passport  he  informed  me  he  was  going  lo  the  United  States 
as  Secretary  of  the  Colombian  Legation.  He  gave  me  a  letter  of  intro- 
duction to  his  brother  who  was  a  Secretary  at  Hogota,  expressing  a  wish  for 
a  letter  from  Barranquilla  to  my  parents,  which  I  agreed  to  give.  His 
instructions  to  my  guide  had  the  eflfect  of  making  my  journey  much  more 
pleasant  than  it  would  otherwise  have  been. 

At  3  oclock  A.  M.  when  I  arose  to  pursue  my  journey,  my  stranger 
friend  also  got  up  and  over  a  glass  of  his  anise  cordial  bade  me  a  kind 
"  adios  "  and  away  I  started  by  moonlight  with  grateful  feelings  that 
persons  seldom  experience  after  so  short  an  acquaintance.  About  daylight 
we  passed  through  the  hamlet  of  ReboUera,  one  league  from  Turbacco  m 
the  road  runs,  but  owing  to  the  damage  it  had  sustained  from  previous 
rains,  we  were  obliged  to  take  so  many  circuitous  turns,  that  we  trebled 
the  distance.  Two  leagues  further  on  we  stopped  to  breakfast  at  Caiia- 
veral,  another  pretty  little  hamlet.  The  road  was  better  but  still  compelled 
to  deviate  from  the  direct  path  so  frequently  that  it  was  ten  oclock  before 
we  reached  the  little  village  of  Sipacoa  distant  about  two  leagues.  There 
are  no  intermediate  houses  between  these  hamlets  or  villages,  the  space  is 
covered  with  impenetrable  forests,  without  water,  which  undoubtedly  is 
the  grand  cause  of  its  uncultivated  state  for  the  soil  appears  to  be  good. 
Wherever  water  can  be  obtained  you  find  as  many  inhabitants  settled 
round,  as  it  will  supply  through  the  dry  season,  and  the  whole  stock  of 
the  little  hamlet  will  consist  of  Jacks,  goats,  fowls  and  occasionally  a  hog. 
On  leaving  a  village  my  guide  always  procured  a  good  «upply  of  the  Cocoa- 
nuts  for  the  sake  of  the  water  with  which  they  are  tilled;  \7e  found  it  a 
very  necessary  precaution  for  without  the  liquor  of  the  nuts  we  migbt 
have  wisliCd  lu  vain  for  a  cooling  nutritious  beverage  to  queacb  our  thirst 


[ING3. 


the  gun.     Our  guns 

fully  prepared  in  case 

fight.     Now  that  you 

strangers  in  a  strange 

ng  in  South  America, 
meets  our  view  is  liice 
)f  reeds,  thatched  with 
:s  for  horses  ;  (horses 
i.  lilce  wolves  and  cats 
its,  trees,  foliage,  man- 
strange  and  1  of  such 
•ves  as  food  for  amuse- 
s  and  swears  by  turns 
lut  then  I  laugh  when 
thing  of  pure  Engliih ; 
rding  me  against  some 

Our  ponies  are  going 
t  finds  us  five  leagues 
bacco,  but  the  evening 
,  kind  of  a  place  it  was. 
as  some  difficulty  in 
h,  signs,  the  landlord's 

gentleman,  whose  di- 
hoebus  !  what  a  name !) 

was  very  polite ;  after 
ng  10  the  United  States 
'e  me  a  letter  of  intro- 
a,  expressing  a  wish  for 
agreed  to  give.  His 
my  journey  much  more 

journey,  my  stranger 
cordial  bade  me  a  kind 

grateful  feelings  that 
tance.  About  daylight 
iague  from  Turbacco  m 
astaiued  from  previous 

turns,  that  we  trebled 
i  to  breakfast  at  Cafia- 
etter  but  still  compelled 
it  was  ten  oclock  before 
lut  two  leagues.  There 
or  villages,  the  space  is 
•,  which  undoubtedly  is 
)il  appears  to  be  good. 
any  inhabitants  settled 
ind  the  whole  stock  of 

and  occasionally  a  hog. 
ood  Hupply  of  the  Cocuu- 
re  tilled  j  yie  found  it  ;i 

of  the  nuts  we  m\ghl 
age  to  queacb  our  thirst 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  451 

while  crossing  this  savanna  or  extensive  nlftm      Tu  a  • 

wc  advance  through  forests  of  im.nfnr/ia^g  "rcelof  whi'chTr  " 
claims  pre-eminence,  it  drops  its  leaves  twiop  «  U  •  l  ^'*"°gany 
bark  is  smooth,  of  a  brown  c'olor  t^e  m^or tVSse'trt'ar/  *'' 
in  circumference  than  a  hoL'shead  running  ,,n  wWK  f  ^^T .  ^  .'""'''* 
the  l,«ii,M  of  f™„  80  to  lO-O  fe^rbZ"'"? th  o^  o^'aZLS'^"'"""  " 

I  was  much  interested  at  observin<r  auito  ■^  o^^nUA       „  "°  , 
loaded  with  planks  of  mahogany  abTuI  ZmSlTf't^.      ^-'l'  ^f?  ^ 
two  of  those  planks  constitu^ed'a  load  fT  'p!    '    %  ^7  '£"*  if  J 
brutes,  with  the  ends  lashed  on  either  side  offfeir  resnccttve  III  ^aT^ 
were  jogging  along  in  their  sober  pace,  ei,\t  or  ten   n  nuX^r    h  '!5      '' 
on  the  last  one  bringing  up  the  ?ear.'    ft  is  Lrpr isingThe  ;  th  "a'nd 
magnitude  these  poor  animals  carry  for  so  -reat  ^Hi^  .!«!     Tif  "        ^ 
ping- fourteen  leagues  without  foU  or  waiter  "  '  ^l^^/^^^^J'^Jout  stop- 
oif  the  crown  of  beatty  from  the  other  forlsttee's'    itdoes  n  ["o  ^   ^T 
to  a  great  height,  but  its  elegant  leaves  cinerSn?from  tL  verv  t"'^  P 
straight,  smooth  and  taperin"  body    assumW  „f  Z?  u         V  ^""^  ""^  ^ 
contrasts  well  with  the  Liked  btlfc'heToTsl^^^^^^^^^ 
The  leaves  of  the  palm  tree  are  used  here  for  thatchinsr  hoZUhlt  IIT 
as  fans  for  the  ladies.     The  perpetual  verdure  .of  the  LoTw^ht 
green  foliage  always  adorn  these  grounds  and  is  a  most  refreshing  si4t 
At  Sipacoa,  the  first  Cocoa-trees  are  seen  after  leaving  Cartha"e^nrir; 
now  we  meet  with  thorn    n  every  villa'-e      The  hndv  nf  fvil  p    °      ' 
bles  at  a  distance  the  palm,  entii^ly  wS^h'outtln^tsf  i  \\s'errmT^^ 
ground  with   a  smooth    and    slightly   tapering    trunk    from   3oTo   50 
feet.     They  exactly  resemble  the  feather  of  a  fowl  -  ^  but  rather    ar4r 
you  will  suppose -as  they  measure  from  the  point  to  the  end  of  the  stem 
romten  to  fourteen  feet;  th.y  are  also  three  feet  broad  and  wintT 
Between  these  feathery  leaves  on  the  top  of  the  tree  the  fruit  is  seen  fn 

tttflin^tru^:^^"'  ^"  '-''  ''-''  ''-^^^-  W  IheTud-to 
Black  cattle  and  horses  are  rarely  met  till  near  Barranquilla,  theii  onlv 

sf  cTlA'err''^  ''''  '  ^P""^  ''  ^"^^'  '^'  '"^^  P-ision'for  man  '^ 
The  plumage  of  the  Birds  in  these  dense  forests  is  superb   of  verv 

many  varieties ;  the  macaw  or  "guayamayo"  is  the  mo.t  elegant  of  all  others 

u  V      TirmJrTff""^'  '  di-greeable  noise  as  counterbalances  S 

fZTJ'    Tu    iwu'^  difi-erent  species  of  the  parrot  kind  are  found  in  per- 

ection  with  all  their  gaudy  plumes.     A  small  kind  of  black  monker L 

onstantly  seen.  A  sma  1  species  of  the  wild  turkey(^«,acAemca)  is  aCvery 

common  and  ,s  fine  eating.  I  procured  a  number  with  my  fowliV  p  ed- 

Sf  u^  ^I-  ""^^  ^'  '."  '^"'"""'  "''^'"^^  f«^  travelers  in  this  country  At 
7  oclock  we  dismounted  at  San-Estanislado,  on  the  night  of  the  29th  a  lar-^e 
village  regularly  laid  out  in  squares,  on  one  of  the  mouths  of  the  River 
Magdaiena,  containing  about  6  or  8000  souls.  This  place  is  five  leagues 
trora  hipacoa;   here  we  swung  our  hammocks  for  the  night  after  supping. 

not  hn?K  V  t  ^^•■^Vl'®  r.o?<i  "gain,  and  though  it  was  night^could 
not  but  be  struck  with  the  beautiful  appearance  of  the  coco  tree  with  its 
omcal  figure  when  con  trasted  with  the  white  washed  cottages  with  thatcaed 
roo  s.  At  Agua  Pablo  six  leagues  further  on  we  halted  for  breakfast. 
1  IS  a  place  of^  considerable  size,  the  houses  of  a  uniform  size  and  plastered 


1^1 


over 


It  would  amuse  you  to  see  me  taking  mv  me.al  in  t.hJa  vil 

.  ..,u;,.u  T ,  •-       •      1    .      ,      .  „       •'.''.     —   — ••- 


.  ,      .  — -J  ^  ^     ~"     .JV.V     .i»v     «>L*1VLU££      lil  V      lilt?. 11        IM      l.niM     17 1  1  I H  <V  A  '''ft 

»i<ed  w.  which  I  am  eating  is  detached  from  the  house,m  ouecorn^  of  an 


452 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


enclosure  ;  ray  landlord  is  one  of  the  richest  men  in  the  village.  His  stock 
of  all  kinds  is  half  starved,  and  all  have  free  access  to  my  table,  which  is 
a  large  bowl  or  flat  bottomed  "calaboza"  turned  upside  down  to  suit  the 
present  (exigency,  next  comes  a  calaboza  pitcher  of  water,  a  calaboza  plate, 
a  calaboza  spoon  (  but  no  knives  or  forks;  they  recollect  that  fingers  were 
made  before  them,  and  do  not  think  it  worth  while  to  atttempt  any  im- 
provement  on  Nature),  calabozas  for  cups  and  calabozas  for  dishes  — 
now  we've  set  the  table,  we'll  show  the  "bill  of  fare." 

The  first  thing  the  guide  did  after  swinging  my  hammock  — which  is 
always  done  at  stopping  places  —  was  to  procure  a  fowl,  the  neck  was 
twisted,  and  before  the  poor  thing  was  defunct  it  had  lost  its  feathers;  in 
two  minutes  it  was  in  the  pot,  and  in  ten  more  on  my  table!  I 
was  too  hungry  to  stop  to  consider  the  chances  of  its  coming  to  life  again, 
but  ate  away  sans  cdrdmonie,  my  hands  performing  the  duties  of  knife  and 
fork;  a  calaboza  spoon  was  used  to  convey  the  contents  of  a  bowl  (it  was 
a  very  fashionable  dish  called  "  San-cocho  —  being  a  compound  of  salt 
meat,  plantains,  yams,  sweet  potatoes,  onions,  rice  and  juca)  to  the  mouth. 
While  the  operation  of  mastication  progressed,  was  very  much  annoyed 
by  the  group  of  naked  children,  famished  dogs,  cats  and  goats  which  were 
jostling  and  crowding  to  approach  as  near  as  possible  to  what  they  con- 
sidered my  sumptuous  banquet.  The  intrusion  at  last  became  so  unbear- 
able, that  to  rid  myself  of  the  nuisance,  I  threw  a  single  drumstick  to  be 
divided  among  the  curs  according  to  the  most  approved  rules  of  canine 
justice.  The  ruse  du  (juerre  to  rid  myself  of  such  a  heterogeneous  mass  of 
foes  as  beset  me,  (now  increased  by  ducks,  turkeys,  hogs,  men  and  women) 
was  indeed  the  occasion  of  a  general  fight,  "  Oh !  what  a  row,  what  a 
rumpus  and  a  rioting"  —  the  "din  of  war"  was  long  and  loud. 
The  contending  hosts  went  pell-mell  out  of  one  end  of  the  hut  whilst  the 
"  bone  of  cont(  ntion  "  was  removed  through  the  kindness  of  a  pig.  At 
the  commencement  of  the  battle,  much  to  my  relief  men,  women,  children, 
goats  and  cats  had  scampered  off  in  delectable  confusion  leaving  me  the 
sole  possessor  of  the  premises  and  the  undisturbed  partaker  of  my  meal. 

At  2  oclock  we  left  this  memorable  spot  and  at  5  drew  up  at  Sabana 
Larga  five  leagues  from  Aqua  Pabelo.  This  is  a  beautiful  large  place 
and  like  all  the  other  Colombian  villages  is  tastefully  laid  out  at  right 
angles,  it  is  of  an  oblong  shape;  the  houses  of  a  uniform  size  and  equi- 
distant from  each  other,  covered  with  a  cement  and  whitewashed ;  a  fine 
large  yard  is  attached  to  each  dwelling,  in  which  are  a  number  of  elegant 
coco's  groaning  with  fruit  in  clusters  between  the  leaves.  My  want  of 
tho  Spanish  here,  was  the  cause  of  my  making  quite  a  mistake  in  directing 
the  guide,  when  I  wished  to  start  on  our  route  again.  I  meant  to  have 
said  we  wilt  (jo  at  two  oclock,  but  adding  a  word  more  than  was  necessary 
to  express  my  meaning,  he  came  to  me  tico  hours  after  turning  in,  with 
word  that  he  was  all  ready  for  a  start,  and  away  we  went  at  eleven  oclock 
at  night,  but  as  the  road  was  good,  I  neither  regretted  our  short  rest  or 
speedy  start.  We  passed  through  the  Arrogo-Grande  which  is  now  nothing 
but  a  dry  bed,  but  in  the  rainy  season  a  turbid  dangerous  stream,  a  barrier 
to  all  travelers  on  this  road.  We  met  a  large  body  of  Militia  going  to  the 
parade  ground,  at  Malanibo,  all  mounted  on  jackasses.  At  Soladad,  two 
leagues  further  on,  we  saw  a  large  battalion  of  the  same  kind  of  troops, 
under  review  and  drill.  It  is  two  leagues  from  here  to  Barranquilla, 
whore  we  arrived  about  half  past  eight  o'clock,  A.  M.,  fatigued,  hungry 


IINQS. 

the  village.  His  stock 
!  to  my  table,  which  is 
pside  down  to  suit  tiie 
ivater,  a  calaboza  plate, 
ollect  that  fingers  were 
s  to  atttempt  any  im- 
3alabozas  for  dishes  — 

hamnaock  —  which  is 
3  a  fowl,  the  neck  was 
id  lost  its  feathers;  in 
Dre  on  my  table!  I 
ts  coming  to  life  again, 
the  duties  of  knife  and 
ents  of  a  bowl  (it  was 
a  compound  of  salt 
,nd  juca)  to  the  mouth. 
s  very  much  annoyed 
s  and  goats  which  were 
Ae  to  what  they  con- 
last  became  so  unbear- 
lingle  drumstick  to  be 
roved  rules  of  canine 

heterogeneous  mass  of 
hogs,  men  and  women) 

what  a  row,  what  a 
was    long    and    loud. 

of  the  hut  whilst  the 
:indness  of  a  pig.  At 
men,  women,  children, 
ision  leaving  me  the 
partaker  of  my  meal. 

5  drew  up  at  Sabana 

beautiful  large  place 
fully  laid  out  at  right 
aniform  size  and  equi- 
d  whitewashed ;  a  fine 
•0  a  number  of  elegant 
e  leaves.     My  want  of 

a  mistake  in  directing 
lin.  I  meant  to  have 
)re  than  was  necessary 
after  turning  in,  with 

went  at  eleven  oclock 
3tted  our  short  rest  or 
!  which  is  now  nothing 
;erous  stream,  a  barrier 
of  Militia  going  to  the 
ses.     At  Soladad,  two 

same  kind  of  troops, 
hero  to  Barranquilla, 
,  M.,  fatigued,  hungry 


Legacy  of  Hi'^torical  Gleanings. 


453 


nnd  sleepy    havM.g  traveled    thirty-nine  miles    without   stoppage      Th« 
same  nde  by  day  would  have  been  impracticable  from  the  hZTth 

The  gu.de  took  us  up  to  the  most  elegant  hous  "   ha^e  sc  n  in  Sout"i: 
An.er.ca  w.th  ,ts  many  trees   for  use  and  ornament  as  Cocr  m.l  T 
vind;  after  dismounting    the    ba-"aee    he    w.«  ?ff      .  •  u     '      '^  '^"™*- 
opportunity  of  examining  the  premisS.  "^'  "'''"'^   -'"'   "'«  «" 

The  dwelling  is  built  of  stone,  with  a  terraced  roof  from  wh^nh  t\        • 
a  fine  view  of  the  river  Magdalena,  of  the  dist!nf  ^n.w  n         a        ^'^''t '« 
of  San  Martha  with  its  whftc  peak  19000  traoTth:^s^:^;;^v^C 
and  surrounding  cou..try      The  front  of  the  building  is  of"  a  cLste  cf 

:s^:e:rr^ijrtiaf^-s-:-?::£~^ 

.i.h  hi,,,,  who  cordiall,  welcomed  me  to  hi"  h™7e   ™  Yon  1 1      '""" 

.,,c.,.,„.  .he^,eo„,.d  whe.  „  eomf.Sable  ..^t^lS^^ S^^^ 

The  Gle..s  live  in  grand  style,  with  three  or  four  blacks  to  wait  on  tho 
able  and  two  or  three  in  the  kitchen.     Edward  has  engaged  a  voun™ 
to  give  me  lessons  in  Spanish,  to  commence  tomorrow  a"nd  in  aU  piol  bil 
ty  I  w.ll  remain  here  till  John  Glen  comes  over.     T  am  anxioS    to  si" 

..n  aga.n,  as  he  undoubtedly  will  bring  home  letters.  Ba  ranqu  111  i  a 
large  village  containing  about  6000  inhabitants.  The  housesTe  no  as 
cou,pac  nor  are  the  streets  as  regularly  laid  out  as  most  of  the  Cdon 
b>an  villages  are,  yet  the  place  looks  well,  a  number  of  tasty  mansion  " 
belong.ng  to  fore.gners.  built  of  stone  cemented  over  and  whiteTas^^^^^^^^ 
ot  which  Glen's  IS  the  most  conspicuous,  adds  together  with  itrorna 
mental  trees  to  the  beauty  of  the  place 

A  branch  of  the  Magdalena  running  past  here  empties  in  the  sea  at 

Sanvanilla  seven  leagues  off  J  the  water  is'suffieiently  deep   o  bear  awav 

oaded  vessels  f  60  tons,  a  number  of  which  belonging  toMe  G  ens  are 

con.stantly  employed  by  them  in  transporting  goods  up  the  river  and  In. ' 

;  e  sea  coast.     The  larger  boats  are  built  of  ^various^  kinds  of    imber   n 

he  strongest  manner  ;  the  knees  are  stout  a..d  the  seams  are  well  cllked 

lie  smaller  sizes  are  from  20  to  80  feet  long  and  from  2  to  8  let  wide 

they  are  all  flat  bottomed.     These  boats  are  propelled  in  absence  of  Ifai; 

wmd  by  the  Boga  or  boatmen's  long  setting'pole,  with  a  f    k'^the  end 

0  prevent  its  sinking  too  deep  in  the  mud.°  I  need  not  ask  you  to  write 

y  ev^ry  packet,  for  you  must  be  aware  of  the  loneliness  of  my ^^2 

eic  till  the  language  becomes  familiar,  and  can  judge  of  my  anxie  y  to 

diinco'so  t'  ""''''  ^"'"'f  ^''"  '"  "  ''''^''  ^'"'^  «"  ■"  ^'«!t  t«  St-  Martha, 
TZ^  "r^^^f  ■.^•!'^^.^'-/-;  ->!^.^1-"  !^--  -aching  Bogota,  will 


•r, 
shall 


ave  sailed  all  of  the  navigable  Magdalena  River.     .  s„a„  write  vou 

ipu.  before  leav.ng  this  to  join  General  Harrison,  which  wi     <  o  ove.^iu 

0  packe    that  brings  John  Glen  ;  this  leaves  by  the  vessel  thft  I "  m 

Ll'Z^T'''^'''.  t'»%receipt  of  this,  should  be  dii-ect.d  to  Bogota. 

■    ^'^  ^^"-  HarrLson  from  Carthagena  of  my  wish  to  remain  "here 


f'li 


I 


iIl 


464 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


sometime,  expressini^,  however,  my  readiness  to  join  liim  sooner  tlian  [ 
had  contemplated  if  he  required  it,  and  now  I  hold  myself  prepared  lo 
"  pack  up  my  tatters,"  at  a  moment's  warning.  I  am  careful  of  my  healtii 
but  fear  no  difficulties  nor  the  climate.  The  only  news  that  I  could  <^leati 
here  and  at  Carthagena  is,  that  there  are  more  persons  concerned  in  tlio 
late  disturbances  at  ]Jogofa  than  was  at  tirst  supposed,  the  arrests  are  still 
going  on  ;  u  person  was  committed  to  prison  the  day  before  yesterday  in 
Carthagena.  Popayan  is  in  a  state  of  commotion,  tlie  Capital  in  "the 
hands  of  the  rebels,  Bolivar  with  the  Southern  division  of  the  Army  is 
marching  down  to  defeat  them,  while  the  Peruvians  in  large  force  arc 
hastening  lo  their  assistance.  500  men  loft  Carthagena,  a  few  days  since, 
to  join  the  Liberator.  All  this  makes  the  timely  arrival  of  General 
Harrison  at  Bogota,  a  very  desirable  thing  to  the  Americans  in  this  un- 
settled Country. 

In  traveling  through  this  new,  wild  and  comparatively  unknown  coun- 
try, I  keep  a  Journal  of  which  my  letters  home  are,  in  all  important  points 
a  copy  ;  if  they  are  preserved,  they  may  be  amusing  hereafter  and  perhaps 
useful  in  case,  that  by  accident,  the  original  should  be  lost.  Periiaps  you 
will  think  it  a  meagre  journal,  but  it  is  a  task  never  before  attempted  by 
me,  and  I  think  or  at  least  hope  the  numbers  will  improve.  I  will  en- 
deavor at  all  events  to  be  more  systematical  and  connected.  Long  letters 
will  keep  up  my  acquaintance  with  my  mother  tongue,  otherwise  I  migiit 
stand  a  chance  of  losing  all  knowledge  of  it,  since  the  Spanish  language 
now  engro.sses  all  my  attention  ;  by  the  way,  it  is  quite  as  easy  for  me  to 
ac((uire  as  I  anticipated,  the  pronounciation  is  the  most  difficult  part.  I 
must  now  close,  having—  as  I  hope  you  will  in  writing  to  me  —  filled 
my  paper.  I  can  only  got  letters  from  across  the  ocean  once  a  month, 
then  all  write.  Edward  Glen  is  a  fine,  noble  fellow  ;  he  says  and  also 
does  Cato  that  I  must  not  forget  them  in  writing  to  those  at  home. 

Remember  me  to.  all.     Wishing  each  one  a  very  Happy  New  Year  and 
many  of  them. 

Most  truly  and  sincerely  yours, 


General  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  P.  M. 

Albany,  New  York.     Estado  Unidos  del  Norte. 


s. 


[NOS. 

n  liiin  sooner  than  [ 
Id  myself  prepared  In 
careful  of  my  health, 
iws  that  I  could  |i;leati 
jons  concerned  iu  tho 
i,  the  arrests  are  still 
y  before  yesterday  in 
,  the  Oupital  in  the 
'ision  of  the  Army  is 
ns  in  large  force  aro 
ina,  a  few  days  since, 
Y  arrival  of  General 
Lmericaus  in  this  iiii- 

ively  unknown  coun- 
n  all  important  points 
lereafter  and  perhaps 
jc  lost.  Perhaps  you 
before  attempted  by 
improve.  I  will  en- 
lected.  Long  letters 
16,  otherwise  I  might 
he  Spanish  language 
ite  as  easy  for  me  to 
iiost  diflScult  part.  I 
riting  to  me  —  filled 
jcean  once  a  month, 
ff ;  he  says  and  also 
those  at  home, 
lappy  New  Year  and 


C4..^7cJilCJLi^ 


e<_ 


.).:■  '    i 


I 


464 


Leqacy  of  Historical  Glkaninos. 


sometime,  expressiiii^,  however,  my  readiness  to  join  liini  sooner  than  [ 
hud  contemplated  if  ho   required  it,  and  now  I  hold  myself  propnred  t<^ 
*'  park  op  my  luttors,"  at  a  uionients  warning.    I  am  careful  of  my  t)>    i 
but  ft>ur  n<   diHieultios  nor  the  climate.     The  only  news  that  I  ci>ultl  jj. 
bore  and  at  CnrthagtMia  is,  that  there  are  more  persons  coitceriied  in  'i. 
Iflto  iJi»|uri>«i!it'S  at  Hoj^ota  than  was  at  first  supjHtsed,  tiic  arrest*  art-  , 
going  oo  j  «  person  was  committed  to  prison  tlie  day  before  yoHt«>rti(iv 
(jurthogfcoa.      Popayan   is  in  a   state  of   commotion,  tlio    Capital   in   il 
hands  of  the  rclj«ls,  liolivar  with   tlie  Southern  division  of  the  Arn:>. 
marchinj.'  down  to  del'eat  them,  wliile  the  Peruvians  in   larj;e  for<'v 
hiiHteiiing  to  t!i*iir  assistance    500  men  left  (]arthaf;enii,  a  few  dav- 
to   join  tht'   Ijibcrator.     All    this  makes    the  timely  uirivai  of   <■. 
Harrison  at  Uou;ola,  u  very  desirable   thinjj  to  the  AmcTieaus  in  ;1. 
settled  Country. 

In  traveling  throujj;l>  this  new,  wild  and  coniparatively  unknowt 
try,  I  keep  a  Journal  of  which  my  letters  home  are,  in  all  importiHi. 
a  copy  ;  if  they  are  preserved,  they  may  be  amusin,L»  hereafter  and  p«  •  1  ,*. 
useful  iu  case,  that  by  accident,  the  origjnai  should  be  lost.      l'crhr»|i>  i.u 
will  think  it  a  meagre  journal,  but  it  is  a  task  never  before  uttempuii  iiy 
me,  and  I   tliink   or  al  least   hope  the  numbers  will   improve,      I    wiil  .  ii- 
deavor  at  all  events  to  be  more  systematical  and  connect<id.     Jionu^  '<  n,  r.s 
will  keep  up  <ny  ucquaintoiice  with  juy  mother  tons^ue,  otiierwisr  i      iniit 
iAtnA  a  '      aU  Kiiuiviedge  of  it,  since  the  Spanish   lao^uuije 

now  enu'  >  ,■    ■''^txl'um;  by  tlio  way, 'it  is  (juite  as  easy  (o'  me  to 

a«({uircas  I  anticipated,  the  pronouuciatiju  is  the  most  difficult  purl  I 
must  now  close,  having  —  as  I  hope  you  will  in  Avriting  to  me  —  hilcd 
my  pape..  I  can  only  get  letters  from  across  the  ocean  once  u  liiimtli, 
then  all  write.  Edward  Glen  is  a  fine,  noble  fellow  ;  he  says  and  alsu 
does  Cato  that  I  must  not  forget  them  in  writing  to  those  at  home. 

llemomber  me  to  alt.     Wishing  each  one  a  very  Happy  New  Voiir  ami 
many  of  them, 

Most  truly  and  sincerely  yours,    . 


General  Solomon  Van  IJen^^selaer,  P.  M. 

Albany,  N'<'W  Vorl;.      lv-t,a<lo  l^iiidos  del  Norte. 


NOS. 

n  him  sooner  than  I 
Id  myself  propnred  *<\ 
careful  of  my  i)>    i 

iW8  thut.  I  Citultl   i,h 

iUiiH  coiiceruetd  lit  •!, 
1,  tlic  arrests  :.:■ 
y  before  yi'M<  ■ 
,  the    Cuptlal  ui  it 
riaioii  of  tht«  Arn!\, 
us  in   larjie  for<'«    i 
jiia,  a  few  d:tv 
y  uirival  of   <■. 
^incTicuus  ill  ;).• 

ively  unkdovv: 
11  all  importing 
hereafter  and  pvi  i,  .j,^ 
be  lost.      Perhnj!^  vi>u 
•  before  utieinpu,  i  ity 
improve,      I   wni  .ii- 
iiect<id.     JiiniL'  it  hfis 
le,  otherwisi'  <  ;  i^iit 
he  Spanish   iauuu  i-< 
lite  as  easy  lo'  \m;  u, 
uost  difficult  pMft      I 
riting  to  me  —  hlliid 
ocean  once  ;i  Jiiinitli, 
w  ;  he  say«  :>u  I  als.. 
those  at  homo 
■fappy  New  V<sir  ami 


4^.^0c£ax<^.^ 


I 


^"f^ifiiMiifiSmi  anuuistyy 


%c 


^ 


.1" 


Legacy  op  Historical  Glbaninqs. 


45C 


My  dear  Rensselaer, 


Oen,  Van  Renuelner  to  hit  Son. 


Charles  E  Dudley  is  appointed  a  Senator  to  ConRress. 

Chauncey  Humphry,  Stillwell,  Dr.  Staats  and  Mahar  are  candidates 
for  my  office,  poor  fellows  they  are  ridiculed  and  laughed  It^theTr  leaderT 
as  I  am  told,  do  not  wish  for  a  change  but  I  sHrII  nn/f^„  7f  '«'*<'"8, 
ancoB  About  the  last  of  Februar;^I^iJ  t'  i^V  1 117"'^ 
trust  to  my  own  strength  and  influence  with  the  old  Il^rr  I  may  also 
be  of  service  to  my  good  friend  Gen.  Harrison.  I  sha  lat  leaTknow 
what  he  has  to  expect,  oppose  any  measure  that  may  be  ho  tile  o  h  m  an3 
write  the  result  to  h.m,  from  that  place.  As  they  all  write  I  have  litSe 
more  to  say  than  to  remind  you  that  you  are  now  thrown  as  I  was  UDon 
the  world  ;  you  have  powerful  friends  to  push  you  along  by  JSer Influence 
but  all  must  now  depend  upon  yourself.  To  high  Heaven  I  c^SZ' 
and  trust  tha  you  may  be  a  credit  to  your  name  and  Country  is  thrpraye; 
of  your  aflfectionate  father.  SoL.  Van  llENssEtfERf 

Fafh^r'f.T'n''"'.'"^.^/"''''^'^'"'"  ^  '^^  P'^yer  of  your  beloved 

L  ,h„'^    /7'^""i^  1^'  V  ^''^^^'^  ^««'^«  •«  ^S"^*  you  will  be  guided 

?ln      M  'p'  f k!^'  ^^'I^  ^^'^'''  «^  P'-«^«'-b«-     Take  good  i^re  of 
Cato.     May  God  blebs  and  preserve  you  prays  your  Mother. 

r«i  Pn«=  V     TO        I       «  r,    A^RiET  Van  Rensselaee. 

tol.  Rens.  Van  Rensselaer,  Bogota,  S.  A. 


CHAPTER  XXH. 


South  American  Letters  Continued. 

Bensaelaer  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  FatJier, 

Dear  Father  Barranquilla,  Feb.  6,  1829. 

You  see  that  I  have  given  this  letter  a  number  3,  which  will  be  done 
to  all  the  regular  ones  I  write  home,  it  is  a  hint  taken  from  Carter 
llarrison,  by  it  you  will  know  if  any  miscarry.  I  have  sent  you  one 
trom  Oarthagena,  one  from  here  and  one  from  Santa  Martha,  the  last  is 
considered  a  kind  of  supplement  to  the  others  and  not  counted  a  regular 
-uc.     X  ««Tv  ^^vvu  iraitiu^  tUc  1U3C  lunuigut  witu  Hiucii  Uiixiety  tu  hear 


h  ■        :     ■ 

I   ■   ' 


466 


Leoaoy  of  Historical  Gleaninob. 


from  home,  as  the  January  Packet  from  the  U.  S.  should  have  been  hero 
then,  it  huH  not  yet  arrived  and  hiirdly  know  how  to  account  for  itH  lon^ 
passngo.  Wo  liuvo  had  some  tonipcHtuous  weather  hero  lately ;  a 
Bcliooner'H  wreck  with  sailor's  hats,  &c.,  wuh  driven  ashore  on  tho  coust 
near  this  three  weeks  since.  Tho  frigate  Colombia,  which  had  taken  to 
harbor  in  Santa  Martha,  was  oblijwd  to  cut  loose  her  four  heavy  anchors 
and  stand  out  to  sea,  to  avoid  going  to  pieces  on  the  breakers  towards 
which  she  was  driving  in  spite  of  alt.  8h3  has  since  made  the  port  of 
Carthagena  good  again.  I  hope  that  John  Glen's  vessel  has  waited  for 
the  December  packet  from  this,  if  she  has,  a  dangerous  gulo  has  been 
avoided;  but  if  she  left  at  the  regular  time  I  should  hardly  think  she 
would  reach  her  place  of  destination.  I  shall  remain  here  eight  or  ten  days 
more,  and  then  go  on  at  all  events  Edward  Glen  does  every  thing  to  make 
my  residence  here  pleasant,  the  fact  of  my  staying  so  long  is  evidence  of  it, 
but  still  I  want  to  be  at  Hogota  as  soon  as  possible.  Since  my  arrival 
have  been  chiefly  employed  in  studying  the  language,  my  proficiency  is 
Bo  great  that  I  have  but  little  diflSculty  in  reading  it,  however  my  Yankee 
and  French  brogue  in  a  measure  prevent  my  understanding  and  being 
understood  when  speaking,  yet  I  am  well  satisfied  with  my  progress. 

On  tho  morning  of  the  6th  ult.  I  went  with  Sefior  Diego  De  Castro,  a 
fine  young  man  —  the  chief  clerk  of  Mr.  Glen,  to  Santa  Martha.  We 
left  this  in  one  of  Glen's  bungo  about  3  o'clock  a.  m.  Our  bogador  was 
a  good  one,  he  sent  us  along  at  the  rate  of  four  miles  an  hour  ;  our  passage, 
a  north  east  course,  was  through  the  chain  of  cafios  or  creeks  and  lakes 
(between  the  Island  Salamanca  and  the  mainland)  one  of  the  latter  is  21 
miles  long  and  is  called  Cienega  De  Santa  Marta.  The  land  on  the  banks 
was  generally  too  low  and  flat  to  admit  of  cultivation  ;  but  within  8  or  10 
miles  of  Barranquilla  we  would  occasionally  pass  a  rosa  or  plantation  of 
plantains,  paw-paws  and  sugar  cane,  but  excepting  these,  tho  ground  is 
covered  with  large  trees  of  which  the  Mangrove  is  the  most  numerous. 
The  toater  on  this  route  is  covered  with  ducks,  swans,  herons,  gulls,  croco- 
diles, and  the  bittern,  which  stalks  among  the  reeds  with  its  long  legs 
and  neck  or  feeding  upon  fish,  it  makes  a  most  singular  booming  cry. 
The  land  is  covered  with  a  large  headed  red  monkey,  foxes,  turkeys,  the 
nocturnal  guaeharocas,  plovers,  snipe,  other  water  and  land  birds  of  every 
color  and  description  ;  not  forgetting  the  many  parrots  of  brilliant  plumage, 
with  their  hooked  bill  climbing  the  trees  in  every  direction.  These  forests 
are  also  filled  with  tigers,  deer,  wild  hogs,  armadillos  which  when  attacked 
roll  themselves  up  like  a  ball,  ant  eaters,  &c.  There  is  no  great  variety 
in  the  scenery  along  this  water  route,  but  on  all  the  low  ground  incapable 
of  tillag*',  the  evergreen  Mangrove  tree  with  its  dense  foliage,  excluding 
all  other  kinds,  stands  thick  and  high  quite  to  the  water's  edge  rooting  in 
the  mud,  perfect  forests. 

Where  the  land  is  tillable  every  variety  of  trees  flouri.-h  in  great  luxu- 
riance, the  very  largest  bearing  beautiful  flowers  at  '  i  •  ;:»■  as;  eve 
now  although  many  of  the  trees  have  dropped  their  leaves,  yet  the  number 
of  evergreens  are  so  great  that  the  forests  are  perpetually  green  and  the 
aromatic  odor  of  the  blooming  ones  is  delightful.  The  cultivated  spots 
are  "  few  and  far  between."  We  passed  about  five  or  six  rosas  or  plan- 
tations and  thci/  are  quite  small ;  the  largest  containing  about  fifteen 
acres  The  one  at  which  we  stopped  after  daylight  to  cook  sancocho,  to 
last  ,1.  through  the  day,  was  in  fine  order.  The  plantain  and  banana  trees 
grew  iu  -traishD  rows,  the  large  clusters  of  fruit  hanging  on  all ;  they 


onri.-h  in  great  luxu- 


Leqaoy  op  IlrsTonrcAL  Qleaninos.  457 

..  usk-molon     It  .lifters  tron.  the  phmtuin  iu  bearing  periodicallv   whereas 

n.und.  Water  and  muHk-melons  can  ho  and  are  raised  hero  with  i  iitZ 
care  as  wel  as  naiads  and  other  ve^etablo.  so  as  to  have  a  consrant  s'i '  i' 
bu    the  natives  never  thi.k  of  replanting  till  the  old  eroTi    oxhrufi^ 

rai  ed  af  wd?  as";  rn  ^1"'"  '"^  '"""  r^^'^'^  "'«  y.uus'ditto  ar  he  e 
raised  as  well  as  corn   and  su-ar  cane;  the  two  last  are  soarcelv  distin 

j,'u.shea  from  one  another  when  ..rowing..     The  process  ^J  prntiS here  is 

very  sunple,  a  hole  ,8  made  ia  the  ground  the  proper  dC"l     ursU 

dropped  in,  covered  and  then  left  to  itself;  it  would  bo  a  noveitv  here  to 

jce  a  hoe  or  any  other  instrument  with  which  to  mellow  the  'rouid     thev 

Lave  not  the  least  idea  of  a  systematic  mode  of  husbandry  '        ^ 

1  missed  a  great  deal  of  fine  sport  by  not  having  my  gun  with  mo  for 
the  game  was  very  plentiful,  and  it  is  seldom  or  never  dis  urbed  by  the 
natives;  it  ,s  quite  tame  suffering  us  to  pass  directly  under  them  It  was 
very  aggravating  to  be  so  near  the  wild  Turkeys  of  several  specTes  oma 
are  as  large  as  our  domestic  ones,  others  smaller,  the  least  abou    the  s^o 

d  tamrn""'  tow  •     r,,,^,,  ^hi^     ^,,^y  ^„j  ^,^^  ^^^^^^  are  very  pi  ntS 

lose  bv  us  "\rn      1' V  f  7  ^"''  ''  ""  '^"'""^«^  ^^«»'J  «''»^  ^h-"«'^'ves 
cbse  by  us      Tie  only  disturbance  we  met  with  was  on  the  water  from 

e  mosquitoes  if  they  are  not  as  large  as  ours,  their  numbers  supjly  tZ 

sail,  if  the  wind  proved  fair;  but  as  that  was  generally  against  us  the  boat- 
man  was  obliged  to  set  us  along  with  a  pole  for  they  L?er  utXpaddle 
unless  in  deep  water  Twelve  o'clock  at  night  we  arrived  at  Peublo-Vieio 
boat  hW  I  >"  h«^.  f  ^'^nd ^reading  out  our  mats  on  the  bottom  of  he 
tt^^  n?  onT  Vn'^j  ?""  "''  •'\"'^^^  ''  '^'  '^'"'y  ""•«  I»dian  village 
TetZ  Z  M  '^  '""?  ^''V'''  '^''  ^'^^  «^'  Santi  Martha  and  the  .ea. 
We  were  ternb  y  annoyed  by  the  sand  flies,  their  numbers  here  are  very 
great,  and  until  an  hour  or  two  of  their  society  had  made  me  a  little  Z 
fi'lThad  see""  ""'■^'  ^  ''""'  ''""  almost' insupportable,  they  are  the 

n  ^^o  nf '  ^-^  '"!i°'  ^'■'"''  .^"ranquilla ;  we  now  hired  hor.es  preferring  that 
nUe  of  gojng  the  remaining  part  of  the  route,  to  the  difficulty  of  prooeed- 

nOos^Sr'      %T"  '"".'"  '.\™""*^  '"""^  ^^'"3^  dangerous  points.     One 
les  nde  brought  us  to  the  village  of  Gienega  another  Indian  site,  it  was 

ousii^Hr.  '"^"  '"1^  ''  ""^, "  ^''''^'''^  P'"««-     It  was  the  scene  of  a 
1.  mous  battle  during  tlio  revolution  between  the  Patriots  under  Gonl. 
onu  lo,  and  the  Royal  Indians;   the  latter  were  beaten  a.d  their  village 
ouiiit  to  the  rround.  ^ 

Our  ride  from  beret.,  the  liamlct  of  Gaira-six  leagues,  is  mostly  on 
uiL  .^ea  beach,  excepting  in  some  tow  places  where  the  passage  around 

58 


■: 


458 


Legacy  of  nisTORicAL  Glbaninqs. 


pome  of  the  headlant's  is  too  hazardous,  there  we  arc  obliged  to  leave  the 
beach,  and  rise  through  tortuous,  difficult,  and  narrow  defiles  over  the 
points  of  the  hills  of  St.  Martha.  These  hills  rise  up  very  abruptly,  close 
from  the  sea,  to  the  height  of  from  G  to  120U  feet  and  nearly  barren,  the 
trees  being  smuil  and  very  scarce.  The  Snow  mountains  that  we  saw 
from  sea  are  (><>  miles  back  in  the  interior.  Between  Gaira  and  Santii 
Martha,  two  leagues  apart,  those  hills  are  crossed  over,  but  before  reaching 
the  lace  at  which  the  ascent  begins,  you  go  through  a  narrow  vale  where, 
without  a  breath  of  air,  the  mid-day  sun  beat  vertically  down  upon  us  iu 
full  strength ;  while  the  white  sand  below  reflecting  back  such  an  over- 
powering licat  gave  us  a  pretty  fair  idea  of  the  vigor  of  the  Sun  when  in 
the  zenith.  I  thought  it  hot  enough  to  roast  a  large  round  a-la-modc-baf 
in  ten  minutes,  and  much  feared  part  of  my  under  lip  was  baked.  I  never 
enjoyed  the  fresh  breeze  so  much  as  I  did  after  leaving  those  sultry  vales; 
as  we  rose  from  the  lower  regions  to  the  upper  ones  the  pure  air  and  fine 
prospect  enlivened  us  and  horses  so  much,  that  it  enabled  us  to  pass 
swiftly  through  a  similar  valley,  on  the  other  side,  without  feeling  the 
efi"ects  of  the  heat  so  sensibly.  A  pretty  little  stream  from  the  hills  to- 
gether with  the  bracing  sea  gales  made  the  remaining  half  mile  to  the 
city  very  pleasant.  We  were  delighted  with  the  prospectus  we  halted  on 
the  top  of  the  hills,  perhaps  800  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  but  it 
would  be  better  still  if  the  lands  were  as  well  cultivated  below  as  they  are 
under  Mt.  Ilolyoke  or  Catskill.  But  the  ground  is  all  in  a  state  of  nature ; 
its  tenants  are  fierce  tigers,  deer,  foxes  &c.  Santa  Martha  is  situated  in 
a  sort  of  an  amphitheatre  formed  by  the  surrounding  hills,  the  inhabitants 
get  a  good  supply  of  fresh  hill  water  from  the  pretty  rivulet  which  empties 
into  the  sea  near  it.  The  City  is  about  one-fourth  the  size  of  Carthagena, 
the  houses  have  the  same  heavy  eff'ect  as  those  of  that  seaport  but  not  in 
so  great  a  degree  ;  they  are  mostly  one  storied,  built  of  brick  or  stone  with 
veranda.  Santa  Martha  is  not  a  walled  town  but  there  are  heavy  batteries 
at  the  two  Forts  for  its  protection ;  one  on  a  high  bluffy  island,  the  other 
on  the  main  shore  on  the  beach  ;  vessels  pass  on  either  side  of  the  island 
to  enter  the  harbor.  There  was  but  one  vessel  in  when  I  was  there,  a 
schooner  from  lioston.     I  gave  her  captain  a  letter  for  home. 

It  was  about  2  o'clock  p.  u.,  when  we  arrived  here  where  we  remained 
till  the  next  day  at  5  P.  M.  After  dining  twice  with  the  family  of  Seiior 
Micio  and  breakfasting  once  with  Mr.  Severs  the  U.  S.  Consul,  we  started 
homeward;  our  journey  being  principally  in  the  night,  by  moonlight, 
was  cool  and  pleasant.  Although  Peublo-Viejo,  where  wo  left  our  boats, 
was  only  25  miles  I'rom  St.  Martha,  we  did  not  reach  it  till  12  o'clock 
owing  to  the  rough  roads,  and  just  as  we  were  about  embarking  a  guard 
of  soldiers  surrounded  and  ordered  us  to  remain  till  morning,  and  submit 
to  have  our  baggage  searched  for  contraband  goods.  Diego  being  known 
to  them  they  accepted  a  bottle  of  rum  as  a  passport,  and  we  went  on  in 
the  cool  night  and  reached  home  the  next  day. 

Every  village  near  a  navigable  water  has  a  body  of  soldiers  quartered 
in  it,  to  prevent  the  smuggling  that  has  been  and  is  still  carried  on  by 
all  nations.  My  jaunt  to  St.  Martha  has  been  a  very  serviceable  one  to 
me,  posting  me  up  as  to  what  will  be  required  in  going  up  the  river,  and 
has  citnvint'od  nie  -hid  I  can  bear  the  hviit  ami  inconveniences  attending 
the  trip.  1  ride  out  occasionally  with  Hdward  Ulcn  w.hich  has  made  the 
gcograpliical  situation  of  this  section  of  the  country  quite  familiar  to  inc. 
i'ive  leagues  west  of  this  is  the  tidy   little  village  of  Gullapa  where  we 


riNQS. 

re  obliged  to  leave  the 
arrow  defiles  over  the 
up  very  abruptly,  close 
and  uearly  barren,  the 
lountains  that  we  saw 
ween  Gaira  and  Santii 
or,  but  before  reachinj; 
h  a  narrow  vale  where, 
cally  down  upon  us  ia 
ig  back  such  an  over- 
or  of  the  Sun  when  in 
!;e  round  a-la-mode-haf 
ip  was  baked.  I  never 
nng  those  sultry  vales; 
js  the  pure  air  and  fine 
it  enabled  us  to  pass 
de,  without  feeling  the 
•earn  from  the  hills  to- 
aiuing  half  mile  to  the 
respect  as  we  halted  on 
level  of  the  sea,  but  it 
vated  below  as  they  are 
all  in  a  state  of  nature  j 
a  Martha  is  situated  in 
ng  hills,  the  inhabitants 
y  rivulet  which  empties 
the  size  of  Carthagena, 
that  seaport  but  not  in 
t  of  brick  or  stone  with 
liere  are  heavy  batteries 
bluffy  island,  the  other 
ither  side  of  the  island 
in  when  I  was  there,  a 
r  for  home. 

ere  where  we  remained 
ith  the  family  of  Senor 
J.  S.  Consul,  we  started 
e  night,  by  moonlight, 
yhere  wo  left  our  boats, 
reach  it  till  12  o'clock 
tout  embarking  a  guard 
11  morning,  and  submit 
Is.  Diego  being  knowa 
lort,  and  we  went  on  in 

iy  of  soldiers  quartered 
d  is  still  carried  on  by 
very  serviceable  one  to 
going  up  the  river,  aud 
luonvenionces  attendiug 
Ion  wjiich  has  made  the 
:ry  quite  familiar  tu  luc 
;o  of  Gallapa  where  we 


of 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  459 

and  Indigo  are  the  natural  products  of  this  sandy  coJntJlthe  first  " 
nused  ,n  small  quantities,  the  last  not  at  all  in  this  province  On  he 
20th  went  with  m;  .ery  good  friend  to  Savinilla  the  sea^prt  at  "the  mo^th 
of  this  nver,  wher    he  is  now  loading  a  Scotch  brig  with  fu  tic  and  cotton 

;:,f  S'thHo^t -ff^'^^r^"',?  '''''''-'  '''''^  custom  h^il^^U^ 
poit  ind  the  fort  at  Point  Savinilla  terminated  our  ride.  The  Fort  so 
called  IS  eight  leagues  from  home  and  nothing  but  a  piece  of  'round 
leveled  at  the  mouth  of  the  port  in  a  good  situation  on^  a  promo,  Z 
which  not  on  y  commands  the  entrance  to  the  harbor  but  the  baT"  ound 
also,  It  now  is  poorly  fortified  and  as  badly  manned,  it  has  fom-  lar"e 
cannon  mounted.  Camaeho  and  l.aplaya  are  two  hamlets  beh  J  he 
dwellings  of  the  proprietors  of  the  immense  herds  of  Black  cattle  that 
graze  on  the  plains  of  their  vicinity;  these  savannas  Xdexcoln 
gurage  for  the  congregated  boasts.  We  were  well  armed  in  goinl  Jo 
this  fort  and  were  in  hopes  of  bringing  home  the  skin  of  a  lion  Uiatlias 
boon  in  the  habit  lately  of  eating  up  the  goats  at  the  Custom  Hou  at 
jvero^Jisappointed  in  not  seeing  him  as  was  the  poor  old  custom  house 

FdZi"n^''''ir'*'j'n  ''""*  •'*?  ^  ^'^  ^^y^'  *^'^  P'^^-'^y  '^  to  be  composed 
Edward,  myself  and  Cato  with  two  others  and  Salamanca  is  to  be  the 
scene  ot_  our  valorous  achievements  against  these  "  lords  of  the  forest  "  1 
description  will  be  added  hereafter.     The  woods  on  this  coast  are  infes'ted 
I     .'^r^at  numbers  of  wild  animals  among  which  are  fWs,  rabbits,  hogs, 
d  er  and_  tigers._     The  tigers  are  very  destructive  to  the  goWs  and  youn^ 
stock-  It  IS  quite  common  for  them  to  invade  the  door  yards  at  night  fo? 
booty -but  a    the  sight  of  a  man  they  flee  to  their  fastness  in  the  Uiorny 
underbrush  where  they  cannot  bo  pursued;  but  if  wounded  or  provoked 
hey  defend  themselves  with  desperation  and  are  extremely  dan-erous 
1  was  much  amused  with  the  result  of  a  contest  between  one  of  these' 
tigers  and  a  full  grown  buck  negro.     The  point  of  contention  was  a  calf 
in  charge  of  the  negro  :  it  appears  that  the  depredator  impelled  by  severe 
hunger,  could  not  resist  the  passing  opportunity  of  a  fine  fiit  yearlin-  but 
|,niuediately  reversing  his  usual  time  for  such  operations,  left  his  mfd-day 
lair  for  the  onslaught.     The  coveted  prey  was  soon  on  his  back,  and  the 
victor  inarching  off  in  triumph,  when  the  pursuing  negro  seized  the  bellow- 
ing victim  by  one  of  his  hind  legs,  upon  which  a  trial  of  strength  —  last- 
ing sonr>  minutes,  took  place  between  the  two  champir,ns.     The  four  le<'.'ed 
hero  finding  his  course  impeded  by  the  woolly  headed  Sambo,  releasedliis 
captive  to  beat  off  the  intruder.     His  first  charge  or  leap  was  a  gallant  one, 
and  (.uffee  s  story  would    have  been  a  short  and  dismal  one,  but  that 
ortimately  he  had  a  quick  eye,  strong  arm,  and  the  circumstance  of  his 
having  a  blunderbuss  in  his  left  hand  occurring  to  him  at  the  moment  U 
thing  It  appears  he  had  entirely  fbvgotten)  which  he  presented  in  the 
vigor  of  desperation  to  the  breast  of  the  raging  tiger,  with  such  efi-ect  that 
Dotli  recoiled  back  some  foot  without  any  visible  damage  to  either.     From 
the  attitude  of  each  of  the  belligerents  now,  it  seemed  as  if  both  had 
a'-'qmred  a  formidable  opinion  of  the  prowess  of  the  other  as  a  result  of 
the  ast  attack.     The  tiger  stood  growling  ominously  and  shewing  his  teeth 
-  the  disappomtmout :  the  oxciteiueul   which  had   for  the   tmie  beiu"- 
usurped  the  place  of  lour  in  the  negro,  at  the  first  danger  of  his  calf,  now 


I 


I   I     ■11 


460 


Legacy  of  Hisiorical  Gleanings. 


left  him  and  for  the  first  time  he  realized  his  own  peril.  He  has  a  gun 
it  is  true  but  he  scarcely  knows  its  use ;  and  as  he  turns  to  flee,  the 
treacherous  tiger  perceiving  the  intention  makes  another  spring  at  him, 
and  the  afirighted  black  levels,  this  time  fires  and  by  a  miracle  shot  true, 
the  whole  charge  of  slugs  passing  directly  through  the  heart  of  the  monster. 
The  scene  of  this  action  was  on  the  island  of  Gomer  opposite  and  one  mile 
from  Barranquilla.  The  slave  is  owned  by  Senor  Antonio  Mendoza  who 
keeps  Mr.  Glen's  cattle;  the  head  of  the  ferocious  animal  which  I  saw 
was  an  enormous  one. 

One  more  instance  occurred  in  that  vicinity  during  my  stay,  of  a  tiger's 
being  succes-ssfully  encountered,  single  handed  and  that  too  by  a  gallant 
boy  of  sixteen  jears  of  age.  He  was  out  with  his  jackass  for  wood  hav- 
ing with  him  only  a  lance;  while  engaged  in  loading  his  beast,  hearing 
his  two  little  curs  bark,  he  looked  round  and  perceived  a  large  tigress 
descending  a  gigantic  tree  which  stood  near  him.  With  the  decision  of  a 
man  he  ran  with  his  lance  and  pierced  her  through  before  she  could  reach 
the  ground,  and  then  went  to  discover  the  object  of  the  dogs'  attack  ;  it 
was  a  half  grown  cub,  which  after  a  furious  conflict  yielded  itself  prisoner 
to  the  young  Nimrod.  The  boy's  father  proved  himself  a  brute  by  kill- 
ing the  cub  and  flogging  the  lad  for  what  he  termed  his  temerity.  The 
hides  of  both  the  tigress  and  her  cub  are  now  in  the  possession  of  Edward 
S.  Glen.  The  dread  of  those  tigers  appear  to  be  almost  universal,  I  never 
could  make  up  a  party  to  hunt  them  ibr  love  or  money.  I  once  went  out 
alone  for  six  or  eight  hours  but  without  any  success.  The  extreme  dull- 
ness of  Barranquilla  which  I  had  a  fair  opportunity  of  testing  whilst 
waiting  three  months,  gave  me  plenty  of  time  for  study,  writing  and 
gunning.  The  paucity  of  game,  among  the  shrubs  of  the  sandy  plains  in 
the  immediate  neighborhood,  compelled  me,  in  the  pursuit  of  my  favorite 
amusement,  to  cross  the  Magdalena  where  in  the  vicinity  of  Mr.  Gleu's 
"  rosa  "  the  greatest  number  of  ducks  of  the  teal  sjiecics,  enliven  the 
numerous  layoons  of  the  Savanna  groves,  together  with  plover,  snipes,  &c. 
There  I  would  frequently  hie  to  pass  an  idle  hour;  the  beauty  of  the 
grove  was  enchanting  and  the  freshness  of  the  sea-breeze  wafted  over  the 
little  lakes  destroyed  all  the  baneful  influence  of  the  midday  sun.  The 
rich  bed  of  grass,  with  which  the  whole  plain  was  covered,  afi'orded  the 
sportsman  a  fine  opportunity  of  approaching  unperceived  as  near  the  flocks 
of  devoted  ducks  as  he  could  desire,  one  or  two  shots  generally  gave  Cato 
and  myself  as  much  of  a  load  as  vye  wished  to  carry  a  mile  to  the  river. 
This  place  was  visited  regularly  twice  or  thrice  a  week  for  a  month  or 
two,  and  every  time  with  success,  but  at  length  a  little  adventure  occurred 
■which  induced  me,  through  motives  of  caution  to  discontinue  my  visits  to 
that  fascinating  spot. 

Being  one  day  intent  upon  getting  in  a  favorable  position  for  a  fair  shot 
at  a  fine  large  flock  of  ducks,  and  crawling  as  usual  in  the  grass  nearer 
the  pond  in  which  they  sported,  when  almost  within  the  desired  distance, 
I  was  surprised  and  alarmed  by  the  sudden  agitation  of  the  grass  under 
niv  "  all/oum."  Withdrawing  my  attention  from  the  ducks  to  discover 
the  cause,  imagine  my  horror  at  discovering  a  very  large  snake  directly 
under  me.  The  ducks  of  course  were,  at  the  moment,  forgotten,  and  uiy 
first  idea  was  to  shoot  the  reptile  but  simultaneously  Gate's  machete  or 
chopping  knife  occurred  to  me,  for  wliich  J  called  and  .saved  my  amiuuui- 
tinn.  Whilst  Cato  vfn~  appr'incliing  -IVoni  tlic  di--t;in<-c  vfith  his  w(^•l|'.'.l!!, 
the  snake  was  making  ofl',  but   i  Ibllowed  to  ke(;p  him  in  sight,  till  Cato 


5S.     The  extreme  dull- 


Vr'ith   iii^;  wcMj 
liiui  in  sight,  till  Cato 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  461 

cnnie  up.  The  serpent  then  stopped  and  threw  himself  in  attitude  for 
battle;  a  more  threatening  object  could  scarce  present  itself.  About  three 
feet  of  Its  length  protruded  above  the  grass ;  its  fiery  eye,  the  brandishing 
of  Its  forked  tongue  with  the  quick  opening  and  shutting  of  its  ponderoul 
jaws  proc  aimed  Its  deadly  rage.  Cato  made  one  mis-blow  with  the 
machete,  the  snake  darted  at  him  in  return  with  like  success.  I  then  took 
he  too  myself  and  was  lucky  enough  to  sever  the  head  from  its  body  at 
the  first  stroke.  1  he  color  was  a  beautiful  rich  cream  color,  studded  over 
with  small  glo.s8y  black  spots;  it  measured  eight  feet,  and  I  afterwards 
learned  that  its  bite  is  deadly  and  incurable.  How  I  escaped  touchin-  it 
lu  passing  over  him  on  my  hands  and  knees  is  a  mystery  to  me  he  then 
was  basking  in  the  sun  and  probably  sleeping  ;  if  I  had  unfortunately 
touched  him,  one  bite  would  have  told  my  story.  The  danger  at  all  events 
was  too  apparent  for  me  as  a  prudent  person  to  expose  myself  to  a  like 
hazard  the  second  tune  ;  I  never  went  there  for  ducks  a"-ain 

On  Jebruary  15th  Edward  received  a  letter  from  his  brother  John 
dated  "New  lork  Dec.  24th,"  in  which  he  states  his  intention  of  return- 
ing by  way  of  St.  Thomas  and  Jamaica;  this  letter  came  via.  Cha<'res  but 
does  not  lessen  my  apprehensions  for  his  safety,  as  he  has  had  time  to  ac- 
complish all,  but  IS  not  yet  here.  As  Edward  thinks  that  John  will 
certainly  go  on  immediately  to  Bogota  after  his  return,  and  bein<'  so 
urgent  that  I  shall  wait  for  his  arrival.  I  will  now  remain  till  the  Febru- 
ary packet  from  New  York  arrives.  Februari/  2'Srd.  I  was  this  day  ex- 
tremely gratified  by  the  receipt  of  an  answer  to  my  letter  from  Cartha-ena 
of  Dec.  25th  to  General  Harrison.  His  letter  dated  Bogota  Feb.  7th  Tays  • 
"  Upon  my  arrival  here  evening  before  last  I  received  yours  &c."  He' 
mentions  that  his  furniture  had  not  yet  arrived  and  of  course  hadnotyet 
commenced  housekeeping,  he  concludes  with  :  "  If  this  letter  should  find 
you  still  at  Barranquilla  you  can  use  your  own  discretion  as  to  the  time 
of  your  departure.  Whenever  you  do  come,  it  will  give  me  much  pleasure 
to  receive  you  as  the  son  of  an  old  and  highly  valued  friend."  That  let- 
ter has  confirmed  me  in  my  intention  of  remaining  some  time  longer  here 
for  the  sake  of  John  Glen's  company  up  the  river.  The  General's  letter 
of  which  the  above  is  the  substance,  suits  me  exactly;  his  remark  about 
his  furniture  is  intended  to  give  me  an  idea  of  his  as  yet  unsettled  state, 
and  is  as  I  take  it,  an  indirect  way  of  saying  he  is  not  yet  ready  to  receive 
me,  but  notwithstanding  he  will  be  glad  to  see  me  for  your  sake  at  any 
time.  "^ 

March  'ira.  Edward  Glen  last  evening  received  a  package  of  letters 
from  hi,s  friends  at  home  by  the  bng  Medina,  which  loft  his  brother  at 
St.  Domingo  and  is  now  in  f^anta  Martha.  Our  fears  are  now  at  au  end 
respecting  John  Glen,  he  will  go  to  Jamaica  before  he  returns.  I  am  in 
hopes  of  hearing  from  our  Consul  at  Carthagena,  in  reply  to  mine,  regard- 
ing Gen.  Harrison's  furniture,  still  detained  in  the  Custom  House  for 
duty,  if  my  information  is  correct  T  shall  put  it  in  a  train  to  be  sent  on 
before  I  leave  this.  It  takes  two  .  .onths  for  heavy  or  bulky  articles  to 
reach  Bogota  from  Carthagena  therefore  my  waiting  will  be  out  of  the 
question.  The  war  with  Peru  is  no  more,  it  died  a  natural  death  after 
her  vessels  had  been  repulsed  in  an  attempt  against  Guayaquil  and  a  few 
cuiiipanies  of  her  troops  were  beaten  on  land  by  a  similar  number  of 
Colonibiaus.  The  insurrection  at  Popayan  headed  by  a  discontented  Colonel 
.):is  ;i!.^o  ^een  (jUanlicd.  The  CouiUiy  is  tr;in({uii  and  its  aii":iir.s  ovidcuUy 
improving,  a  proof  of  which  is  that  a  certain  proportion  of  its  Exchequer 


Mi-.L  M 


462 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


bills  aro  receivable  now  at  the  Custom  House  for  duties,  a  thing  heretofore 
not  allowed,  and  General  IJolivar'.s  disposition  to  facilitate  the  coiuuierciul 
intercourse  witii  tiiis  country  is  nianilested  iu  his  late  order  opening;;  the 
Port  of  Savinilla  for  exportation.  In  consequence  of  Edward's  pressure 
of  business  we  have  not  been  able  to  leave  home  for  our  lion  hunt,  and 
now  as  our  preparations  for  the  jaunt  up  the  river  takes  up  all  our  time, 
we  will  be  obliged  to  lay  that  resolution  on  the  table.  John  Glen  has 
arrived  but  hiving  touched  at  Jamaica,  in  his  passage,  he  sent  my  letters 
on  by  the  N.  Y.  packet  and  I  now  have  the  mortification  and  disappoint- 
ment to  know  they  have  gone  on  to  Bogota.  My  exposure  to  the  climate 
and  the  Sun  has  been  frequent  and  intentional ;  after  landing  I  used 
much  caution  in  going  out  scarcely  ever  without  my  umbrella,  but  as  I 
became  more  and  more  inured  was  less  guarded,  and  now  I  feel  as  safe  in 
venturing  abroad  without  any  extraordinary  precautions  as  most  of  the 
natives.  The  only  indisposition  of  any  kind  that  I  have  experienced  here, 
wa.s  a  slight  headache  at  Santa  Martha  after  crossing  its  hills  and  confined 
vales,  but  an  halfhour'iO  nap  made  me  strong  as  ever,  and  now  look  for- 
ward to  my  passage  up  the  river  with  pleasure. 

What  an  agreeable  diversify  I  will  experience  in  relaxation  from  study 
while  going  with  (he  windings  of  the  River  Mngdalena  a  distance  of  eighty 
miles  and  new  objects  constantly  unfolded  to  my  vision.  This  journey  is 
an  every  day  occurrence  with  Merchants,  from  several  of  whom  I  have  ob- 
tained much  valuable  information  in  regard  to  this  rout;  which  together 
with  the  assistance  of  my  good  friend  llldward  have  made  myself  familiar 
•with  all  the  requisites  for  it,  and  am  now  amply  provided  with  every 
necessary  and  many  luxuries  for  the  trip.  My  boat  is  good  and  I  have 
three  of  Glen's  best  luen  to  ma'i  it,  Cato  and  myself  have  mats,  musquito- 
bars  k(i ;  the  awning  of  the  boat  is  manufactured  of  leaves,  impervious  to 
8un  or  rain.  Not  having  English  or  Americans  aboard  save  Cato,  will  be 
an  advantage  to  my  Spanisii  for  my  crew  speak  no  other  language.  I 
have  been  in  the  habit  of  exercising  Cato  with  the  broad-sword,  by  which 
I  have  not  only  made  a  pretty  good  swordsman  of  him,  but  improved  my 
own  knowledge  of  the  science.  It  is  a  very  necessary  accomplishment 
here,  as  every  native  from  necessity  carries  a  machetta  or  long  knife, 
without  it  he  could  never  make  his  way  through  the  underbrush  of  the 
forest ;  besides  the  machetta  is  substituted  for  the  ax,  hoe  and  spade, 
being  therefore  an  essential  instrument  to  every  workman.  It  is  not  at  all 
extraordinary  that  strangers  who  have  seen  these  natives  so  generally 
wearing  them,  should  from  that  very  circumstance  form  an  unfavorable 
impression  of  their  character.  Indeed  the  ragged  clothes  and  long  beard 
of  some  of  these  fellows,  make  tiiem  appear  the  perfect  counterpart  of 
what  Fancy  would  present  as  the  picture  of  a  complete  ruifian.  The  fact 
of  the  weapon  being  often  drawn  when  travelling  does  not  tend  to  destroy 
the  image.  I  have  often  when  passing  them  at  night  had  a  pistol  out  ready 
for  an  emergency,  but  I  have  never  had  a  crossword  or  look  from  any  of 
them  ;  on  the  contrary  have  found  them  to  posess  much  of  that  obliging 
disposition  of  our  own  backwoodsmen,  but  more  ignorant;  they  are  great 
beggars,  nor  are  they  as  strong  or  as  bravo,  the  sight  of  a  firearm  will 
scatter  a  dozen. 

Notwithstanding  the  exaggerated  accounts  that  wc  had  at  home  of  the 
unsettled  state  of  the  Country,  originating  in  a  measure  in  the  selfishness 
of  tlio  rosi<lent  merchants,  I  am  well  pleased  not  only  with  the  people, but 
with  the  country  which  is  now  tranquil. 


INGS. 

ies,  a  thing  heretofore 
lilitate  the  coiuuieruiul 
te  order  opening;;  the 
af  Edward's  pressure 
r  our  lion  hunt,  and 
akes  up  all  our  time, 
ble.  John  Glen  has 
ge,  he  sent  my  letters 
ation  and  disappoint- 
cposure  to  the  climate 
after  landing  I  used 
<f  umbrella,  but  as  I 
1  now  I  feel  as  safe  in 
;ions  as  most  of  the 
lave  experienced  here, 
;  its  hills  and  confined 
',  and  now  look  for- 

rclaxation  from  study 
na  a  distance  of  eighty 
ion.  This  journey  is 
al  of  whom  I  have  ob- 
rout ;  which  together 
made  myself  familiar 
provided  with  every 
is  good  and  I  have 
have  mats,  musquito- 
leaves,  impervious  to 
ird  save  Cato,  will  be 
)  other  language.  I 
)road-sword,  by  which 
im,  but  improved  my 
isary  accomplishment 
ihetta  or  long  knife, 
e  underbrush  of  the 
ax,  hoe  and  spade, 
kman.  It  is  not  at  all 
natives  so  generally 
form  an  unfavorable 
lothes  and  long  beard 
erfect  counterpart  of 
ete  ruffian.  The  fact 
es  not  tend  to  destroy 
had  a  pistol  out  ready 
1  or  look  from  any  of 
luch  of  that  obliging 
orant ;  they  are  great 
jht  of  a  firearm  will 

0  had  at  home  of  the 
jure  in  the  selfishness 
f  with  the  people,  but 


un 
on. 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  463 

I  hope  that  a  very  fe^^  years  will  see  me  again  on  the  banks  of  the 
bonny  Hudson  with  a  sufficient  fortune  to  make  you  .11  happy.  I  have 
just  been  informed  that  the  person  to  whom  Gen.  Harrison's  furniture  is 
consigned  is  only  waiting  for  orders  to  forward  it,  while  the  General  is  in 
daily  expectation  of  receiving  it  and  therefore  do^s  not  think  of  writinL- 
mder  these  circumstances  I  shall  assume  the  responsibility  of  orderin.^  it 
n.  I  hope  that  my  good  old  Grandmother  and  all  my  friends  are  wdl 
I  suppose  Aunt  Maria  by  this  time  is  Mrs.  Jacob  S.  Glen.  Give  mv  best 
love  to  one  and  all.  Yours  as  ever, 

n„„i   «  1  V      Tj         1       T,  A.     Henssklaer  Van  Rensselaer. 
Genl.  &ol.  Van  Rensselaer,  P.  M.,  Albany,  New  York,  North  America. 

AndreiD  Jackmn. 

rs^^'T^'^lt'^^^y  '^"°''«°V  ^^^  ^  triumphant  election  and  on  the  4th  of 
March,  1829,  an  imposing  inauguration  to  the  office  of  president    "  Seve 
ral  surviving  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  Revolution  surrounded  the  old 
hero  when  he  took   the  oath  of  office  as  the  seventh  president  of  the 
United  States.       In  this  presidential  contest  there  had  been  almost  un- 
exampled malignity  of  party  feeling  which  discharged  heavy  guns  •  but 
the  successful  candidate  constructed  a  cabinet  wholly  of  his  political 
friends.  "It  was  done  with  decision,  and   then  with  inflexible  honesty  a 
strong  will,  incorruptible  integrity,  and  audacity  which  amazed  his  friends 
and  alarmed  his  opponents,  he  began  the  administration  of  public  affairs 
with  great  vigor."     Among  the  visitors  at  Washington  was  Gen   Van 
Rensselaer  not  only  to  be  present  at  the  inauguration,  but  also  to  meet  any 
prescriptive  tendency  that  might  be  afloat.  "  General  Jackson  scrupulously 
rejected  all  party  or  personal  considerations  in  regard  to  Gen.  Van  Rens- 
selaer's politics,  and  behaved  most  honorably  in  his  distribution  of  official 
patronage.     When  introduced  by  Mr.  Livingston,  the  president  took  his 
hand  in  both  of  his  own  remarking  that  he  had  long  wished  to  see  Gene- 
ral Van  Rensselaer,  and  continued  he  :  '  If  there  was  any  thing  he  could 
do  for  him,  besides  taking  care  of  the  present  Post  Office,  he  must  men- 
tion  it  to  him,'  adding  '  I  well  recollect  your  decided  conduct  in  my  state 
m  1797  (Tennessee)  at  the  head  of  your  noble  troop  of  Dragoons,  the 
finest  in  the  service  —  that  you  did  not  come  to  action  was  not  your  fault. 
You  were  also  the  first  to  draw  your  sword  and  shed  your  blood  after  the 
disgraceful  surrender  of  Hull,  the  fiill  of  Brock  was  a  very  great  achieve- 
njent.     Your  country  owes  you  much  Sir.'    A  miserable  set  of  democratic 
cormorants  at  Albany  applied  to  the  old  hero  for  the  removal  of  Gen. 
Van  Rensselaer  from  the   Albany  Post  Office,  but  that  splendid  type  of 
Kevolutionary  times  made  this  high  souled  and  patriotic  reply  :  '  By  the 
Eternal  I  will  remove  no  man  from  office  who  carries  British  lead  in  his 
body.'     He  would  not  be  guilty  of  such  a  wanton  outrage." 

A  New  Anecdote  of  Qen.  Jackson. 
After  Jackson's  first  election  in  1829,  a  strong  effort  was  made  to  re- 
move Gen, ,  an  old  revolutionary  soldier,  at  that  time  postmaster  in 

one  of  the  principal  New  York  towns.  He  had  been  so  fierce  an  Adams 
man  that  the  Jackson  men  determined  to  displace  him.  Silas  Wright 
had  just  left  his  seat  as  a  Representative  in  Congress  from  Hevi  York 
and  was  precisely  the  man  to  head  a  movement  against  the  old  Postmaster, 
His  iiiliuenee  with  Jaekaon  was  buuudlcss.  His  force  m  debate  uiade 
him  a  match  for  the  giants  themselves ;  and  as  Mr.  Van  Buren  was  theu 


t     ., 


•      I 


r   I 


It      I 


I 


464 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gl.,.iNings. 


Jacksnn's  Secretary  of  State  the  combination  was  powerful.  The  old 
Postmaster,  knowing  that  these  two  political  masters  were  against  him, 
went  to  Washington,  called  upon  the  President  immediately  upon  hih 
arrival,  and  was  most  courteously  received  and  requested  to  call  again, 
which  he  did  several  times,  but  nothing  was  said  about  the  post  office. 
The  old  postmaster  now  heard  from  his  friends  at  homo  that  the  important 
document  was  ou  its  way,  so  he  resolved  on  a  coup  de  main.  The  ..text 
day  there  was  a  presidential  reception,  and  among  the  early  visitors  was 

(Jen. .     After  a  cordial    ,'reeting  by  Gen.  Jackson,  he  ijuietly  took 

his  seat  and  waited  until  the  long  train  of  visitors  had  duly  saluted  the 
nation's  chief  and  passed  through  the  grand  east  room  on  their  way 
home.  The  President  turned  to  iiis  venerable  guest  with  some  surprise, 
as  he  noticed  him  still  seated  on  one  of  the  sofas,  and  entered  into  fami- 
liar conversation  with  him,  when,  to  his  amazement,  the  old  soldier  said, 
"  Gen.  Jackson,  I  have  come  here  to  talk  to  you  about  my  office.  The 
politicians  want  to  take  it  from  me,  and  they  know  I  have  nothing  else  to 
live  upon."  The  President  made  no  reply,  till  the  aged  postmaster  began 
to  take  off  his  coat  in  the  most  excited  manner,  when  Old  Hickory  broke 
out  with  the  inquiry.  "  What  in  heaven's  name  are  you  going  to  do  ? 
Why  do  you  take  off  your  coat  in  this  public  place?"  "  Well  Sir,  I 
am  going  to  show  you  my  wounds,  which  I  received  in  fighting  for  my 
Country  against  the  English."  "  Put  it  on  at  once  Sir  !  "  was  the  reply. 
"  I  am  surprised  that  a  man  of  your  age  should  make  such  an  exhibition 
of  himself,"  and  the  eyes  of  the  iron  President  were  suffused  with  tears, 
as  without  another  word  he  bade  his  ancient  foe  good  evening.  The  very 
next  night  the  crafty  and  able  New  York  politician  called  at  the  White 
House  and  sent  in  his  card.  He  was  immediately  ushered  into  the  pre- 
sence, and  found  Jackson  in  loose  gown  and  slippers,  seated  before  a 
blazing  wood  fire,  quietly  smoking  his  long  pipe.  After  the  ordinary 
courtesies  had  been  exchanged,  the  politician  opened  his  budget.  He 
represented  the  district  from  which  the  venerable  post-master  hailed ;  said 
the  latter  had  been  a  very  active  advocate  of  John  Quincy  Adams ;  that 
he  had  literally  forfeited  his  place  by  his  earnest  opposition  to  the  Jack- 
son men,  and  that  if  he  were  not  removed  the  new  administration  would 
be  seriously  injured.  He  had  hardly  finished  the  last  sentence,  when 
Jackson  sprung  to  his  feet,  flung  his  pipe  into  the  fire,  and  exclaimed, 
with  great  vehemence,  '  I  take  the  consequences,  Sir,  I  take  the  conse- 
quences. I  will  not  remove  the  old  man.  I  cannot  remove  him.  Why, 
Mr.  Wright,  do  you  know  that  he  carries  more  than  a  pound  of  British 
lead  in  his  body  V  OoL.  Forney. 

Rensselaer  Van  Rensselaer  to  Ms  Father. 
My  Dear  Father,  liarranquilla,  March,  17,  1829. 

My  home  letters  sent  from  Jamacia  were  fowarded  from  St.  Martha  to 
Bogota,  it  is  truly  a  disappointment  not  to  receive  them  here,  but  then 
having  concluded  from  the  bearing  of  Mrs.  Visscher's  letter  to  Edward, 
of  February  1st,  that  nothing  extraordinary  has  occurred  in  our  family  (ex- 
cepting the  marriage  to  take  place  on  the  17th)  1  endeavor  to  agree  with 
the  tourist  moralist  who  perhaps  under  like  cireumstaucoE  says  :  "In  a 
fleeting  world  like  this  how  foolish  it  is  to  fret  and  ever  worry  ourselves 
with  the  petty  vexations  dl'  such  a  transient  existence."  It  is  however 
some  co-iHolation  to  know  those  letters  .are  not  lost  but  await  my  joining 
General  Harrison.     I  was   misinformed    regarding   his  furniture,  it  was 


INOS. 

powerful.  The  old 
its  were  against  him, 
UHicdiiitciy  upon  hisi 
juested  to  call  aj;uin, 
about  the  post  office, 
mo  that  the  important 

(Ic  main.  The  ..text 
the  early  visitors  was 
kson,  he  <juietly  took 
had  duly  saluted  the 
;  room  on  their  way 
t  with  some  surprise, 
id  entered  into  fami- 
,  the  old  soldier  said, 
bout  my  office.  The 
I  have  nothing  else  to 
iged  postmaster  begau 
!n  Old  Hickory  broke 
ire  you  going  to  do  ? 
ice?"  "Well  Sir,  I 
ed  in  fighting  for  my 
Sir  !  "  was  the  reply, 
ce  such  an  exhibition 
3  suffused  with  tears, 
)d  evening.  The  very 
a  called  at  the  White 
ushered  into  the  pre- 
pers,  seated  before  a 

After  the  ordinary 
bed  his  budget.  He 
st-master  hailed ;  said 
Quincy  Adams ;  that 
^position  to  the  Jack- 
administration  would 
3  last  sentence,  when 
;  fire,  and  exclaimed. 
Sir,  I  take  the  conse- 
t  remove  him.  Why, 
m  a  pound  of  British 
Col.  Forney. 

Iher. 

a,  March,  17,  1829. 

ed  from  St.  Martha  to 

them  here,  but  then 
ler's  letter  to  Edward, 
rred  in  our  family  (ex- 
indeavor  to  agree  with 
mstaucoE  says  :  "Ln  a 
i  over  worry  ourselves 
;eiice."  It  is  however 
t  but  await  my  joiiii"}? 

his  furniture,  it  was 


Lbqacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  455 

forwarded  by  Mr.  Bunch,  the   consignee,  immediately   after  it.  arrival  in 
Carthagena,  and  must  by  this  time  be  near  or  at  its  journey's  end.     I  there 
fore  only  wa.t  John  aieVs  arrival,  in  his  own  home,  to  avail  u.yself  0   his 
company  up  the  river ;  though  I  should  not  stay  if  t  was  not  certa  n  that 
either  himself  or  Edward  will  go  on.     I  suppose  the  snow,  of  which  I  uS 
derstand  you  have  had  such  an   abundant  supply  this   w  nter  has  made 
your  city  quite  lively.     Often  times  when  pensiviy  admiHng  the  resplen. 
dent  beauty  of  the  moonlight  nights  in   my  tropical  abode,  do  I  thtnk  of 
pleasant  scenes  at  home  at  such  moonlight  revels,  and  wish  for  the  power 
of  ubiquity  that  I  might  occasionally  enjoy  the   pleasures  of  those  sS 
rides  behind  the  jingling  sleigh  bells,  =n  the  society  of  "  loved  ones  "who 
would  not  give   refinement  a  cause  to  blush.     Here   snow  is  out  of  the 
Sw-n    °"'  I  seen  a  drop   of  rain   as  yet;    the   Schenectady 

width  as  these  roads  are  merely  sufficiently  wide  to  allow  two  loaded  jacks 
to  pass  each  other.  Having  spoken  of  the  roads  I  will  now  give  you  a  few 
ot  the  pi  ises  of  Society  as  come  under  my  observation 

Being  invited  among  the  rest  of  Mr.  Glen's  family  I  attended  several 
parties  one  of  which  I  shall  endeavor  to  describe.     It  is  customary  at 
every  Christening,  which  takes  place  at  the  eighth  day  after  the  birth  of 
an  infant  to  lavite  all  visiting  friends  and  to  close  the  evening  with  a 
dance.     On  this  occasion  Sefior  Jose  Maria  Penez  the  "  Juez  Politico" 
was  mt.  at  the  church  by  his  friends  at  the  baptism  of  a  son ;  each  of  the 
guests  upon  entering  the  aisle  was  presented  with  a  lighted  candle  which 
he  held  in  his  hand  whilst  the  Curate  was  performing  the  ceremony  of 
which  by  the  way,  not  one  word  could  be  distinguished  as  the  discordant 
sounds  ot  the  organ  from  the  commencement,  absorbed  in  the  vortex  of 
its  own  notes  all  other  things,  otherwise  audible.     The  christening  over 
all  the  guests  proceeded  in  regular  order,  two  and  two,  accompanied  by 
guards  with  lanterns  to  the  dwelling,  where  the  congratulations  first  took 
place.     Then  the  guests  after  tasting  such  of  the  various  kinds  of  potables 
as  they  fancied,  partook  of  a  great  variety  of  cakes,  and  sugar  preserve- 
y  eleped  "  dukes,"  after  which  they,  according  to  the  custom  of  the  country 
jilled  their  pockets.     Appetites  having  been  fully  satisfied  with  the  redun- 
dant  stores  of  cakes,  candies,  liquors  and  cigars,  the  gentlemen  felt  them- 
selves  competent  to  perform  the  more  pleasing  part  of  their  duties,  on  this 
evening,  by  waiting  upon  the  ladies.     The  doors  of  the  adjoinino-  room 
were  accordingly  thrown  open  to  the  sound  of  music  from  a  very  good 
band,  and  lo !  all  the  beauty  of  Barranquilla  was  discovered,  seated  round 
the  dancing  room  in  "  dread  array."     I  have  frequently  seen  beauty  so 
displayed  at  home  in  the  same  systematic,  terrific  order;  and  have  felt 
more  reluctance  in  encountering  them,  than  I  am  sure  I  would  so  many 
throat  cutting  banditti ;  but  on  this  occasion  the  beaux  entering  in  a  body 
were  countenanced  by  each  other  through  the  trying  ordeal  in  passing  by 
the  lormidable  assemblage.     The  round  of  reverencias  were  made  to  the 
lovely  phalanx  while  filing  by  to  our  seats  on  the  opposite  side  (  'the  room, 
r-iuch  gentleman  having  selected  his  partner  takes  his  stand  on  the  floor 
and  when  all  is  ready  the  music  strikes  up,  then  the  fair  one  marches  up 
and  takes  her  place  opposite  her  accepted  one  when  the  giddy  whirling 
and  twisting  commences.     The  dances  generally  are  waltzes,  though  they 
have  what  are  called  country  dances,  but  they  partake  so  much  of  the 
nature  of  waltzes  that  I  can  scarcely  distinguish  them  apart. 

59 


JJ 


466 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleaninqs. 


The  ladies  who  have  come  under  my  inspection,  in  this  province  of 
Carthaij;ena,  are  of  an  olive  complexion,  with  features  rof^ular,  smull  and 
generally  handsome  ;  their  teeth,  in  which  they  appear  to  take  much 
pride,  are  always  beautifully  white ;  their  hands  and  ieet  small ;  the  latter 
are  ever  drest  in  silk  or  satin  stockinjis  and  slippers.  Indeed  they  are 
more  extravagant  in  the  dress  of  their  feet  than  any  other  part  of  their 
person.  A  beautifully  figured  tortoise  shell  comb  is  an  indispensable 
ornament  to  their  fine  heads  of  hair ;  a  figured  crape  shawl  thrown  loosely 
over  is  the  only  head-gear  in  doors  or  out;  their  eyes  are  as  black  as 
their  hair.  I  had  remarked  the  general  use  of  cigars  among  all  classes 
but  was  astonished  to  perceive  how  readily  the  elderly  ladies  could  puff 
the  nauseous  weed,  the  mimic  volcanoes  of  smoke  were  rising  in  every 
quarter  of  the  room.  A  great  mark  of  civility  is  to  light  a  cigar  and  ofi'er 
it  to  a  stranger,  if  not  accepted  and  smoked  it  is  considered  a  mark  of 
ill-breeding  or  contempt. 

A  little  girl  of  thirteen  years  danced  the  fandango,  a  sort  of  lively  jig 
or  hornpipe  which  threw  the  company  into  extacies  of  delight.     The  ladies 
do  not  look  with  thatfealing  of  indignation  upon  the  immorality  of  either 
sex,  ♦hat  our  fair  skinned,  rosy  cheeks  at  home  do  ;  their  ideas  of  delicacy 
are  less  fastidious  than  ours,  as  is  proved  not  only  in  manners  but  in  con- 
versation.    Character  is  nothing,  money  here  is  everything;  but  though 
so  desirable  you  seldom  meet  rich  natives;  they,  particularly  the  unedu- 
cated portion  which  is  very  great,  are  the  most  improvident  fellows  in  the 
world.     Like  our  Indians  if  they  only  have  for  their  present  need,  they 
care  not  for  the  future;  a  showy  dress  and  plenty  to  eat  will   suffice, 
Foreigners  taking  advantage  of  their  dispositions  soon  realize  a  fortune 
from  their  idiosyncrasy.     The  most  common  materials,  if  of  a  showy  ap- 
pearance are  imported  and  sold  at  extravagant  prices ;  a  yard  of  striped 
calico,  for  instance,  sells  for  $1.50,  other  things  in  proportion  at  fabulous 
gains.     The  people  are  ignorant  and  indolent,  they  work  for  very  low 
wages  but  never  work  unless  they  want  money.     They  seldom  or  ever 
betray  a  trust,  though  their  promises  cannot  be  depended  on  ;  they  are 
eflfeniinate  and  timorous  not  easily  excited  to  quarrel ;  they  look  upon 
foreigners  as  "  creatures  of  another  sphere,"  and  dislike  to  offend  them 
as  much  as  they  could  a  Sprite.     One  of  Mr.  Glen's  clerks,  a  very  clever 
native,  sometime  since  after  watching  Cato  and  myself  at  our  daily  exer- 
cise of  fencing,  very  civilly  asked,  if  I  would  object  to  try  my  skill  with 
him.     I  was  quite  glad  of  the  opportunity  of  trying  the  science  of  the 
natives,  and  this  man  particularly  as  he  had  boasted  frequently  at  table, 
of  the  superior  agility  of  his  countrymen  at  the  exercise  and  of  his  own 
skill,  1  wanted  to  know  how  my  broadsword  would  work  on  a  pinch  witli 
the  machete.     The  tilting  match  was  against  him,  it  has  been  repeated 
frequently  with  the  same  result ;  he  could  guard  against  all  the  cuts  very 
well  but  two  and  five,  but  the  l.'ont  give  point  would  strike  him  every 
time.     The  trial  has  been  quite  satisfactory  to  me  and  to  him  too,  for  he 
is  now  taking  lessons  of  me;  but  I  hope  and  think  there  is  no  danger  of 
coming  to  the  real  test  of  my  skill.     Another  morning  while  Cato  and 
myself  were  engaged  in  our  gymnastic   exercise,  the  th  .mping  of  our 
sticks  collected  a  crowd  of  admiring  spectators  round   oiir  door  ;  among 
the  number  two  expressed  a  desire  to  try  my  skill  agains-  their  mtchetta 
exercise.     I  consented  and  was  gratified  to  find  that  they  could  not  parry 
a  skillfully  planted  cut,  nor  guard  against  an  occasional  thrust.     I  was 
pleased  as  lere  every  man  carrys  a  machete,  and  as  they  always  risort 


Lbgaoy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


467 


to  it  in  a  fij^ht,  tho  idea  of  bein^  a  match  for  the  best  of  them  in  an  ex- 
tremicy  was  not  an  un;^niteful  fecjling. 

1  have  seen  a  funeral.  The  subject,  a  child  of  two  yearp,  a  neighbor 
of  mine,  died  about  ten  o'chick  at  ni-ht;  when  defunct,  all  its  female 
relatives  collected  and  a  wake  with  all  its  Irish  concomitants  :  drinking 
howling,  praying  &o.  commenced  and  lasted  all  night  to  luy  particular 
disquiet.  Very  early  in  the  morning  the  body  was  borne  to  the  church 
accompanied  by  the  acting  Curate-Padre  Oantillo  —  a  man  of  the  world 
a  skillful  rake  and  gambler  — stopping  at  each  crossing  of  the  streets 
where  the  funeral  service  was  chanted,  and  holy  water  profusely  scattered 
over  the  remains.  The  service  concludud  at  church,  the  body  in  simply 
a  winding-sheet  (coffins  are  never  used  for  old  or  young)  was  again  com- 
mitted to  the  care  of  those  who  are  hired  for  the  occasion  to  be  "the  howl- 
ing mourners,  and  amid  their  noisy  wailing  was  borne  and  consigned  to 
Its  last  resting  place.  The  pillow  on  which  a  person  breathes  his  last 
though  carried  to  the  grave  with  him  is  never  interred,  but  being  an  unl 
hallowed  article,  or  more  probably  the  object  of  superstitious  dread,  when 
wanted  no  more  is  thrown  over  the  sepulchral  wall  among  the  bushes 
where  the  pillows  of  the  dead  hang  as  thick  as  blackberries.  ' 

This  people  are  greatly  given  to  superstition,  which  is  much  encouraged 
by  their  spiritual  advisers  as  also  strengthened  by  their  religious  rites  and 
ceremonies.  One  of  the  good  women  of  this  town  set  the  whole  place  in 
commotion  by  reporting  her  house  to  be  haunted.  Her  story  was  that  on  a 
certain  night  a  "  bnixa"  or  Witch  entered  the  house  where  a  lady  friend 
and  herself  were  asleep  in  bed,  her  son  of  eighteen  years  in  his  hammock, 
and  after  daubing  horseli'  and  bedmate  over  with  patches  of  tar,  proceeded 
to  the  hammock  of  the  boy  giving  him  such  a  violent  blow  on  the  breast, 
with  the  flat  hand,  that  he  was  deprived  of  his  senses  and  did  not  recover 
till  noon  of  next  day.  ^he  averred  that  the  doors  were  all  locked,  and 
the  witch  consequently  must  have  entered  by  the  key-hole.  The  first  use 
the  boy  made  of  his  returning  senses  was  very  considerate''  to  visit  the 
Padre  for  absolution.  The  toothless  bewitched  old  widow  ;ipplied  next 
day  to  Mr.  Glen  for  a  servant  to  sleep  in  her  house  as  a  guard,  and  it 
was  full  a  week  before  any  clue  to  the  mystery  could  be  obtained.  It  was 
finally  discovered  that  the  other  inmate  of  the  bewitched  room,  a  buxom 
lass  of  twenty  years,  having  silently  enjoyed  the  effects  of  the  scheme, 
could  keep  her  joke  no  longer,  but  avowed  herself  the  authoress  of  all  the 
witches  pranks,  to  the  confusion  of  the  sages  and  old  women  who  had 
made  so  many  profound  speculations  on  the  important  event. 

We  had  the  Feast  of  the  Carnival,  which  in  lialy  lasts  some  weeks,  but 
at  this  place  where  so^many  are  dependent  upon  each  day's  labor,  they  have 
been  wisely  reduced  to  three  days,  during  which  time  work  is  out  of  the 
question,  for  all  are  full  of  fun  and  frolic.  Upon  what  occasion  the  festi- 
val originated,  I  cannot  now  tell,  whether  in  Paganism  or  some  Ecclesias 
tical  event.  Here  the  aborigines  of  the  country  in  their  ancient  dress 
appear  to  bear  the  principal  parts,  as  it  will  be  my  part  to  shew  in  duo 
order.  The  numerous  masks  who  passed  In  groups,  I  observed  to  beat  one 
another  with  sticks  and  in  the  scuffles,  that  would  occasionally  ensue  for 
some  bauble,  I  noticed  the  clothes  fly  in  tatters,  but  only  on  one  occasion 
an  instance  of  a  person's  falling  out  of  humor,  and  he  poor  devil,  was  well 
paid  for  his  pettishness.  A  crowd  of  masks  seized  him  and  after  rubbing 
Ills  tuco,  with  a  VGr'^  rou'*h  woi^d  til!  i*  ne.*iv!v  bled  hp.ld  hirr.  bv  the  hf^ols 
and  arms  extended  horizontally  iu  the  air,  whilst  others  beat  him  umerci- 


m 


468 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


St'        ' 

I'     I 


fully  on  an  unmentionable  part.  This  tutoring  was  dcBigned  to  show  that 
ns  no  real  injury  wnH  intended  to  bo  (^iven,  therefore  no  person  should 
evince  anger  at  any  trick  played  upon  him.  I  recollected  this  IcHsnn, 
when  as  incidentally  passing  out  in  the  course  of  the  morning,  a  mask  threw 
an  egg.  It  struck  me  fair  in  the  breast  on  my  immaculate  white  linen 
and  broke,  but  to  my  satisfaction  I  found  it  had  contained  nothing  but 
pure  water ;  the  meat  having  been  previously  extracted  for  the  purpose. 
This  trick  bad  been  concerted  by  Edward  with  some  ladies  of  the  vicinity, 
who  recompensed  me  for  the  wetting,  by  calling  me  in  and  surprising  uie 
with  a  shower  of  rose  and  cologne  water.  The  next  day  all  was  knocked 
aback  by  their'daubing  my  face,  white  vest  and  pantaloons  with  red,  yellow 
and  blue  water  paint,  till  I  looked  more  like  a  harlequin  than  any  thin" 
else,  though  I  hud  the  satisfaction  of  giving  them  a  Rowland  for  m 
Oliver,  and  subsequently  I  had  more  than  the  full  equivalent  of  fun,  of 
seeing  all,  both  Indies  and  gentlemen  daubed,  that  day  by  other  masks  in 
a  similar  manner. 

Among  all  the  groups,  that  attracted  my  notice,  none  for  originality 
and  becomingness  of  dress  captivated  my  fancy  so  completely  as  the  two 
parties  of  Indians ;  the  first  party  headed  by  their  Chief  chosen  for  the 
occasion,  was  se'octed  from  the  immediate  descendants  of  the  unfortunate 
people  they  represent.  The  other  party  or  civilized  Indians  acted  in 
concert  with  the  militia.  The  object  of  the  two  parties  was  to  represent 
the  final  subjugation  of  the  country,  by  the  Spaniards  over  the  primitive 
Indians  who  had  been  the  only  "  lords  of  the  soil."  These  two  parties  were 
particular  in  avoiding  a  meeting  till  the  evening  of  the  third  day;  in  the 
meantime  all  were  employed  in  seeking  such  diversions  as  best  suited 
themselves.  The  unsubdued  tribe  dressed  out  in  their  aboriginal  grandeur, 
each  warrior  bearing  his  bow  and  quiver,  would  occasionally  dance  through 
the  streets  to  the  sound  of  their  native  music,  which  is  produced  by  two 
players  on  a  kind  of  flute.  These  flutes  are  three  I'eet  long ;  the  first 
contains  four  finger  holes  and  yields  a  melodious,  wild  and  animating 
strain  of  which  the  people  are  excessively  fond.  The  other  or  second  flute 
has  but  one  or  two  finger-holes,  it  with  a  gourd  containing  beans  is  used 
by  the  second  person  as  an  accompaniment  to  the  other.  The  dances  to 
this  music  were  conducted  with  much  system  and  regularity ;  a  war-whoop 
given  in  their  peculiar  tone,  would  sometimes  make  the  "  welkin  ring 
again."  The  showy  dresses  of  this  wild  tribe  rendered  still  more  gaudy 
by  a  profusion  of  brilliant  feathers,  over  which  was  displayed  their  pristine 
arms  —  the  bow  and  arrow  —  gave  them  a  grotesque  and  on  the  whole 
rather  a  splendid  appearance.  On  the  evening  of  the  third  day,  at  sun- 
Bet,  the  troops  having  formed  a  junction,  with  the  body  of  friendly  Indians, 
the  combined  force  marched  out,  to  an  open  space,  where  the  wild  tribes 
had  assembled ;  when  a  battle  took  place  between  the  forces,  in  which  the 
latter  were  completely  routed  and  made  prisoners,  when  the  show  ceased 
in  the  baptism  of  one  of  the  captives.  It  had  been  nothing  more  than  a 
burlesque  Sham-fight  with  a  few  blows  of  the  pikes  and  many  shouts; 
yet  the  show,  at  all  events,  awakened  a  train  of  ideas,  which  associated  as 
they  naturally  were  with  the  cruel  and  unatural  treatn)ent  which  the 
Ancestors  of  this  very  people  received,  from  their  blood-thirsty  subduers, 
left  an  impression  not  easily  eradicated. 

After  a  walk  of  two  miles  through  the  dust  to  sec  the  mighty  conflict 
I  was  returning  home  quite  di.«ai)pointed,  but  soon  was  amply  compensated 
for  my  trouble  by  learning  from  one  of  the  numerous  masqueraders  of  the 


[NQS. 

designed  to  show  that 
tro  no  person  should 
icollcctod  this  IcHSdn, 
Morning,  a  musk  threw 
imiuculute  white  linen 
ontained  nothing  but 
3ted  for  the  purpose. 
I  ladies  of  the  vicinity, 

in  and  surprising  uie 
;  day  all  was  knocked 
loons  with  red,  yellow 
equin  than  any  thing 
in   a   Rowland  for  an 

equivalent  of  fun,  of 
lay  by  other  masks,  in 

I,  none  for  originality 
sompletely  as  the  two 
Chief  chosen  for  the 
Its  of  the  unfortunate 
sed  Indians  acted  in 
rtics  was  to  represent 
rds  over  the  primitive 
L'hese  tvfo  parties  were 
the  third  day ;  in  the 
irsious  as  best  suited 
r  aboriginal  grandeur, 
ionally  dance  through 
h  is  produced  by  two 
3  I'eet  long ;  the  first 
,  wild  and  animating 
e  other  or  second  flute 
itaining  beans  is  used 
ther.  The  dances  to 
rularity;  a  war-whoop 
ke  the  "  welkin  rin^ 
ered  still  more  gaudy 
isplayed  their  pristine 
ue  and  on  the  whole 
the  third  day,  at  sun- 
ly  of  friendly  Indians, 
where  the  wild  tribes 
e  forces,  in  which  the 
?hen  the  show  ceased 

nothing  more  than  a 
IS  and  many  shouts ; 
s,  which  associated  as 

treatment  which  the 
lood-thirsty  subduers, 

0  the  mighty  conflict 
lis  amply  compensated 

1  masqueraders  of  the 


Legacy  op  Historioal  Gleaninos.  469 

day,  the  way  to  relieve  a  weary  jackass  of  his  burden.    The  fellow,  dressed 

'iusiri  ;  '"'•  '"'1'"'^  «»»''.^'-V'"n.  oanae  along  on  his  beast  and  st' ,  ,  d 
UHt  before  me  saymg  his  poor  jack  was  tired,  and  that  he  meant  to  re liiv^ 
nmof  a  heavy  load  then  dismounting  from  the  miserable  nag  he  Ik 
off  the  saddle  and  the  load,  then  laced  it  on  his  own  back.  I  thouTt 
hun  a  very  considerate  fellow  as  the  animal  was  scarcely  able  to  carry  it« 
own  weight,  and  supposed  the  ci-devant  rider  intended^  tu  walk,  bat^  he 
mounted  again  saying  go  on  old  boy  you  see  I  carry  all  the  load,;rhave 
Tu  "b^ut  th^Tl^'  "'•     ^'^'^"'•1  ^^^«  P-«eJ  withan   IrishiV     ^ 

iau  .hP^l  If  i  A      n  '  TP'^r  '"^^  ''  "«  "^  «"P^'b  Pi"««  «f  humor  and 
laughed  at  it  heartily.    They  have  not  the  means  in  this  place  of  carryine 

day  0    this  kind  through  with  so  much  display  as  at  larger  towns  Tu? 

the  Indian  par   of  the  ceremony  was  acted  to  life,  and  has  givin  me  an 

Iho'slr"^  "\'\''-  ""S^'r-  ^"•^  «*■  '^'  "'--Juoraders  went  hrou'S 
the  streets  painted  jet  black,  with  horns  on  his  head,  having  a  xZno 
dancing  drum  in  Ins  hand,  on  which  ever  and  anon  he  woula  tap  and  keep 
time  with  his  feet  I  have  not  yet  received  proof  positive  of  its  not 
havuig  been  the  Old  Nick  himself,  it  was  a  good  fac-sirnile  at  all  everTs 
1  aim  i^umlai,  is  the  occasion  of  another  feast,  at  which  time  all  people  both 

with  a  beautiful  largo  mountain  >r  cabbage  palm-leaf  on  their  shoulder 
Iheso  leaves  are  all  stacked  up  in  church  in  a  body,  the  priest  then  dves 
hem  a  devout  benediction  and  sprinkles  them  over  with  a  profuXof 
ho^  water  after  which  each  individual  bears  his  respective  leaf  off  to  his 
home.     Ihen  after  braiding  the  smaller  fibres  in  basket  work  fashion 
suspends  the  truly  precious  article  up  in  a  secure  part  of  the  house,  wheJ; 
It  acts  tUl  another  year  as  an  infallible  charm  or  preventive  against  thunder 
bolts.    Stil  lano  her  one  of  the  great  days  is  the  Crucifixion  of  our  Saviour 
when    by  the  aid  of  images,  it  is  acted  over  again  b  every  parti cuk^ as 
described  in  Scripture.     The  ceremony  commences  in  church  at  the  be- 
trayal of  Judas;  and  goes  through  with  the  nailing  on  the  cross,  the  taking 
down    the  placing  in  the  sepulchre,  the  resurrection  &c ;  during  which 
inie  the  procession  of  civil  and  military  have  several  perambulations  around 
the  streets,  bearing  in  their  ranks  the  Images  representing  Christ,  of  the 
Virgin  Mary  and  several  of  the  Apostles.  ' 

In  their  progress  all  spectators  kneel  in  reverential  awe;  and  from  the 
houses  of  the  wealthy  the  fumes  of  incense  come  out  in  clouds  to  minele 
with  that  rising  from  the  censers  of  the  boys  preceding  the  images  The 
streets  too  in  many  places  are  strewed  with  flowers,  whilst  eve"rv  persoa 
show  their  excessive  grief  for  the  event  they  commemorate  by  the  black 
color  of  their  apparel.  During  the  continuation  of  these  festivities  gamb- 
ling tables  are  seen  every  night  posted  around  all  parts  of  the  town  at 
which  even  the  poorest  are  found  there  staking  their  nuartillo  or  three 
cent  piece.  Indeed  this  appears  to  be  a  universal  vice ;  at  Carthagena 
also  the  number  of  gaming  tables  were  very  conspicuous  and  I  was  struck 
with  the  many  votaries  patronizing  them  especially  on  Sunday  which  was 
the  popular  festival  day  for  diversions  of  all  kinds. 

Besides  Cato's  faithful  attendance  on  me,  he  has  always  been,  at  mv 
desire,  employed  on  Mr.  Glen's  rosa,  so  that  he  felt  as  contented  as  could 
be  e-xpected,  though  an  occasional  regret  would  break  forth  from  his  honest 
bosom  for  home.  The  day  was  rt  length  determined  upon  when  Edward 
and  myself  w«re  t„  .n,hnrk  upon  the  Magd.lcna,  and  aii  things  required 
were  in  readiness,  but  another  unavoidable  cow^re-^ewips  detains  us  a  short 


IK'' 


mm 


■^ 


470 


Legacy  op  JIistorical  Qleaninqs. 


tinio  lonsror.  I  onoloso  a  letter  from  Edward  Glen  to  Mrs.  Vissohcr,  ho 
dosUes  luo  to  rointiiiibor  him  kindly  to  you  all,  ho  thinka  of  goinj;  homo 
within  11  year.  I  would  like  to  muut  him  thore  with  all  my  goldou  hopua 
roulizud,  1  would  trout  him  us  a  brother. 

With  love  to  ull,  Yours  most  truly, 
Gen.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  P.  xM.,  Albany.  11.  V.  Ubnsmelaer. 

Post  Milder  Oeneral  to  Ocn.  Van  Ilcmadaer. 
My  dear  Sir,  Washington,  IDth  March,  1829. 

Mr.  Moore  has  assured  mo  that  your  Son  would  bo  continued.  On 
that  head  and  I  trust  upon  every  other  you  may  r-sst  easy.  In  a  few  days 
1  shall  leave  Wuidiington  for  the  West.  It  is  painful  to  separate  from  so 
many  friends  in  the  Post  Office  Department.  They  lay  very  near  to  my 
heart  and  shall  iind  a  place  there  while  life  continues.  From  the  faith- 
ful and  able  manner  in  which  your  duties  as  Post  Master  have  boon  dis- 
charged, you  need  entertain  no  fear  of  being  molested. 

Sincerely  your  friend, 

Gen.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  P.  M.,  Albany.  John  McLean. 

Post- Master  General  John  McLean  was  succeeded  in  1829  by  William 
T.  Barry,  but  subso(iucutly  ho  was  appointed  one  of  the  judges  of  the 
Buprome  court  and  did  honor  to  his  exalted  station.  "  A  ruthless  pro- 
scription of  political  opponents,  was  among  the  first  official  acts  of  Gene- 
ral Jackson  :  the  executive  patronage  was  made  an  engine  of  party 
warfare  5  and  tbus  was  planted  the  root  of  political  depravity,  which  has 
since  sprung  into  such  '  foul  flowering,'  and  overspread  the  nation  with 
its  deadly  shade.  The  power  of  the  president  had  become,  in  congress, 
almost  resistless.  The  people  had  just  emerged  froni  one  of  the  warmest 
political  conflicts  in  which  they  ever  were  engaged.  The  victors  now  re- 
posed in  confidence  unon  their  almost  unprecedented  success,  and  rest  .'rom 
the  fatigues  of  the  action.  The  vanquished  peaceably  delivered  up  their 
arms  and  surrendered  themselves  to  the  caprice  of  fortune  with  patriotic 
feelings.  General  W.  11.  Harrison  was  one  of  the  first  victims  to  the 
uew  administration." 

Qcn.  Van  Rensselaer  to  Ms  Son. 
My  dear  Rensselaer,  Albany,  Monday,  March  23,  1829. 

With  this  1  write  to  Genl.  Harrison,  his  recall  I  do  most  sincerely 
rcret.  I  did  every  thing  in  my  poWcr  to  prevent  it,  and  from  the  kind 
and  friendly  manner  in  which  General  Jackson  treated  mo  and  the 
subject,  I  was  really  in  hopes  1  had  succeeded :  lie  observed,  '^lli/ce  this, 
I  nice  this,  'tis  an  amiable  feeling  we  soldiers  have  for  each  other,  1 
will  think  of  it,  I  must  see  you  to-morrow."  That  night  there  was  a 
consultation,  which  decided  my  friend's  recall,  and  when  I  called  the 
next  day,  the  result  was  made  known  to  mo.  My  friends  are  using  every 
exertion  with  Mr.  Moore  and  "Van  Bureu  for  you,  but  I  cannot  determine 
whether  they  will  be  successful  or  not.  If  they  are  not,  it  may  place 
you  in  an  unpleasant  situation  ;  at  this  distance  from  you,  I  cannot  give 
any  advice.  I  must  leave  you  to  your  own  resources  and  to  your  God. 
I  think  my  office  is  safe,  such  at  any  rate  is  the  opinion  at  Washington 
and  here;  the  little. recreation  I  have  been  taking  in  my  visit  there,  no 
doubt  has  operated  in   my  favor.     Another  one   of  our  old   citizens  i.s 

jjg^j QQ.^.^,y5j(^^  John  'i":i"!er  —  and  is  !_•  be  buried  this  .-iftornoon  with 

great  pomp.*  *  *  Mr.  Livingston  of  Louisiana  introduced  me  to  Geul.  Jack- 


I 


Lkoacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  471 

Hon  who  took  ,nv  Land  in  both  of  hin  nn.l  obHorvo,!  ho  knew  my  character 
hu<il..nKW.H,o.I  to  «oe  u.o  an.l  was  then  happy  the  oppoL nity  had 
occurred.  Mr.  ..vin^Hton  handed  hin.  a  letter  fVom  UovJruor  I  ewiH  in 
vvh.oh  ho  spoke  .nhiHUHual  .ntn.n.   terms  about  mo,   and   am,  n.     th  r 

,  tKi         .-   '"'  ^r  ,^''J"'""'-<'--«l  u..do;  all  the  (Jovor  u  r 
I  the  State,  montionu.K  them  by  name.*  *  *  Ho  obnerved  to  Mr.  Livinunton 
•' I  am  happy  to  hear    rom  n.y  friend  LewiH,  but  it  was  unneceHsa  yf"  ho 
knew  tha    I  held  the  Post  Offieo  to  the  entire  Htttinfaction  of  all  and    that 
they    wished    me    to    retain    it;    and   it   i..   certainly   an   extraordinary 

AdmSn'T      '"r  :r    """   "''"^'^    ^'  ^^J"'""^  ^«""r'''   during  tl  J 

Admm.Htrat.on   of  those  groat  men      He  then  turned   to  mo  and  said  • 

your  ofhco  IS  sacred,  your  Country  owe  you  n.ach,"  and  he  invited  n.e  to 

call  and  see  huu  frequently.     1  availed  myHelf  of 'the  permission  hoping 

had  It  depended  solely  upon  htm  and  me,  but  there  was  interference. 

bv  dfnTJr^^  "?  l"??'""  *'"■  }'''T  '■^""'  ^""'  ^  ''"P^  ^«  *i"  bo  gratified 
by  ho  next  arrival  ot  the  vessel.  As  soon  as  I  hear  further  from  VVash- 
mg ton  I  will  aga.n  wnte,  at  any  rate  I  shall  write  by  Mr.  Moore  whenever 
he  leaves  the  United  States,  but  when  that  will  be  I  do  not  yet  kn  w  { 
hope  he  will  deal  honorably  to  all  concerned.  *  *  *  Uy  this  evenin./snmil 
I  have  received  a  letter  from  the  Hon.  John  MeLeai-late  Post^Ma  tor 
General -informing  mo  that  Mr.  Moore  promised  to  continue  you  in  the 
.Diplomatic service  in  Bogota.  This  removes  now  very  much  anxiety  from 
my  mind  on  your  account  in  that  strange  country,  lie  prudent,  be  careful, 
i  rusting  as  1  have  always  done  with  great  pride,  to  your  honor  and  in- 
tegri  y,  I  must  wait  for  future  developments  to  fully  understand  what 
imiy  be  the  position  assumed  by  Mr.  Moore  in  regard  to  your  case  At 
the  time  your  last  welcome  package  of  letters  arrived,  the  girls  were  all 
busily  engaged  in  making  preparations  for  a  dinner  party  (I  had  invited 
a  number  of  gentlemen  to  dine  with  mo  that  day)  and  amasing  indeed 
was  It  too  see  all  busy  with  allotted  tasks,  yet  listening  eagerly  to  every 
syllable  read  alternately  by  Richard  and  myself.  On  the  27th  of  last 
month  our  dear  Elizabeth  had  another  little  daughter,  boi..  are  doing  very 
well.  Mag  writes  you  all  the  news.  To  high  Heaven  I  commit  you  my 
dear  bon,  with  a  Fathers  love  and  regard, 
Col.  K.  Van  Rensselaer,  Rogota,  S.  A. '        Sol.  Van  Rensbklaer. 

Oen.  John  Armstrong  to  Judge  Spencer. 
My  dear  Judge,  Red  Hook,  N.  Y.,  April  28,  1829 

I  received  your  favor  of  the  17th,  in  course  of  the  mail,  and  wrote  im- 
mediately on  the  subject  of  it  to  the  person  you  indicated.  Mr  E  Liv- 
ingston returned  yesterday  from  the  South  and  passed  the  day  with  me 
Having  mentioned  the  business  to  him,  he  assured  mo  that  Gen  Van 
Rensselaer  might  make  himself  perfectly  easy,  and  in  support  of  this 
opinion,  stated  the  following  facts,  viz,  that  while  at  Washington  he  re- 
ceived a  letter  from  Gen.  Lewis  regarding  it,  and  requesting  him  to  take 
an  interest  in  preventing  V.  R's  ejection  and  authorizing  him  to  shew 
or  to  read,  the  letter  to  the  President.  On  opening  the  subject,  the  Presi-' 
ilcnt  stopped  him,  saying,  "  I  know  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer's  character  and 
services,  and  a  reccommendation  of  him  from  any  one,  is  quite  unneces- 
sary." Edward  adds,  that  no  one  has  a  better  memory,  in  cases  of  this 
kind,  than  Jackson,  and  that  a  promise  once  given  by  liim  in  auv  form. 
IS  never  violated.     The  getters  up  of  petitions  may  therefore  as  well  be 


472 


Legacy  of  IIistorical  Gleanings. 


from  the  office  you  now 
is  luakinji!  to  nrocuro  t  > 
not?     I  hope  thut  the 
expressed  yourself,  you 


quiet,  a?  were  there  a  niillion  of  them,  he  would  lulfil  his  own  cnK-af^o- 
ment.  I  hope  this  tompcr  will  last  hm'j;  eiiout^'h  to  put  down  the  vilo 
practice  we  have  {.';ot  into,  of  sutt'eriiijj;  a  few  intrijj;ucs,  first  to  bo;j;uilo  tlic 
Executive,  and  then  virtually  to  usurp  his  authority  in  makinj?  appoint- 
ments.  IJarry,  I  understand,  has  dismissed  all  suppliants,  in  person  or  by 
agents,  givinj^  them  to  understand,  that  absentees  only  should  {^'et  appoint- 
ments, this  is  an  approach  to  the  f;;olden  age.  I  suspected  and  feared,  Ed- 
ward goes  to  France.  II  o  has  not  yet  decided  in  favor,  but  [  predict  his 
acceptance  of  the  office.  Under  the  notice  you  gave  me,  I  cannot  well  bo 
surprised  at  seeing  you  here,  but  were  it  otiierwise,  1  need  not  say,  that 
110  more  agreeable  s^urprise  could  await  me.  ^  ordially  and  in  much  haste 
Your  friend  and  servant,  J.  Armstuono. 

Hon.  Ambrose  Spencer  Esq.,  Albany. 

Cfiark^  A.  Clinton  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  General,  New  York,  April  30,  1829. 

I  accidentally  heard  this  morning,  that  you  have  expressed  an  apprehen- 
sion lest  a  successful  a*    -npt  should  be  made,  to  procure  your  removal 

toit".  ,  •"nd  that  you  have  stated  that  an  endeavor 
.  app'  ■  tment  of  another  person.  Is  this  so  or 
".  .;  e  mistake  in  it,  and  that,  if  you  have  so 
ive  \j<iQ\\  needlessly  alarmed.  IJut  are  you  in 
any  danger?  If  so,  let  me  know  and  I  will  immediately  write  to  the  Pre- 
sident on  the  subject.  I  cannot  think  for  an  instant  that  General  Jackson 
would  ever  consent  to  remove  ^^u  from  office.  It  would  be  a  terrible  out- 
rage of  "-ood  feeling.  You  ought  to  be  reui^mmended  to  his  favor,  not 
only  by  your  excellent  character  and  distinguished  services,  but  by  your 
warm,  uniform,  honorable  and  manly  friendship  for  my  father.  I  have 
one  word  more,  Dear  General,  on  this  subject.  I  was  told  some  days 
since,  that  I  had  been  named  in  Albany  conversations  as  a  candidate  for 
your  office.  I  did  not  think  that  such  ridi(M!lous  gossip  was  worth  the 
attention  of  either  of  us.  I  felt  vexed  and  angry  when  I  first  heard  it, 
but  on  further  reflection,  I  was  rather  disposed  to  laugh  at  so  ridiculous 
an  invention,  than  to  put  myself  in  a  passion  about  it.  I  repeat,  as  I  said 
before,  that  I  cannot  believe  that  your  office  is  in  danger,  but  if  you  are 
of  a  contrary  opinion,  you  must  let  me  know,  and  I  will  adopt  the  most 
decided  measures  in  your  behalf.     As  ever,  your  sincere  friend. 

Gen.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  P.M.,  Albany.  C.  A.  Clinton. 

Rensselaer  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Father, 
Dear  Father,  Barranquilla,  May  1,  1829. 

IJefore  my  departure  from  this,  which  is  to  be  to-morrow  I  shall  scrawl 
out  a  few  more  lines  for  you.  Ai'ter  the  arrival  of  John  Glen  from  the 
United  States,  his  urgency  with  that  of  his  brother's  that  I  should  wait 
till  he  was  ready  to  go  up  the  river,  induced  me  to  make  up  my  then 
wavering  mind  to  do  so,  notwithstanding  my  anxiety  to  follow  on  after 
my  home  letters.  But  as  a  knowledge  of  the  language  or  good  company 
in  traveling  this  country  is  essential,  I  have  made  a  virtue  of  necessity 
by  accepting  their  kind  invitation  and  now  I  hope  that  on  my  arrivi^l  at 
liogc/ta  (jenerul  Harrison  will  be  ready  to  receive  me  in  his  own  house. 

A  variety  ol' circumstances  have  conipolle'd  John  Glcti  to  diilay  his 
j  aunt,  one  of  which  was  waiting  the  arrival  of  over  150  tons  of  goods  from 
Jamaica,  which  he  had  contracted  to  deliver  in  Honda,  those  goods  are 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleaninqs.  473 

now  all  shipped  in  four  boats  ;  the  last  one  starts  to-raorrow.  The  owners 
two  fine  youn^Mnon  o  H„;.ota  are  to  I.avc  at  tlie  ,san.e  ti.no  in  oneZi  I 
covered  boa  ;  Mr.  (J leu,  myself  and  Don  Onto  in  another.  At  Mornpo 
m  nnies  above  tiuH,  our  canoes  are  to  be  exchanged  for  a   Chami2\ 

I  e  rout.     I  anticipate  pleasure  and  information  from  the  society  of  n.y 

How  travelers.     The  names  of  the  two  (Colombians  are  Don  PuisVieSth 

Roxas,  and  Don  Antonio  J.ibre,  both  very  -entjcmanlv    of  the  first  nr  5 

richest  families  in  Ho.ota.     The  Uncle  of'the  latter  pa'ssed  thiou:    t  h 

place  about  a  mmitn  since    or  the  same  destination,  accompanied  by^a  very 

boaut.iul,  fair  skinned,  delicate  wife  and  three  young  children.^  They 

were  obliged  to  stop  for  a  short  time  at  each  village  on  the  river  in  order 

..ventilate  the  boat;  and  as  the  tolda  or  covered  part  of  it  is  so  small 

'.ey  were  terribly  cramped  for  room  when  under  headway,  there  was  bu 

ittle  space  ,n  which  to  stretch  their  limbs ;  they  were  twelve  days  goim' 

to  Mompox.  •'    b"'"n 

VVc  unencumbered  bachelors  expect  to  be  in  Honda  before  June,  and 
in  Bogota  before  you  receive  this.     I  know  your  anxiety  to  hear  often 
Irom  me,    hercfore  'f  an  opportunity  of  writing  occurs  on  the  river  shall 
son.!  another  letter  as  an  index  of  my  course  and  progress,  endeaUnc 
always  to  have  letters  at  Cartbagena  for  the  packets.     I  regrLt  th«  irrc-m 
lanty  and  long  intervals  of  time  between  their  departure  :  that  regret  finds 
sympathy  no  doubt  at  home,  for  there  is  nothing  like  frequent  communi- 
cations to  allay  the  pangs  of  absence.     Of  the  two  parties  concerned  in 
the  last  sage  remark,  those  whom  1  love  best  have  no  cause  to  complain 
It  tiiey  have  received  all  my  long  letters  written  in  such  a  desultory  man- 
ner; but  I,  poor  moral.zer,  must  defer  the  hope  of  knowing  how  vou  all 
are,  in  the  ancient  Dutch  Beaver-town,  till  after  reaching  Bo-ota      The 
fear  of  encountering  the  spring  rains  on  the  river,  when  the'"flood--ates 
ire  opened  "  And  olt  whole  sheets  descend  of  sluicy  rain,"  was  one  clause 
jor  consenting  to  remain  so  long;  but  the  rain  is  now  over,  thou-h  tliev 
have  had  pl-nty  of  it  up  stream,  as  appears  from  the  rise  of  water:  we 
however,  baa  only  one  slight  shower,  the  first  I  have  seen  since  landing 
in  South  America.     Notwithstanding  the  drought,  this  land  of  perennial 
beauty  yields  every  thing  spontaneously  for  the  wants  of  man.     The  many 
Tarietios  of  fruits  are  astoni.sbing  — one  species  succeeds  another  through- 
out the  year;  some  trees  such  as  cocoanuts,  oranges  &c.  are  constanlly 
bearing;  the  fruits  are  generally  luscious  and  very  delicious  but  as  perish- 
able as  the  melon  which  is  constantly  in  the  market;  lettuce  has  been  a 
standing  dish  at  Mr.  Glen's  table  ever  since  my  first  arrival      The  ther 
mometer  has  not  varied  three  degrees  from  84°  in  the  shade  durin^^  all 
this  time,  but  uniformity  of  the  climate  is  peculiar  to  every  country  wfthin 
the  tropics.     Any  grcjit  difference  in  the  atmosphere  is  attributable  to  the 
pcculwr  situation  of  the  c.mntry.     Bogota  though  some  half  dozen  de^'rees 
nearer  the  e.iuator  than  BarranquiUa,  i°  about  15  or  IG  degrees  cooler 
Ml  conse(juence  of  its  elevation  being  8,900  feet  above  the  sea,  a  circura- 
stance  to  my  liking  as  I  would  prefer  a  little  less  warmth  than  we  have  at 
this  place.     I  find  as  little  difficulty  in  accommodating  myself  to  the  man- 
ners of  the  people,  as  I  did  to  this  warm  climate,  but  am  often  obliged  to 
smother  a  laugh  at  seeing  the  men  embrace  each  other  at  meeting  after 
ii  Hhort  separac.jn;  the  manner.-)  however,  shall  form  the  subject  of  one 
cpi.'itle  when  I  am  better  acquainted  with  the  masses. 

GO 


474 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


Before  leaving  home  I  had  received  an  impression  from  prints,  that  tlie 
utmost  caution  was  necessary  to  guard  against  the  noxious  and  veiiunious 
serpents  of  the  country  ;  it  is  true  tliore  are  scorpions,  centipedes,  turcntula 
and  others,  but  their  sting  is  not  much  more  hurtlul  than  of  the  bee.  The 
Vampire  too  of  which  we  have  heard  such  dismal  tales,  in  these  localities 
is  a  small  bat ;  it  never  wounds  in  a  vital  part,  Jut  dextrously  nips  the 
extremity  of  the  sleeper's  fingers  and  toes  to  banquet  on  his  blood.  My 
quondam  fellow  traveler,  Diego  I)e  Castro,  once  aflbrded  a  bountiful  supper 
to  one  of  the.se  "lemon  bats,  the  orifice  was  quite  small  and  he  never 
suffered  any  inconvenience  from  his  bounty.  31an,  proud  man  need  aever 
fear  the  sting  of  insects  or  the  fangs  of  serpents ;  they  all  fly  on  his  ap- 
proach, even  the  dreaded  tiger  avoids  him.  The  fears  or  ignorance  of 
some  travelers  have  exaggerated  many  things  in  relation  to  this  quarter 
of  the  globe,  which  the  selfish  private  interests  of  resident  foreigners  are 
prone  to  confirm.  For  my  part  I  am  all  anxiety  to  avail  myself  of  every 
opportunity  to  become  uu  fait  as  to  the  productions  and  state  of  the 
country,  it  may  hereafter  prove  of  great  utility.  There  is  a  singular  fish 
called  ihe  rujja,  found  in  these  waters,  whose  sting  or  bite  is  very  poison- 
ous; several  of  3Ir.  Glen's  boatmen  are  now  on  the  sick-list  from  wounds 
inflicted,  by  this  specimen  of  the  finny  tribe,  while  the  men  were  wading 
in  the  water.  If  the  proper  remedy  is  not  applied  immediately,  the  poor 
patient  suff'ers  for  months  before  he  recovers  from  the  sting.  They  are 
avoided  by  keeping  out  of  the  mud.  In  conse(|uence  of  these  torments  I 
always  go  on*  in  a  boat  to  take  my  bath  and  as  a  prudential  measure  even 
then  apply  the  water  from  a  calabash  basin,  and  i  ato  ditto.  Indeed  I 
c:  .'  avor  to  shun  all  real  danger,  for  I  look  upon  my  success  in  this  land 
._  a  thing  to  be  desired  by  all  our  family — if  I  am  fortunate,  the  anti- 
quated charm  that  binds  our  young  meu  like  an  indigenous  plant  to  live 
and  die  on  the  soil  that  rears  them  will  be  broken,  and  a  new  spirit  of 
enterprise  will  induce  many  of  my  Dutch  acquaintances  to  break  away  while 
young,  and  seek  in  other  countries  that  honorable  fortune  which  will  not 
only  give  comfort  to  their  old  age,  but  add  much  to  the  respectability  of 
their  name.  It  would  gratify  me  much  to  awaken  that  feeling  in  the 
youngsters  for  I  still  am  more  and  more  sanguine  of  having  good  grounds 
for  attempting  it;  but  I  must  acquire  more  experience  for  myself  before 
feeling  competent  to  direct  others —  however  I  will  do  my  best  to  elevate 
the  fortunes  of  the  I'amily.  If  I  succeed  in  the  attempt,  the  innate 
satisfaction  will  be  a  sufficient  recompense  for  all  the  anxiety,  trouble  and 
deprivation  that  may  attend  the  undertaking. 

All  foreigners  who  have  resided  here  from  five  to  ten  years  are  ricli, 
the  greater  part  of  them  came  with  little  or  no  capital  ;  the  profits  on  all 
kinds  of  foreign  goods  are  so  immensely  large  that  riches  must  follow 
prudent  sales.  John  Glen  has  lately  paid  up  the  last  of  a  dead  loss  on  ii 
heavy  speculation  in  Brazil  wood  of  $80,0U0  and  still  is  wealthy,  while  at 
the  same  time  he  is  now  making  money  as  fast  and  surer  than  ever.  The 
treight  of  his  four  boats  will  amount  to  over  $5000,  they  will  be  home 
again  in  ten  weeks;  he  has  four  others  of  the  same  size  going  to  IIon(l;i, 
besides  five  or  six  smaller  ones  all  constantly  employed.  His  incotiio 
must  be  immense  and  I  very  much  doubt  whether  he  can  make  up  hi> 
mind  to  leave  such  profitable  business  to  settle  in  cold  Canada,  lie  \- 
luvod,  feared  and  respected;  lives  it  is  true  in  bachelor's  style  but  fares 
like  a  nabob.  1  mention  this  simply  as  an  instance  o!'  what  judicious  en- 
terprise will  effect  in  a  land  where  ignorance  and  improvidence  so  geuer- 


iNINGS. 

on  from  prints,  that  tlie 
!  noxious  and  venomous 
ns,  centipedes,  turentula 
il  than  of  the  bee.  The 
tales,  in  these  localities 
jut  dextrously  nips  the 
:juet  on  his  blood.  My 
Drded  a  bountiful  supper 
ite  small  and  he  never 
1,  proud  man  need  aever 
;  they  all  fly  on  his  ap- 
e  fears  or  ij^norance  of 
relation  to  this  quarter 
f  resident  forei{i;ners  are 
to  avail  niy.self  of  every 
Hions  and  state  of  the 
There  is  a  singular  fish 
g  or  bite  is  very  poison- 
le  sick-list  from  wounds 
le  the  men  were  wading 
d  immediately,  the  poor 
m  the  sting.  They  are 
snce  of  these  torments  I 
prudential  measure  even 
Oato  ditto.  Indeed  I 
my  success  in  this  land 
[  am  fortunate,  the  anti- 
indigenous  plant  to  live 
[en,  and  a  new  spirit  of 
nces  to  break  away  while 
e  fortune  which  will  not 
to  the  respectability  of 
ken  that  feeling  in  the 
of  having  good  grounds 
rience  for  myself  before 
ill  do  my  best  to  elevate 
the  attempt,  the  innate 
the  anxiety,  trouble  and 

'e  to  ten  years  are  rich, 
iipital ;  the  profits  on  all 
!  that  riches  must  follow 
last  of  a  dead  loss  on  a 
.still  is  wealthy,  while  at 
d  surer  than  ever.  The 
5000,  they  will  be  home 
me  size  going  to  Honda, 
employed.  His  income 
}r  he  can  make  up  his 
in  cold  Canada,  lie  is 
ichelor's  style  but  fares 
ice  oi'  what  judicious  en- 
improvidence  so  gener- 


Legacy  op  Historical  riEANiNas.  475 

ally  prevails.  Although  T  am  personally  knowing  to  these  facts,  I  do  not 
.suttor  the  brilliancy  of  an;j  money  making  scheme  to  dazzle  me  It  re- 
•luires  time  to  make  me  competent  to  undertake  the  accomplishment  in 
this  strange  clirae  ;  it  is  true  that  time  may  bear  away  the  present  oppor- 
tunities,  but  I  think  not  at  all  events  till  another  generation 

I  cannot  of  course  say  if  an  n<jr!<mltuml  occupation  would  answer,  but 
I  am  inclined  to  think  not ;  at  least  in  this  quarter  of  the  country  a  de- 
pendonce  on  the  articles  of  homo  consumption  would  be  a  futile  under- 
taking where  nature  is  so  beautiful;  perhaps  the  raising  of  cotton,  iudi-'o 
rice  and  sugar  might  answer,  but  I  hope  to  know  more  after  leavi"nci 
(general  Harrison.  The  General  is  now  expecting  me,  he  did  not  wish 
to  increase  the  size  of  his  family  while  he  was  a  guest  in  another  .gentle- 
man s  house,  but  he  said  would  pat  himself  to  any  inconvenience  fbr  the 
sake  of  the  son  of  his  old  friend.     I  think  I  shall  like  him  well 

Edward  goes  home  again  in  August,  I  may  send  "some  little  nicknacks 
by   him,    he   is   eternally    sighing   for   "  Home,   f,weet   home ! "  and   is 
extremely  sorry  at  having  had  too  much  pressing  business  on  hands  to 
permit  his  making  up  a  grand  tiger  hunt  for  my  especial  gratification 
1  am  sorry  too,  as  the  circumstance  of  having  been  in  at  the  death  of  a 
tiger  would  have  been  a  fine  little  theme  for  rirattle  in  days  to  come 
Poor  Glen  will  miss  my  company  very  much,  we  have  been  almost  con- 
stantly together,  and  1  will  often  think  of  both  him  and  his  noble  brother 
when  far  away.      Don  (kto  (as  Dr.  Van  Rensselaer  calls  him)  is  makin-' 
rapid  progress  in  the  Spanish  language,  I  think  one  year  more  will  "ive 
him  as  glib  a  tongue  as  any  Castilian,  he  has  such  a  fine  memory.     Gato 
IS  the  prir.ce  of  waiters  here,  I  have  often  witnessed  with  satisfaction  the 
superiority,  he  is  so  fond  of  displaying,  over  Mr.  Glen's  servants  whilst 
attending  at  the  tabic ;  he  takes  much  pride  in   making  himself  useful. 
I  myself  have  but  little  trouble  in  getting  along  in  ordinary  small  talk! 
It  IS  late  but  I  must  tell  you  of  an  incident  which  occurred  to-day,  which 
it  will  be  well  enough  to  note  as  an  instance  of  the  ways  of  the'  world 
and  as^a  record  of  the  merited  punishment  of  an  overbearing  nincompoop.' 

At  Car'..hagena  I  had  casually  been  introduced  to  a  proud  young  Scotch- 
man by  name  of  Saunders,  but  he  then  thought  a  pa.ssing  salute  sufficient 
tor  a  stranger  ;  however  some  time  afterwards,  he  came  to  Barranquilla  to 
purchase  cotton  and  fustic,  for  a  vessel  loading  at  Savinilla,  which  busi- 
ness detained  him  here  some  time.  Immediately  after  his  arrival,  findin" 
the  place  rather  lonely,  he  called  upon  me,  but  I  remembering  liis  cava° 
herness  or  disdainful  manner  at  Carthagena,  treated  him  with  such  a  de- 
Kree  of  coldness,  that  he  did  not  repeat  the  call,  till  two  days  previous  to 
the  time,  on  which  ho  understood  I  intended  starting.  At  this  visit  per- 
ceiving several  bunches  of  choice  cigars  on  my  table,  which  I  had  provided 
tor  use  on  the  river,  he  took  up  one  parcel  containing  50,  stating  that  I 
liad  more  than  I  required,  and  notwithstanding  my  strenuous  protestations 
contrary,  marched  ofl'  with  my  property,  promising  at  the  suae  time  to 
replace  them  the  following  day.  That  day  arrived  and  had  almost  passed 
when  no  cigars  appearing  from  Saunders,  I  directed  Cato,  that  if  he 
liapponed  to  meet  the  gentleman,  to  give  him  my  compliments  and  ask  for 
tliem.  Cato  did  meet  him,  near  night  fall,  and  to  the  message  received 
for  answer,  in  presence  of  four  foreigners,  viz,  two  British  sea  captains 
and  two  Americans  that  "  he  should  tell  his  master  from  him  to  go  to 
licll."  Cato  returned  to  mo,  and  was  in  the  act  of  delivering  the  message, 
as  1  wa.s  then  standing  in  front  ol   Mr.  Glen's  door,  when  Saunders  came 


^■iS 


476 


Legacy  op  IT-storical  Gleanings. 


riding  by  on  horse  back,  and  sui>posing  he  had  not  given  his  very  polite 
advice  publicity  enough   to  suit  his  purpose,  repeated  to  me  what  he  had 


told  Cato,  in  th 


of  Mr.  Glen's  clerks 


itlt 


I  servants,  several 

men  were  also  standing  there,  he  then  spurred  on  his  horse  before  J  "ouKl 
reply,  fie  knew  of  my  intention  to  depart  tomorrow  morning,  and  supposed 
the  difficulty  of  finding  him  to  night,  would  compel  me  to  forego  giving,' 
him  that  chastisement  he  deserved,  and  thus  he  would  enjoy  the  reputa- 
tion of  having  (without  risk)  insulted  a  Yankee !  !  But  unfortunately 
for  him,  I  learned  at  dinner  that  he  was  to  attend  a  ball,  in  the  lower  part 
of  the  street.  Our  dinner,  which  we  never  commenced  till  candle  light, 
being  over,  I  took  one  of  the  clerks,  who  had  heard  what  occurred  be- 
tween us,  along  with  me  and  walked  very  leisurely  down  to  the  ball  room 
and  beckoned  Saunders  out  to  the  doors.  He  then  had  the  meanness  to 
declare  he  had  meant  nothing  by  what  he  had  said.  But  when  I  told  him 
he  had  acted  like  a  puppy,  and  that  I  could  expect  no  other  language  than 
an  apology  from  a  puppy,  his  Scotch  imflanimable  temper  or  spunk  arose 
and  he  threw  himself  in  a  scientific  pugilistic  attitude,  and  boldly  de- 
manded what  I  meant.  A  slap  with  the  flat  of  my  hand  against  the  chaps 
or  mouth,  gave  him  a  hint  of  my  meaning,  and  brought  the  whole  ball 
room  out  to  see  the  fracas  j  among  the  rest  I  liad  the  satisfaction  of  seeing 
the  two  British  Captains.  In  the  meantime,  the  wary  Scot  was  preparing 
to  return  the  compliment  when  I  gave  him  one  of  Jim  Sanford's  settlers 
on  the  patatoe  trap,  and  he  reeled  back  in  the  arms  of  one  of  the  akdlde'i 
or  justice  of  peace,  who  came  out  with  drawn  swords  at  the  commencement 
of  the  affray,  while  another  alcaldi  made  a  prisoner  of  me.  However, 
Edward  Glen,  who  had  received  some  intimation  of  what  was  going  on, 
happened  to  come  along  and  at  his  opportune  interference  in  my  behalf, 
1  was  immediately  released  and  returned  home,  have  since  heard  nothing 
of  Saunders.  Yours  very  truly, 

Gen.  Sol.  Van  Bensselaer,  Albany,  N.  Y.        11.  Van  IIensselaer. 


CIIAPTErv  XXIII. 

South  American  Letters  Continued. 

Rensselaer  Van  Bensselaer  to  Ids  Father. 

Dear  Father,  Mompox,  May  13,  1829. 

In  accordance  with  the  promise  made  in  my  last  from  Barranquilla,  I 
take  advantage  of  the  delay  of  our  boats  at  this  place  to  write  you  again, 
A  person  engaged  in  business  is  neither  master  of  his  own  time  or  motions, 
he  must  be  governed  by  the  exigencies  of  the  moment,  and  those  design 
ing  to  travel  in  company  with  business  men  must  have  the  patience  di' 
the  sainted  Job  to  endure  all  the  changes  and  postponements  incident  to 
the  projected  excursions.  My  patience  has  been  pretty  well  tried,  at  ail 
events  by  the  uuavoiUuble  delays  of  the  Gicus^  every  detention,  after  uk. 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


477 


ve  since  heard  nothing 


hope  of  receiving  letters  from  home  at  Barranquillahad  vanished,  was  an 
agfiravating  addition  to  my  redundant  stock  of  disappointment,  and  if  I 
had  not  been  an  old  hand  at  stowing  away  that  kind  of  luggage  it  mi-ht 
have  lunibered  me  up  too  much.     When  however,  I  found  myself  em- 
barked with  Ldward  and  Cato  early  on  the  morning  of  the  4th,  after  bid- 
ding arf*os  to  our  Barranquilla  friends  and  sailing  up  the  great  River 
Magdalena    much  of  that  cumbersome  luggage  was  pitched  overboard. 
John  Orlen  being,  at  the  last  moment  detained  by  more  urgent  business  at 
home  was  a  disappointment  and  my  parting  with  that  noble  minded  man 
was  not  without  a  "  tearful  eye,"  and  now  as  I  am  about  leaving  him   it 
may  be  proper  to  bestow  a  few  words  to  his  good  name.     He  came  to  this 
country  in  1809  —  some  20  years  since  —  for  a  long  time  he  acted  as  a  clerk 
in  a  house  at  Carthagena,  after  which  he  removed  to  Barranquilla  where 
he  opened  a  commission  store,  receiving  for  his  share,  the  pitiful  allowance 
half  of  five  per  cent.     He  was  in  Caraccas  in  1812  when  that  splendid 
city  was  destroyed  by  an  earthquake,  12,000  were  killed,  and  he  narrowly 
escaped  the  same  fate.     Hearing  the  subterraneous  rumbling  noise  which 
was  followed  by  a  slight  tremor  and  then  a  violent  rocking,  shaking  or 
heaving  of   the  earth,  he  attempted  to  leave  the  house.     He  soon  lay 
crushed  under  a  heavy  door  way  frame  from  which  he  was  extricated  by 
-us  black  servant,  but  was  insensible  for  a  long  time  and  only  with  o-reat 
care   was  restored  to  life  and   health.     But  perseverance,   industry  and 
economy  crowned  his  eflForts  with  great  success,  and  he  was  blest  with  a 
moderate  share  of  wealth,  and  what  was  more  with  a  good  reputation.     He 
opened  a  correspondence  with  the  Jamaica  merchants,  and  greater  wealth 
followed  his  increased  business.     But  reverses  occurred,  and  several  times 
he  lost  his  all,  but  never  in  his  greatest  distress  did  his  credit  forsake  him 
His  island  correspondents  always  had  such  implicitfaith  in  his  honor,  that 
they  never  closed  their  books  against  him,  on  the  contrary  with  every  op- 
portunity they  were  sure  to  forward  him  a  fresh  assortment  of  goods;  and 
through  them  he  has  always  been  enabled  to  battle  through  every  reverse. 
It  IS  but  lately  that  he  paid  them  the  last  of  dead   losses  —  of  over  8100, 
000  and  still  he  is  a  rich  man  ;  he  never  had  more  substantial  property.' 
_  Notwithstanding  his  extensive  business,  he  has  been  of  great  service  to 
Ins  adopted  country,  having  been  personally  engaged  under  Gen.  iMontillo 
in  campaigning  against  the  Spaniards  and  royalists.     He  was  at  the  taking 
and  burning  of  the  village  of  the  Oienega,  and  at  the  re-capture  of  Santa- 
Martha  from  the  Spaniards.     During  the  seige  of  Carthagena  when  the 
inhabitants  were  in  the  most  extreme  distress  for  want  of  provisions,  he 
made  a  handsome  fortune,  by  running  into  the  port,  through  the  Spanish 
blockading  squadron,  with  a  vessel  laden  with  flour  and  other  provisions. 
In  one  of  his  many  adventures,  he  was  captured  and  sent  to  Porto  Bello 
(one  of  the  chief  towns  close  to  the  sea  on  the  declivity  of  a  mountain 
which  encloses  the  whole  anchorage,  and  is  also  called  Fine  Harbor)  in 
chains,  where  he  remained  a  long  time.     His  many  services  have  been 
justly  rewarded  by  government,  in  the  exclusive  right  of  export  from  the 
port  of  Savinilla,  which  he  enjoyed  for  some  time.     He  now  owns  some 
six  or  eight  of  the  very  finest  and  largest  transportation  boats  on  the  Mag- 
dalena, and  his  "  hoijas,"  or  boatmen  enjoy  the  best  reputation  of  any  on 
the  river.     He  employs  about  100  bogas  ;  the  most  of  whom  are  heads  of 
faiLilies;  when  he  first  came  here,  they  were  a  wild,  uncivilized  set,  with 
little  or  no  care,  or  consideration  about  them,  scarcely  having  a  hut  to 
shoitcr  tbcm.     llowover  by  Lis  upiiyhL  example  and  advice  —  this  worthy 


iti 


478 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


scion  of  Quarter  Master  Oenl.  John  Glen  (his  grandfather,  of  Revo- 
lutiouary  renown),  taught  them  to  economize,  and  now  they  all  have 
good  houses,  dress  well,  while  they,  as  well  as  their  wives  and  children, 
always  look  neat.  Indeed  John  Glen  is  justly  'cgarded  as  the  patriarch 
of  the  village.  He  is  respected  by  every  body  ;  for  my  part,  his  disin- 
terested  and  hospitable  conduct  has  so  endeared  him  to  me,  that  I  for  one 
will  not  soon  forget.  Edward  is  the  manager  of  his  brother's  heavy  busi- 
ness  and  has  been  the  means  of  throwing  much  information  in  my  way. 
At  their  repeated  solicitations  I  remained  and  could  have  but  little  delicacy 
in  so  doing  for  they  both  made  me  feel  perfectly  at  home.  At  my  request 
he  gave  Cato  plenty  of  work  on  the  plantation,  while  I  would  write  for 
him  or  occasionally  weigh  wood  or  cotton.  Cato  was  really  becoming 
every  day  more  useful,  but  when  there  was  nothing  better  to  do  we  would 
go  out  gunning  ;  and  many  is  the  fine  me: '  .. :-  have  brought  home  of  ducks, 
turkeys  and  snipes. 

Now  after  this  long  digression  let  us  ret.'  ".  Our  boat  was  one  of  about 
five  tons  burthen,  her  usual  complement  of  men  was  two  with  the  patron 
or  captain  ;  but  on  this  occasion  we  took  with  us  two  extra  bogaddrs  or 
rowerb  who  intend  taking  the  large  boats  which  have  preceded  us  at  Moni- 
pox.  Our  progress  of  course  with  these  extra  hands  was  proportionably 
great.  The  stern  of  our  boat  was  very  nicely  protected  from  sun  and  rain 
by  a  covering  of  palm  leaves  called  a  tohla,  under  which  we  placed  our- 
selves on  some  boxes  of  merchandise  which  Glen  carried  with  him  on  spec- 
ulation. The  front  part,  comprising  two  thirds  of  the  boat's  length,  was 
boarded  over  for  tho  accommodation  of  the  bogas  ;  there  they  worked  to  a 
never  failing  humming  tune  with  their  long  paldncas  or  setting  poles. 
These  paliincas  are  made  of  a  smooth,  straight,  light  stick  from  12  to  18 
feet  in  length,  with  a  crotch  or  cross  of  the  lignum-vitsB  wood,  inserted 
in  the  end,  to  prevent  their  sinking  too  deep  in  the  mud.  The  other  end 
is  applied  with  all  the  strength  of  the  owner,  to  his  naked  breast,  when 
running  with  a  quick  short  step  (in  which  when  more  than  one  is  employed 
they  invariably  keep  time)  from  the  bows  towards  the  stern,  propels  the 
boat  along  quite  rapidly.  As  the  channel  of  the  river  is  too  deep  to  admit 
the  palancas  reaching  bottom,  the  boat  is  obliged  to  keep  close  to  the  bank, 
let  it  wind  ever  so  much,  in  order  that  the  bogas  may  avail  themselves  of 
it  as  a  setting  place  for  their  poles.  But  as  they  are  all  compelled  to  work 
on  one  side  of  the  boat,  so  as  not  to  interfere  with  one  another,  they  divide 
themselves  in  two  parties.  The  division  which  has  reached  the  stern, 
withdrawing  their  poles  always  from  the  water,  and  raising  them  high 
enough  to  allow  the  division  who  are  giving  the  boat  headway,  room  to 
pass  under,  and  so  on  alternately.     The  Patron's  station  of  course  is  in 

the  stern. 

At  nine  o'clock  Cato  who  had  been  assigned  to  attend  to  the  duties  ot 
the  essential  and  truly  honorable  department  of  Cookery,  gave  word  that 
all  was  completed  and  breakfast  ready.  The  welcome  news  immediately 
brought  our  beat  to  an  anchor  or  rather  to  a  fast  against  the  bank  and 
the  preparations  for  gormandizing  were  forthwith  made.  Edward's  coffee 
cups,  sugar  bowl,  plates  &c.  were  out  on  deck  in  a  jiffy  :  but  conceive 
mj-  horror,  when  the  cover  was  removed  from  Cato's  smoking  pot,  to  per- 
ceive the  never-to-be-forgotten  mess  of  San  Cocho.  However  an  outrage- 
ous appetite  conquered  my  antipathy  and  I  made  a  prodigious  fine  meal, 
nor  did  the  sight  of  that  standing  dish  of  our  voyage  afterwards  give  rise 
to  any  scruples  against  eating,  1  found  i  could  do  my  share.     Sometimes 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  479 

in  place  of  coffee,  Cato  gives  us  very  fine  Chocolate  for  ou.  breakfast 
I  he  nntives  pound  the  dried  and  roasted  berry  or  seed  of  the  cocoa  tree 
into  a  pante,  which  with  a  sufficient  quantity  of  su-ar,  vanilla,  cinnamon 
and  .sonict linos  a  little  flour  is  then  ready  for  another  process.  The  oil 
of  the  kerne'  affords  adhesive  matter  enough  to  keep  the  ingredients  to- 
^^ether;  after  being  thoroughly  mixed,  it  is  kneaded  into  small  balls  or 
cakes  of  a  requisite  size  for  one  cup,  after  which  the  slightest  decree  of 
boiling  renders  it  fit  for  use.  To  have  it  superlatively  fine,  he  would  boil 
t;  e  cakes  in  milk  instead  of  water,  but  that  luxury  is  not  always  to  be 
commanded,  only  occasionally  can  we  procure  milk  at  the  villa"es  as  the 
calves  are  permitted  to  consume  all  the  milk  of  their  dams.        ° 

One  morning  Edward  went  ashore  at  a  village  to  deliver  a  letter  from 
his  bookkeeper  Diego  De  Castro  to  his  mother ;  shortly  after  his  return 
on  board,  Mrs.  De  Castro's  servnn*-  appeared  with  a  fine  large  fish,  a 
roasted  fowl,  a  baked  rice  pudding  which  with  some  wine  gave  us  a 
sumptuous  banquet.  The  river  water  was  so  muddy  as  to  be  unpalatable 
without  a  little  alum  to  clarify  it,  owing  to  the  loose  nature  of  the  soil 
through  which  the  river  flows  causing  the  banks  constantly  to  cave  in 
also  is  frequently  dangerous  for  the  passing  boats.  Near  one  of  the  vil- 
lages a  spot  was  pointed  out  to  me  as  having  once  been  an  Jndian  buryino- 
place ;  the  rapid  current  bad  washed  away  the  bank,  uncovering  and 
displaying  to  view  the  many  mouldering  bones,  with  cooking  utensils  and 
war  implements.  These  are  being  gradually  loosened  from  the  place  in 
which  they  had  rested  many  ages  in  peace,  but  now  through  the  changes 
of  time  tumbling  into  the  turbulent  Magdalena  and  hurried  off  to  the  wTde 
ocean. 

It  is  the  fashion  among  travelers  in  this  country  to  sleep  under  their  toldas 
\yhether  in  or  far  from  villages  or  huts.  These  bars  are  made  of  a  gauze- 
like material  in  the  shape  of  a  tent,  the  length  and  breadth  to  suit  the 
owner,  about  five  or  six  feet  high ;  it  is  fastened  up  by  means  of  a  cord 
attached  to  the  upper  part  of  the  boat  between  two  stakes.  There  stretched 
out  at  length  on  his  mat,  the  balmy  air  soon  lulls  his  senses  into  forgetful- 

ness ;  then  the  maddened  trumpet,  of  that  blood-thirsty  foe  of  his  comfort 

the  musquito — sounds  without  like  the  strain  of  aerial  music  to  the  ear  of 
the  dreaming  and  secure  sleeper.  But  if  he  is  aroused  by  the  midnight 
shower  (as  happened  to  us  in  one  of  the  five  nights  we  encamped  out  io 
coming  up  the  river)  against  which  the  open  texture  of  his  toldo  is  no 
protection,  the  blanket  then  thrown  over  the  tent  protects  him  overhead 
but  not  from  the  running  water  below.  Let  the  ducking,  however  reach  him 
as  it  may,  the  efl'ect  here  is  nothing,  five  minutes  of  the  morning  sun  dries  his 
clothes  and  the  rain  storm  is  forgotten.  To  encamp  out  in  the  changeable 
climate  of  my  native  land,  would  be  to  me  in  the  strong  and  healthy  state 
I  now  enjoy  an  acceptable  incident  for  its  novelty,  though  prudence  might 
assign  a  house  as  a  more  healthful  dormitory.  Here  however,  the  con- 
fined air  of  a  house  cou'd  almost  render  every  effort  to  sleep  nugatory,  whilst 
the  refreshing  night  breeze,  stealing  through  the  minute  meshes  of  the 
mosquito  bars,  cools  after  a  sultry  day  the  oppressive  heat  of  the  body  and 
makes  the  spirit  forget  in  healthy  slumber  all  its  real  or  imagina-  ills. 
We  were  glad  whenever  the  sea  breeze  overtook  us  for  then  the  toil.some 
palancas  were  dropped  and  the  sail  spread  to  the  "favoring  gale,"  which 
ffive  us  an  opportunity  of  crawling  out  from  our  lurking  hole  to  sec  the 
country.  But  ou  "  what  side  soever  I  turn  my  eyes  I  beheld  "  nothing 
but  a  verdant  level  country,  the  dark  woods,  the  turbid  stream  moving 


'I. 


li 


I  • ,  I 


480 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


smoothly  beneath  us;  occasionally  a  rosa  would  peep  out  from  thosoinbro 
forest  like  a  siuibeaiii  from  the  stormy  wky,  but  they  like  anjrel  visits  were 
"few  and  far  between,"  it  waa  a  weuri.some  monotony.  We  stopped  one 
nif^ht  at  a  viilaj^e  on  the  East  side  of  the  river  at  a  Koza,  it  was  dark 
when  we  landed,  and  a  largo  flock  of  yelping  curs  gave  notice  of  our  ap- 
proach, but  wo  made  good  our  resting  place  in  spite  of  their  teeth.  The 
unceasing  din  of  the  myriads  muH(|uitoeH  which  kept  the  air  alive  made  us 
anxious  to  escape  their  sting  accordingly  we  pitclied  our  tents  between 
the  dog  kennel  and  hogaty  on  one  side  and  a  hen  roost  on  the  other,  with- 
out even  noticing  our  dan";erous  quarters.  In  the  course  of  the  night  a 
most  intolerable  itching,  gave  us  notice  that  the  uninvited  prying  flea,  had 
got  through  under  our  mats ;  whilst  the  messengers  from  the  hen-roost 
had  got  through  in  every  direction  and  were  maki.ig  free,  not  only  with  our 
bed  but  with  our  blood.  However  a  good  bath  in  the  morning  and  a 
fre(juent  repetition  soon  relieved  us  of  the  annoyance  ;  and  we  were  more 
select  in  our  lodgings  for  the  future  as  you  may  suppose. 

Punta  Gorda  was  a  neat  village  in  view ;  it,  as  its  name  indicates,  is  a 
fine  rich  point  without  a  great  many  houses.     Penon  Hajo  comes  next  in 
order,  it  is  a  fine  large  place  delighti'ully  and  romantically  situated  on  a 
nice  clean  plain  ;  from  it  is  shipped  a  great  quantity  of  fustic  (a  species  of 
wood  used  in  dyeing  yellow).     Glen  has  an  agent  here  to  procure  that 
article  for  him.     The  name  it  bears,  is  applied  by  rhe  bogils  to  all  convex 
angles  at  the  turns  in  the  river,  or  to  any  point  jutting  out  in  the  stream  ; 
these  points  or  pendns  the  poor  fellows  have  much  labor  and  difficulty  iu 
doubling;  for  the  current  running  at  the  rate  of  three  or  four  miles  an 
hour,  comes  sweeping  along  with  such  force  and  being  so  suddenly  im- 
peded, forms  a  raging  remoUno  or  whirlpool  against  which  it  is  so  hard  to 
contend  to  pass  and  through  which,  nothing  but  the  most  consummate  skill 
and  united  efi"orts  on  part  of  the  Bogadors  would  succeed.     If  the  bow  is 
by  accident  kept  too  far  out,  or  if  the  boat  has  not  enough  headway,  she 
is  struck  by  the  vortex  and  carried  out  in  the  stream,  when  the  paddles 
must  be  resorted  to,  that  the  shore  may  be  gained  where  the  same  trouble 
still  awaits  you.     The  bogas  would  always  make  use  of  a  tow  rope  if  the 
nature  of  the  bank  would  admit  it,  but  that  is  seldom  practicable,  as  the 
bank  by  the   constant  friction  of  the  water  is   continually  undermining. 
They  likewise  are  generally  too  high,  perpendicular  and  .so  covered  with 
vines  and  briers  that  a  landing  cannot  be  efl'ected.     These  boatmen,  how- 
ever, are  so  skillful  that  they  never  lose  their  course  unless  a  pole  breaks, 
or  a  sunken  snag  drives  the  boat  from  the  shore. 

Occasionally  we  stopped  at  the  Sugar  rosas  for  the  newly  expressed 
juice  of  the  sugar  cane,  I  found  the  banks  of  the  river  were  gradually 
increasing  in  height  as  we  advanced,  and  whenever  we  landed  had  reason 
to  admire  the  apparent  fertility  of  the  soil,  it  as  yet,  all  appeared  to  be  of 
an  alluvial  nature ;  the  trees  were  very  large  in  the  branches  of  which 
sported  many  a  drove  of  playful  Monkeys,  Don  Vato  was  particularly 
pleased  with  the  antic  tricks  of  the  various  species,  along  the  banks  of  the 
river,  their  long  tails  wound  around  the  branch,  chattering  with  noisy 
mirth,  or  grinning  with  a  hideousuess  that  gave  us  a  good  view  of  their 
formidable  teei...  The  beautiful  Macaws,  belonging  to  the  parrot  family, 
came  in  for  a  full  share  of  our  admiration,  with  their  most  brilliant  colors; 
but  Cato  particularly  admired  the  rich  and  easily  worked  Button-tree  lands, 
of  which  such  extensive  tracts  yet  wild,  are  at  the  disposal  of  any  energetic 
fearless  squatter  who  might  choose  any  portion  of  them  and  make  his  own, 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleaninqs.  491 

ht/ ponwxxion  —  an  mdlmufiihlfi  t,'tl,>      w    >    i        ,. 


vanna;  the  boatmen  jailed 


us  too  late  to  see  all.     Tli 


i..  great  numbers  on  the  xMamlalena  thev  Z„V  .  :r''°  ''"7'  '"'"^  ^'•'""d 
IreedH-  at  home,  thou-^h  not  Jo  nm;,n  ^M  •  .  "^  ^^"  f"'  ''^  '""•  "  K'''^^^ 
cate  and  better  \tdapterfrrur.?-  thrdr  "'"'"""'■•,:  ™^^"  ^«''- 
bristles  coarse  and  nSt  ve  y  tlk'k  et'  T  h  .1  "*  "  ^''^'  ''Y'  ^'"'-  «•• 
but  never  met  them  in  a  diJonle^lytove  tiiurw"  "^  "P'""'  ""'^  ""'"- 


«l..Ie  from  tl,o  ,u„„,  b,.„k  i„u,  the  water.  S  ,C  ,iS  of  "boat  b!..',""'" 
could  get  to  them     Wo  n-w«o,l  rv,.,,.,,     u      j    i.       "  "°'^''  ""tore  we 

the  .1.-011,  ■•.inTlrom   ift  Id  c'i  „r  „tT?t"„°°"  ("o.  long  from 

Early  next  morninn;  we  reached  La  Travasea,  a  hi-h  rockv  blnff  *h. 
perpendicuar  sides  of  which  displayed  strata  of  stonr  of  manv  d^ff^r^n? 

1  1?  ^1?^     u     '  '^'"°''  '"^  inibedded  in  a  bank  of  twenty-five  or  thirtv 

eet  height  about  ten  feet  above  the  level  of  the  water.     When  thev  we  ^ 

posited  there  and  how  long  since  their  native  salt  e  ement  rec  ded  over 

sed  "some  0?  thlfi"".''""  '^  '?'''''  ''  '''''  ^^  conjecture     We  puT- 

n  value  m  1  t.  r  7'T^''  [  ''''  'l'''^^  ^^^  ^  ^'^'^''  ^  Spanish  cc-.n 

IITL        ?  •    P     '^"nd'-eJ,  with  our  other  supplies  at  Teneriffe  which 

Sa     ^i!«  f"^P— f  p«-^d  on  the  east  sideTn  the  province  of  Santa 

t,.L  7"»S  the  "-evolution   it  was,  for  a  long  time,  the  stron- hold 

he  Royalist  party  in  this  quarter,  but  eventuallj  was   aken   plundered 

J  burnt  by  the  Patriots  in  1818.     The  walls  yd  standin..  prove  it  to 

th-iTiTnerr  hT'  T'  'r^''^''^",7  P'^^^'  ^"^  '^^  *«-»^  has  so^rostrated 


Te 


extent  and  /'^^  ^'^"'  «V'''  ^'^t''^^'';''  remain  standing  entire;  from  their 
-Jjntcdiy  mu=t  have  been  a  must  splendid  edifice;    the  tayade  is  designed 

61 


482 


Leoacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


with  more  taste  than  any  other  building  of  the  kind  that  I  have  seen  in  tht 
(M)untry,  (!iirio.sity  induced  me  to  examine  very  particularly  the  (^unHtruc 
tion  of  the  niches,  in  which  the  blessed  images  had  Ibrmorly  stood  in  tliuir 
pomp  to  receive  the  vows  of  the  devotees.  I  observed  an  open  communi- 
cation or  chanucl,  leadinj^  from  under  the  spot  tliat  luuat  have  been  coveruil 
by  the  pedestal  of  the  image,  through  the  wall  to  another  apartment,  a 
sort  of  speaking  trumpet,  by  which  the  zealous  priest  has  perhaps  on  sonic 
special  occasions  put  words  in  the  mouth  of  the  saints,  which  no  doubt  did 
much  to  edify  or  console  the  wounded  spirit  of  the  devout  parishioner, 
and  as  a  8e(|uence  aid  the  cause  of  Christianity.  The  monastery  or  nun- 
nery and  private  buildings  have  not  been  able  so  effectually  to  resist  the 
force  of  the  conflagration  and  of  time,  their  scattered  fragments  mark  tlii; 
ground  in  every  direction. 

The  Indian  inhabitants  realize  something  from  sale  of  the  crotches  of 
of  the  liguum-vitae  tree  to  the  bogadors ;  they  always  keep  a  large  (juantity 
on  hand,  and  all  boats  passing  by,  stop  to   replace  those  lost  from  their 
vessels  by  u  new  supply.     The  only  cultivated  patches  we  notice  are  in 
the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  little  villages ;  the  intervals  between  them 
are  the  great  Savannas  which  are  covered  with  a  long  coarse  grass  re- 
sembling corn.stalks  in  height  and  appearance,  they  are  entirely  destitute 
of  trees  yet  their  rich  and  verdant  clothing  relieves  the  monotony  of  the 
scene ;  they  are  never  visited  except  by  the  innumerable  wild  game  that 
flock  to  these  sunny  plains  tor  nutriment.     1  had  a  wild  goose  chase  on 
one  of  these  Savannas  which  I  never  wanted  to  repeat.     In  passing  one 
of  them,  we  saw  a  very  large  flock  of  great  birds  about  the  size  of  a  com- 
mon goose,  sitting  on  some  trees,  on  the  further  side,  about  a  furlong  (J 
of  a  mile)  off',  and  as  our  provisions  were  getting  rather  low  it  was  deter- 
mined that  I  should  land  to  get  a  shot  at  them,  accordingly  I  started  to 
secure  some  game  for  our  dinner.     I  found  much  difficulty  in  making  my 
ijvay  through  the  luxuriant  grass,  which  in  its  gr'>wth  had  fallen,  by  its 
own  weight  creating  an  endless  mat  of  great  thickness  on  the  ground,  aad 
then  again  rising  to  the  height  of  six  or  eight  feet,  making  an  almost  im- 
pasaible  barrier  to  pedestrians.     I  succeeded,  however,  in  passing  through 
to  the  woods,  but  as  I  advanced  this  flock  of  birds,  containing  at  least 
one  thousand,  flew  from  tree  to  tree  leading  me  a  great  di  Uance  from  my 
place  of  entrance  and  at  length  by  their  all  flying  off  in  i  body  I  lost  my 
shot.     That  was  not  all,  for  I  found  I  had  \ustmj/se//,  however,  by  taking 
an  observation  of  the  sun,  I  again  found  my  way  back  to  the  river  but 
far  from  the  boat,  which  I  could  not  see  on  account  of  the  height  of  the 
reeds  ;  and  there  I  stood  completely  exhausted  with  the  perspiration  roll- 
ing off'  me  in  rivulets  from  my  exertions,  while  the  raging  hot  meridian 
sun  poured  forth  his   burning  rays  on  my  unsheltered,  trembling  frame, 
with  the  most  unrelenting  rigor.     No  boat  was  in  sight  and  I  had  ample 
time  for  reflection  on  the  unpleasantness  of  my  situation,  but  at  length 
the  bogas  heard   my  hail,  and   I  had  the   pleasure  of  hearing  their  re- 
sponse ;  shortly  after  to  my  great  delight  the  boat  came  along  from  below, 
but  we  had  no  fat  goose  for  dinner.     The  next  morning  we  landed  at  a 
rosa  and  1  shot   two  small    turkeys  with  which  Cato   made  a  fine  soup. 
they  proved  a  timely  supply  as  our  meats  were  all  consumed.     We  ran  by 
St.  L^'ernando  with  other  places  and  at  night  were  hailed  by  the  guard  in 
ihe  outskirts  of  Mainpox  with   "  Quien    viva"    (who  lives)  ;  our  patron 
answered  "  Oolombianos,"  when  we  were  ordered  a.shore  and  detained  ac- 
cording to  custom  till  morning. 


Legacy  op  Historical  Qleaninos.  433 

We  saw  twonty.four  towns  and  villages  from  tho  river,  between  Barran- 
'I'lilla  and  Moinpox,  tlicy  aro  from  two  to  ten  loa-ues  anart  •  the  hZT. 
extreme  y  fertile,  and  well  timbered  exeept  in  the  i.^uodiX    einit;         0 
towns,  where  a  few  of  the  .ndustriouB  ones  have  phvntation.,  to  Z       he  ? 

he  bhiclc  eattle,  the  principle  source  of  wealth  ran^o  throu^^h  the  woo.ls 
udsavanuas,  where  nature  supplies  them  with  neverfailing  ,md  abumla  t 
crops  ol  grass  resen.bhng  cornstalks.  The  owners  take  no  other  troib    wi 

em,  han  to  nmke  a  general  collection  once  a  year,  for  the  purpo 

I  e  calves  and  securing  such  as  they  intend  for  slaughtering  or  market" 

but   notwiths  and.ng   the    uninterrupted    growth,   "early    maturi"y    and 

consequently  little  trouble  of  rearing  cattle?  the  price  is  as   hblh  a    lb 

I'ome.     Hour  is  prepared  about  one  hundred   miles  above  this  "but"  for 

Tav.  h  ^":f  ""'r'  •'  '^''^"'^   ^''^""'^  '^'''-     '^^'^  United  St.tes  flou 
always  hm  the  preference  in  market,  but  the  scarcity  is  so  -reat  here 
and  on  the  sea  coast  that  it  readily  brings  $45  pe?  barrel  "now    Us 
never  less  here  than  m.     These  facts  I  can  assure  you,  do  notTe'nd  in 
^t:Z^Tl^^'^''-''''-^  time  and  ipeHence  wilTsL^ 

.t^^if  i^^p;^  ^^fz  z  ^u^^:' j^^ 

room  and  a  large  deck  for  promenada,  am  tomorrow  to  shift  my  ba-4-o 
and  cooking  establishment  aboard  one  of  the  large  boats  which  .re"  now 
here    and  which  in  my  last  I  spoke  of  as  having  left  previous  to  u,^ 
I  Hhall  go  with  the  large  vessel  as  far  as  Nare- about  400  miles -the 
remaining  200  miles,  (to  Honda)  of  the  river  being  full  of  rapids    I 
shall  for  the  sake  of  expedition  and  to  avoid  too  much  tediousness,  take  a 
very  small  boat  and  push  on  with  all  speed.     My  provisions,  letters  and 
every  thing  that  is  required  is  being  prepared,  and  all  will  be  ready  before 
the  boats  are  dispatched,  which  is  a  bothersome  job  from  the  variety  of 
obstructions  thrown  in  the  way  of  commerce  by  the  Laws  of  the  Country  • 
It  requires  a  long  time  among  these  dilatory  officials  to  procure  passports 
&c      Don  Antonio  Libre  joins  his  uncle,  aunt  and  family  here,  I  of  course 
did  not  wish  to  attach  myself  to  his  party  when  I  heard  of  that  arran-c- 
iiient,  but  will  probably  be  in  Bogota  a  month  before  them.     I  have"  n 
itinerary  attached  to  my  journal  of  the  places  through  and  by  which  I 
pasrcd  — but  an  en-imeration  of  these  Spanish  and  Indian  names,  cannot 
be  at  all  interesting  to  the  reader,  I  therefore  leave  the  journal  to  toll  you 
at  some  future  day  of  all  the  cities,  villages  or  hamlets,  its  writer  may  see 
as  also  many  other  minor  things  that  escape  my  mind  when  scribbling  off 
my  unpremeditated  letters.     The  guard  who  put  a  veto  on  our  landin"'  at 
mght,  IS  one  of  the  appendages  of  the  Custom  House  stationed  here  to 
prevent  smuggling.     It  being  nine  oclock  we  found  the  three  boats'  (dis- 
patched  by  (rlen  from  Barranquilla  with  merchandize)  decks  were  covered 
with  the  toldos  of  the  bogas,  each  man  having  one,  and  by  the  light  of  a 
brilliant  moon  they  looked  most  elegantly.     The  following  morning  we 
.11  were  permitted  to  depart,  and  entered  the  City  about  the  same  time 
a  large  company ;  the  bogas  of  all  the  boats  to  make  a  great  display  sin''- 
ing  and  stamping  most  lustily.     The  great  arrival  brought  all  the  citizens 
out  to  view  the  sight.     Edward  landed  immediately  after  touching  at  the 
lustom  House  dock,  and  in  a  short  time  returned  with  Mr.  IlicSard  R 
Nicholson  who  kindly  invited  ns  to  land  and  mp.ko  his  house  our  quarters 
uurmg  our  stay  which  invitation  was  thankfully  accepted.     My  trunks 


484 


Legacy  of  IIibtoiiical  Gleanings. 


II 


m 


iiltor  rnssing  the  HUperfioiul  exnniiniition  of  the  Guilrdo  Mayor  wore 
curried  to  our  now  iibode,  we  mooh  (oHowimI  uiid  heiirtily  partook  of  u 
broakfaHt  which  wu»  uwuitiii;^  uh.  Tiiin  boiti|^  flniwhcd  wo  culled  upon 
tho  (lovernor  aeverul  times,  but  not  finding  liiui  in  wc  let't  our  puHHportH 
while  Edwurd  wont  ubout  bin  buHinens  nnd  I  to  Hce  tho  town. 

Mouipox  Htundw  on  un  iHland,  fbrniin)^  u  province  by  itHelt";  it  does  not 
contain  niuoh  breadth,  buving  only  three  or  four  Htreot«,  but  its  length  is 
between  two  and  three  niilcH.  Tho  lengtli  lies  on  tiio  river,  nn<l  huB  all 
been  protected  by  u  substantial  brick  wall,  well  cemented,  of  Spanish 
erection  from  the  cncroachnicnts  of  tho  current.  This,  however,  is  huI'- 
fcred  by  the  ('olombians  to  decay  ;  many  parts  of  it  having,  for  want  of  a 
little  precaution,  been  undermined  and  now  lies  in  huge  niaflsos  in  tho 
Btrcam ;  while  the  bank  it  formerly  supported  is  by  piece-meal  following, 
and  tho  houHCs  Htanding  on  it  must  eventually  jiursue  the  sumo  course. 
The  purt  of  the  wall  still  remaining  is  a  monument  of  Spanish  enterprizo 
and  niunidceuce  j  it  is  a  great  ornament  as  well  as  useful  to  tho  place.  It, 
with  tho  strong  fortifications  of  Carthagena  and  other  public  works  give 
eufficient  evidence,  that  if  their  sway  was  a  severe  one,  they  did  not  send 
all  the  revenues  of  tho  country  to  Spain,  but  Appropriated  a  part  to  the 
permanent  improvement  of  this  land,  which  is  more  than  tho  natives  can 
boast  of.  There  are  from  8  to  12000  inhabitants,  the  houses  generally 
built  of  stone  with  tile  roofs.  1  think  it  the  warmest  place  in  Colombia. 
I  have  been  advised  since  T  commenced  this  letter,  by  persons  who  have 
experience  on  the  river,  to  give  up  the  idea  of  going  in  the  large  boat  as 
her  motions  must  necessarily  be  so  slow  against  the  numerous  rapids,  that 
it  will  be  thrice  tho  time  in  performing  the  journey  that  a  small  one 
would;  also,  by  so  lung  an  exposure  to  the  extreme  heat  the  effect 
would  bo  to  destroy  my  appetite  and  perhaps  sicken  me.  As  I  have  no 
very  particular  desire  for  any  sort  of  arrai'gcment  like  that,  at  present,  I 
have  followed  the  well  meaning  advice  and  contracted  with  a  Don  Rod- 
rignea  for  a  boat  which  is  tr  leave  to  morrow  and  land  me  in  Honda  in 
eighteen  days.  There  is  no  c  t  ■■  then  that  I  will,  long  before  you  receive 
this,  be  with  your  old  friend  /ho  by  the  way,  is  at  housekeeping  with 
borrowed  furniture,  his  own  not  having  yet  arrived  when  my  informant 
left  him. 

Fdward  succeeded  in  getting  his  boats  on  the  return  track  three  days 
after  his  arrival,  and  I  was  to  have  followed  the  next  day ;  but  when  the 
boat  in  which  I  was  to  have  embarked,  came  up  and  all  my  goods  and 
chattels  j'board,  it  was  discovered  that  the  old  rascally  patron  had  con- 
cealed, with  his  tatters,  a  hole  in  the  stern,  through  which  the  water  oozed 
so  fast  after  the  boat  felt  the  extra  weight,  tliat  we  would  have  sunk  in  tea 
minutes  if  we  had  proceeded.  We  of  course  refused  this  and  demandeil 
another  boat,  it  was  two  days  before  the  other  made  its  appeaiance.  To 
show  how  punctilious  these  officers  of  Government  are,  particularly  when 
they  imagine  the  least  tittle  of  their  own  dignity  is  at  stake,  I'll  note  a  little 
circumstance  that  took  place  here  in  relation  to  myself.  I  had  scarcely  re- 
housed my  luggage  from  the  leaky  boat,  on  the  15th,  when  Nicholson 
came  and  told  me  that  the  Governor  had  sent  for  me.  I  immediately 
dressed  myself  and  accompanied  Nicholson,  Edward  and  the  messenger. 
On  the  way  I  was  given  to  understand  by  my  friends  i^-^t  I  was  in  eftect 
:i  prisoner,  thoujrh  lli.s  Excollaicy  hud  gone  to  work  ip  his  most  pulito 
manner  tu  arrest  me,  by  dis^patching  as  messouger  i  .o  (jiianhi-Mtiy")' 
with  a  bruud  sicurd  instead  of  u  cummuii  guard ;  however  you  may  suppose 


Legacy  of  IIistouical  Qleaninqs.  435 

T  di,l  not  feel  in  a  vory  ainiablo  humor  when  informcJ  ofMn  ronfrn.frm,,* 
I  hurned  «,.  to  th.,  ort(,Mul  ro-.n  where  Nicholson  gavo  ,..u  u..  i..troduc.io,  " 
en  which  tho  (Juvornor  told  xNichoImm  that   ho  Jas  surprined  A.,  who  "d 
won  know  the  roKulfttionH  in  those  u.atterH,  had  not  called  witli  his  .ruest 
to  pay  the  cuHtonmry  yinit  duo  Tron.  all  Htrau^ers,  and  that  he  had  ox Joned 
h.mHelf  and  Mr.  Van  It.  to  the  penalty  of  the  nesloot,  in  not  reporting  n.e 
wulnn   48   hours  after  my  arrival  («.'<  apieeo )"    I  replied  bj  saying  a 
KnKish,  which  languaK'o  he  well  understood,  that  I  for  n.y  part  was 
equally  surprised  at  bein«  made  a  prisoner  on  that  i/roun,/,  aa  I  had  made 
three  unsuccosslul  attempts  to  obtain  an  interview  with  him.    With  which 
lact  I  had  presum.  d  him  to  have  been  acquainted  through  his  secre^nries 
particularly  a  for  receiving  throu^'h  Mr.  (Jlon  f/m  pa^^port  handir,.    him 
tl.e  paprr.     His  Kxceliency  was  quite  confused  when  he  saw  his  own  sIl'- 
naturo  (1^.  Aldercrutz)  appended  to  it.     After  a  little  hesitation  he  as- 
Hured  mo  that  it  was  all  a  mistako,  that  I  had  not  been  a  prisoner,  that  he 
hud  merely  sent  for  mo,  without  knowing  who  I  was,  upon  being  told  that 
an  hnglishman,  whom  ho  had  not  seen,  was  about  leaving  Mompox  to  .'O 
up  the  river  that  morning.     Upon  NichoUo.  (who  by  the  way  was  hanny 
to  get  nd  so  easily  of  Uie  fine)  telling  the  Governor  that  1  felt  so  indignant 
at  the  treatment,  that  I  would  probably  make  a  representation  of  the  case 
to  tlie  U.  btates  Minister,  ho  turned  round  and  assured  mo  that  he  had 
great  respect  for  my  country  and  felt  friendly  towards  my  countrymen  and 
hoped  1  did  not  leel  hurt  at  the  detention,  repeating  his  regret  at  the  mis- 
take,    i  his  Goyernc-  is  a  Swede,  elevated,  as  all  the  principal  oflScers  here 
are,  for  his  military  services,  to  his  present  situation,  he  is  vory  strict  in 
exacting  all  the   rules  of  etiquette  from    strangers,  but  on  the  whole  is  a 
hue  fellow.     I  came  off  quite  pleased  with  him.     I  must  close  as  I  am  to 
dino  with  (.Ion  at  a  Mr.  Traverse  formerly  cf  IJaltimore. 

My  love  to  all.     Yours  truly.  Hens.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Uen,  bol.  Van  Kensselaer,  Albany. 

Oovernor  Van  Ifeas  to  General  Van  Rensselaer. 
l^Iy  Dear  Sir,  Washington  City  May  14, 1829. 

1  have  the  satisfaction  to  inform  you  that  you  are  perfectly  safe.  What 
1  ^ntQ  I  Imoxo.  but  I  must  however,  request  that  you  will  consider  this 
letter,  for  the  present,  most  sacredly  confidential.  Do  not  even  mention 
or  expose  my  name  to  your  friends  Genl.  Van  llensselaer  and  Mr.  Westerlo 
as  they  are  both,  and  long  have  been  unfriendly  to  me,  and  would  injure 
me  whenever  it  should  bo  in  their  power.  I  shall  see  you  in  a  few  days 
when  I  will  give  you  particulars.  Yours  cordially,  ' 

Ihe  Honble.  Sol.  Van  llens.selaer,  P.  M   Albany.       C.  P.  Van  Ness. 

Governor  Cornelius  P.  Van  Ness  was  at  this  time  appointed  by  PreaU 
dent  Jackson  minister  plenipotentiary  and  envoy  extraordinary  to  Spain. 

Hon.  Edward  IJvingston,  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
My  Dear  Sir.  New  York,  May  18,  1829. 

Your  letter  reached  me  in  the  back  parts  of  Pennsylvania  s'^me  con- 
siderable time  after  its  date,  and  I  did  not  answer  it  until  I  should  hn^e 
in  some  effectual  manner  complied  with  the  request  it  contained.  This  I 
(lid  not  do  by  writing  to  the  P.  M.  Genl.  with  whom  I  had  no  personal 
iiLfjuaintance,  but  by  an  interview  with  the  President  himself  in  a  short 
vi.sit  from  which  I  have  just  returned.  And  I  am  Authorized  to  assure 
vou,  tliit  no  cirouiubtuucc  (^I  Lave  used  his  own  expressions)  but  improper 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 

conduct  which  he  well  knows  cannot  exist  in  your  case,  and  which  he  has 
never  heard  charged,  would  induce  him  to  deprive  you  of  the  office.  He 
spoke  in  the  highest  terms  of  your  Character  and  Services,  and  desired 
me  to  say,  that  you  might  be  perfectly  easy  on  the  subject.  I  am  happy 
Sir,  in  being  able  to  give  you  so  satisfactory  an  accountof  the  Commission 
with  which  you  honored  me,  as  well  as  the  opportunity  it  aflFords  me  of 
assuring  you  of  my  high  Esteem  and  respect,  being  with  great  regard 
Your  most  obedt.  Sevt.  Edw.  Livingston. 

Genl.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  P.  M.  Albany. 

Tlie  Citizens  of  Albany  to  the  Post  Master  Oeneral. 

Albany  May  20th,  1829. 
The  undersigned  Citizens  of  Albany,  have  heard  with  surprise  and  re- 
gret, that  repeated  efforts  have  been  made,  to  produce  the  removal  of 
General  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  from  the  Office  of  Post  Master  of  this 
City. 

The  gallant  and  patriotic  services  of  Gen.  Van  Rensselaer  are  so  inti- 
mately blended  with  the  history  of  his  Country,  tliat  it  becomes  unneces- 
sary for  us  to  state  the  stronj;  claims  that  he  has  on  public  gratitude.  A 
Soldier  who  has  borne  forward  our  national  Eagle  triumphantly  in  two 
wars,  ought  not,  and  we  are  confident  will  not,  be  sacrificed  by  a  generous 
government  without  strong  and  good  cause. 

Since  General  Van  Rensselaer  has  held  the  appointment  of  Po&t  Master, 
the  duties  of  the  office  have  been  discharged  with  ability,  and  with  a  con- 
stant regard  to  the  public  convenience.  We  are  confident,  that  if  all  our 
fellow  Citizens  could  express  their  opinions,  a  great  majority  embracing 
the  intelligence,  character  and  wealth  of  the  City,  would  unite  with  us  in 
this  just  testimonial. 

It  has  however  been  urged  as  an  objection  to  General  Van  Rensselaer, 
that  he  was  an  opponent  of  the  present  administration,  and  that  party 
policy  therefore  requires  his  removal.  This  ungenerous  and  false  allega- 
tion has  chiefly  induced  the  undersigned  to  make  this  communication. 
They  well  know,  that  during  the  last  Presidential  election,  General  Van 
Rensselaer  accorded  with  them  in  sentiments,  and  was  friendly  to  the  elec- 
tion of  our  present  distinguished  Chief  Magistrate. 

He  felt  and  expressed  to  his  friends,  the  delicacy  of  his  situation  as 
Post  Master,  and  may  have  been  restrained  by  a  sense  of  duty,  from  suf- 
fering any  imputations  to  attach  to  him  as  a  public  officer  (clothed  with 
peculiar  and  delicate  powers)  by  embarking  as  a  zealous  partizan  in  the 
controversy.  On  all  proper  occasions  his  sentiments  and  preference  were 
frankly  and  freely  avowed. 

Very  respectfully  your  Obedient  Servants, 

John  Townsend,  Isaiah  Townsend, 

Joseph  Alexander      G.  Y.  Lansing, 
Ebenezar  Baldwin, 
Hekman  V.  Hart, 
William  James, 
Abra.  G.  Lansing, 
Peter  Gansevoort, 
R.  V.  De  Witt, 


J.  L.  Viele, 
Simeon  Db  Witt, 
N.  F.  Beck, 
John  R.  Bleecker, 
Francis  Bloodgood, 
Philip  S.  Parker. 


The  undersigned  has  scon  the  above  communication  and  would  have 
cheertuUy  signed  it,  had  he  not  been  restrained  by  the  circumstance  that 


JQS. 

le,  and  which  he  has 
u  of  the  office.  He 
srvices,  and  desired 
bject.  I  am  happy 
it  of  the  Commission 
ty  it  aflFords  me  of 
ith  great  regard 
[)W.  Livingston. 


enercU. 

May  20th,  1829. 
ith  surprise  and  re- 
uce  the  removal  of 
Post  Master  of  this 

insselaer  are  so  inti- 
it  becomes  unneces- 
ublic  gratitude.  A 
riumphantly  in  two 
ificed  by  a  generous 

aent  of  Po&t  Master, 
ity,  and  with  a  con- 
dent,  that  if  all  our 
majority  embracing 
aid  unite  with  us  in 

sral  Van  Rensselaer, 
ion,  and  that  party 
ous  and  false  allega- 
his  communication, 
action.  General  Van 
friendly  to  the  elec- 

r  of  his  situation  as 
i  of  duty,  from  suf- 
fficer  (clothed  with 
ious  partizan  in  the 
and  preference  were 

rants, 

iVH  TOWNSEND, 

.  Lansing, 

ViELE, 

HON  De  Witt, 
.  Beck, 

<  R.  Bleecker, 
«jcis  Bloodgood, 
IP  S.  Parker. 

m  and  would  have 
e  circumstance  that 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  487 

he  is  a  resident  of  another  County.     He  most  fully  accords  in  the  senti- 

ZTth:Ai  T?  ?f  ''"  ^'^"*^!f  ^"^  ^^^"  ''^'  ^'^ '-'■'^1  testimony  t      he 
truth  of  the  facts  therein  stated.  Pierre  Van  CortlIndt. 

lo  the  Hon.  William  F.  Barry,  Post  Master  General  &c.,  Washington. 
Gen.  Van  Cortlandt  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 

^^Z^'IJ,         .u    r.    v.       .  c  New  York,  June  25,  1829. 

Mr  Moore  the  Embassador  to  South  America  arrived  here  yesterday 
he  sails  from  this  port  in  a  few  days.  I  think  it  would  be  well  for  you  to 
come  down  immediately  if  you  wish  to  see  him  before  his  departure  He 
Has  pu.  >Hj  at  Mrs.  Southards  in  Broad  Way,  just  below  Grace  Church. 

Yours  truly. 

Q„,  .,     ,,         ,       ^        ,,  ,  Pierre  Van  Cortlandt. 

bolomon  V^an  Rensselaer  Esqr,  P.  M.  Albany. 

Oen,  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Wife 
Dear  Harriot,  New  York  June  29, 1829. 

1  have  not  seen  enough  of  Moore  to  judge  of  him,  I  will  know  more  of  him 
before  I  leave  this,  but  he  appears  to  be  frank  and  candid.     I  could  not 
expect  that  Le  would  have  said  more  than  he  did,  nor  would  I  have  done 
and  said  as  much  about  a  Stranger.     He  mentioned  that  Dr.  Davis  Maior 
Davis  and  Gen.  Van  Cortlandt  were  my  warm  friends,  and  that  he  had 
heard  enough  about  myself  at  Washington.     That  Van  Buren  and  h's 
friends  might  as  well  keep  themselves  quiet  for  they  could  do  nothing  against 
me  that  Van  Buren  was  trying  to  make  a  party  of  his  own,  but  it  would 
not  do    hat  he  was  perfectly  understood.     Swarthowdt  the  Collector  of  this 
port  told  me,  that  Van  Buren  had  opposed  his  appointment,  and  that  he 
had  heard,  that  they,  Van  Buren  &  co  -  opposed  me  also.     He  has  written 
on  to  know  the  facts  and  if  any  thing  is  necessary  to  be  done,  he  will  pro- 
cure  for  me  an  overwhelming  petition  from  this  city.     This  can  easily  be 
don.  GenlsXolden,  Bogardus,  Morton,  Oakley,  Hoffman,  Jones,  Hones, 
the  Clinton  family  and  others  will  go  all  lengths.     Kiss  all  for  me. 

Yours  affectionately  and  Sincerely. 

Mrs.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany,  N.  Y.      Sol.  VanIRensselaek. 

Rensselaer  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Father 
Dear  Father,  Bogota  July  12,  1829. 

1  fauished  no  5  at  Mompox  sooner  than  I  intonded  in  order  to  make  one 
at  a  Yankee  dinner  party,  which  I  can  assure  you  is  a  rare  thing  in  that 
part  Ox  the  world  ;  there  were  five  of  us  together  and  a  season  of  great 
enjoyment.  We  had  the  condescension  to  consider  Edward  Glen  a 
Yankee  pro.  tempore,  which  made  us  all  birds  of  a  fuather,  and  enabled 
us  to  enjoy,  with  greater  relish,  the  ham,  codfish  and  mince  pie  importa- 
tions from  the  Unitod  States.  Our  good  host  Mr.  Traverse  kindly  offered 
me  any  books  I  might  choose  to  amuse  myself  with  in  going  up  the  river 
1  soon  selected  about  a  score  —  Scotts,  Coopers,  Fieldings  and  Irvine's 
works —  which  he  sent  to  my  lodgings,  the  reporusal  of  them  I  found 
very  pleasant.  Aftor  a  delay  at  Mompox,  from  May  11th,  I  .rot  under 
weigh  in  reality  on  the  17th,  and  was  quite  satisfied  with  fair" promises 
ol  a  speedy  trip.  It  would  have  been  quite  laughable  to  a  disinterested 
person,  understanding  our  individual  feelings  to  have  witnessed  the  part- 
ing between  Edward  und  myself;  but  to  have  Mt  the  herculean  grasp  of' our 
hands,  and  to  have  contrasted  that  with  the  stoical  indifference  with  which 


1^'  ] 


488 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


our  adieus  were  pronounced;  he  would,  no  doubt  have  given  us  due  credit 
for  our  philosophy.  The  scene  recalled  a  similar  one  to  mind,  that  oc- 
curred between  a  gallant  old  friend  at  home  and  myself,  but  never  mind, 
let  those  who  enjoy  a  laugh  at  such  heart  trials,  grin  like  monkeys :  I 
always  recover  my  humor  in  admiring  their  wisdom  or  /</%,  as  it  may  be. 
My  boat,  for  the  sake  of  expedition,  was  one  of  the  smallest  used  on  the 
river  by  travelers ;  it  was  manned  by  the  patron  od  two  bogaddrs,  juut 
large  enough  to  accommodate  us  all,  and  nothing        pare. 

To  give  you  an  idea  of  the  progress  of  largo  boats,  I  will  mention  that 
I  passed  about  haJf  way  between  Mompox  and  Honda  621  miles  apart, 
three  champans  with  merchandise  having  a  collective  crew  of  sixty  men, 
which  had  cleared  two  months  previous  from  the  former  place.  Their 
dilatoriness  is  owing  to  the  uncommonly  late  rising  of  the  river.  Each 
man  receives  his  $14  per  trip ;  their  work  is  so  very  laborious  that  they 
are  allowed  the  privilege  of  recruiting  their  enervated  bodies  by  remain- 
ing a  certain  number  of  days  at  specified  places.  My  patrdn  and  bogadors, 
all  Indians,  had  made  this  trip  so  often,  and  knowing  now  all  the  stopping 
sites  as  well  as  stage  horses,  I  had  the  utmost  difficulty  to  prevent  their 
visiting  the  old  haunts.  Still,  however,  in  spite  of  all  my  efforts,  they 
did  manage  to  stop  three  different  times  by  falling  desperately  sick,  but 
that  sickness  always  left  them  by  the  next  morning,  when  they  would  go 
on  again  with  new  vigor  for  a  few  more  days.  We  had  passed,  two  days 
after  leaving  Peiion,  the  three  boats  of  the  Glens  on  the  same  destination  with 
us,  in  one  of  which  I  had  expected  to  have  continued  my  journey. 
Many  of  the  crew  who  had  so  frequently  seen  me  during  my  stay  in 
Barranquilla,  expressed  pleasure  at  our  meeting  and  regret  at  parting 
with  a  friend  of  their  employer's  house.  I  left  them  after  finding  that 
all  was  going  on  well ;  they  looked  really  so  sorrowful,  that  I  could  not 
but  pity  and  sympathize  with  them.  Some  of  the  number,  though  of  a 
"  lowly  condition "  were  genuine  worthy  fellows,  who  had  for  years, 
liiany  years  been  truly  faithful  to  their  masters,  Edward  had  stood  as 
Compiidre  or  protector  at  his  marriage.  I  was,  however,  thankful  not  to 
have  been  so  long  detained  even  with  the  advantages  of  more  space  in 
these  larger  boats. 

The  palm  leaf  toldo  —  impenetrable  to  heat  or  rain,  was  scarcely  high 
enough  to  admit  of  my  sitting  upright,  but  then  my  baggage  was  so 
arranged  that  I  could  recline  back  upon  it  partly  in  a  sitting,  partly  in  a 
lying  posture  or  extended  full  length  in  the  bottom  of  the  boat,  with  my 
mat  underneath  engaged  in  reading  or  writing  or  my  Spanish  studies. 
As  the  boga  in  front  (assisted  ever  and  anon  by  Cato),  required  all  the 
space  between  my  toldo  and  the  prow, equipped  with  his  light  pole,  rounded 
slightly,  resting  against  his  naked  breast  as  with  the  old  boatmen  of  the 
Mississippi,  engaged  in  propelling  the  vessel,  and  as  the  cooking  utensils, 
boga's  baggage,  &c.,  lumbered  up  all  the  vacancy  in  the  stern  —  I  of  course 
was  obliged  to  remain  constantly  housod  while  under  headway.  This 
would  have  been  a  matter  of  choice,  in  the  heat  of  the  day,  when  the 
thermometer  ranges  over  100'^,  but  the  confinement  was  quite  irksome  in 
the  fine  mornings  and  evenings.  At  the  commencement  I  found  the 
movement  of  the  little  champdn  very  uncomfortable ;  its  diminutive  size, 
so  essential  to  speed,  was  against  its  stability  ;  every  motion  of  the  boat- 
men would  make  her  roll  so  much,  that  it  was  long  before  I  could  accustom 
myself  to  the  motion.  It  w:i3  a  day  or  f^o  too,  before  T  cmM  jiliHtnict  iny 
attention  from  the  stamping,  jarring  footsteps  so  immediately  overhead, 


A     . 


n,  was  scarcely  high 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  489 

on  top  of  the  toldo;  this  together  with  the  constant,  unvaried  chant  at 
farst  an  intolerable  nuisance,  soon  became  unnoticed,  habit  is  every  thin., 
and  could  receive  as  much  pleasure  in  the  perusal  of  an  entertaining  boo°k 
as  ever  for  you  know  my  disposition  is  generally  happy  in  accommodat. 
ing  itselt  to  every  situation  and  inconvenience.  The  first  night  we  onlv 
succeeded  in  reaching  the  romantic  little  Indian  hamlet  of  Minchinueo 
two  .agues  from  Mompox  in  the  same  province.  I  directed  my  "  Snow 
Ball  (as  Uncle  Peter  calls  Cato)  to  take  my  bedding,  &c.,  ashore  and 
1  rejoiced  in  an  opportunity  once  more  of  perambulating  after  mv  close 
confinement  in  the  small  boat.  •' 

The  gloomy  wild,  impenetrable  forest,  inclosing  on  the  three  sides  the 
little  plot  of  ten  or  fifteen  acres  of  cleared  ground  on  which  the  hamlet 
stands,  gives  undisturbed  shelter  to  the  hordes  of  large  red  monkevs 
whose  growl,  at  this  hour,  so  much  resembling  the  distant  roar  of  lions  • 
together  with  the  occasional  peculiar  cry  of  the  hoarse  noted  mucam  as 
flitting  overhead  in  pairs  and  exposing  to  view,  in  the  last  rays  of  the 
dipping  sun,  the  gaudinesa  of  their  dress  they  wend  to  their  ni^rhtiy  re 
treat,  were  the  only  interruptions  to  the  serenity  of  the  scene"    I  had 
often  admired  the  beauty  of  this  bird,  but  here  was  a  new  v    i-ty  •  many 
a  pair  with  deep  scarlet  plumage  passed  over  among  the  gre.  ,    blue  and 
parti-colored  ones.     I  had  never  before  seen  this  species  and  was  "  smitten 
at  farst  sight     a  thing  Memory  says  is  no  novelty  to  a  susceptive  youth 
as  myself.     It  is  the  invariable  habit  of  the  guaycamdyo  to  take  this  twi- 
light flight  as  IS  the  case  with  all  birds  of  the  genus,  belonpinc^  to  the 
parrot  family,  from  this  the  chief  of  the  tribe  down  to  the  twittering 
ittle  pdroquet  and  they  tend  not  a  little  to  enhance  the  beauty  of  thede- 
hghtful  evenings  of  this  tropical  climate.     These  birds  have  their  nests 
in  high  hollow  trees  and  subsist  on  the  grains  and  luscious  fruits      Upon 
returning  from  my  walk,  I  found  Cato  had  spread  my  mat  under  a  cluster 
ot  Orange  trees,  with  the  tolda  hanging  over  it,  lashed  to  the  trunks  of 
two  others  of  the  same  kind.     I  of  course  applauded  his  taste  in  selecting' 
so  fragrant  a  spot;  for  the  trees  though  loaded  with  fruit  in  every  sta^r^ 
had  still  plenty  of  aromati'j  blossoms  left  to  fill  the  air  with ''balmy 
sweets,"  and  I  anticipated  the  delectable  sleep  I  subsequently  enjoyed  in 
so  odoriferous  a  resting  place.     The  orange  is  not  the  only  fruit  flourish- 
ing here,  for  in  the  intervals  between  the  scattering  huts,  sported  in  all 
its  pride  and  lofty  grandeur  the  Cocoa  tree,  whose  long  feathery  leaves 
wave  so  gracefully  to  the  gentle  evening  breeze,  and  whose  clusters  of 
fruit,  so  grateful  to  the  taste,  interspersed  amongst  those  leaves,  protected 
from  the  sun  and  rains  by  this  natural  umbrella,  ever  aff'ord  such  a  temp- 
tation  to  the  hungry  or  thirsty  gormandizer.     There  is  another  fruit  here 
now  in  full  maturity,  is  of  a  very  perishable  nature,  inclosed  in  a  rusty 
coat,  having  two  black  seeds :  it  is  about  the  size  of  a  common  blue  plum 
very  mellow  and  of  an  exquisite  flavor,  its  name  was  given  but  has  escaped 
me.    The  Bananas  abound  in  the  most  thrifty  style,  which  together  with 
limes,  succulent  lemons,  pine-apples  and  other  tropical  fruits  contribute  to 
form  the  best  collection  I  had  heretofore  met  with  at  any  one  ^  lace  in  the 
country.     The  pinc-apph  appears  to  grow  best  in  the  shade,*  I  found   it 
sheltered  under  the  broad  leaves  of  the  banana  plant ;  each  apple  is  nour- 
ished by  itself,  at  the  end  of  a  solitary  stem,  rising  from  the  c-entre  of  a 
tuft  of  long  dagger  like  shaped  grass ;  the  blade  is  very  thick  and  strong- 
pointed  with  a  thorn.  "' 

62 


490 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


iV- 


The  next  morning  we  were  under  headway  before  daylight,  and  the 
bogas  having  taken  to  their  task  with  too  much  zeal,  began  to  lay  in  their 
work  towards  the  afternoon,  and  about  4  oclock  came  to  a  stop  opposite  a 
lonely  hut.     They  soon  commenced  washing  out  the  boat,  securing  their 
palancas  along  side,  &c.,  their  last  duties  at  the  close  of  a  day's  work.     I, 
however,  very  soon  laroke  in  upon  these,  to  them  pleasant  duties,  by  order- 
ing them  to  go  on  still  further;  but  they  did  not  like  this  interference  of 
mine,  with  their  avocations,  at  all.     They  told  me  that  there  was  no  other 
house  to  atop  at  for  leagues  ahead,  nothing  but  plai/a  (the  shore  or  strand) 
to  rest  upon.     To  all  their  murmurings  I  replied  that  I  did  not  want  a 
house  to  sleep  in.     I  had  slept  on  sandbars  before,  and  insisted  upon  their 
movinf  on,  which  they  did  very  reluctantly  and  I  as  reluctantly  again 
embarked  having  a  severe  headache  and  feeling  excessively  tired.     But 
I  deemed  it  best  to  initiate  the  bogas  into  my  ways  as  soon  as  possible  and 
to  let  them  see  that  I  would  bo  obeyed.     The  rascals  seeing  me  indisposed 
thought   to  punish  me  by  Keeping  on  quite  late  now  they  were  again 
started  j  and  under  a  pretence  of  not  being  able  to  find  a  place,  kept  on 
past  several  plai/a  (as  Cato  told  me)  till  near  ten  oclock ;  and  then  came 
to,  along  side  of  what  had  erst  been  an  allyators  hatching  place  in  a  sand 
bank.     The  empty  and  curled  up  egg-shells  of  this  reptile,  which  were 
strewed  about  in  such  quantities,  indicated  this  to  have  really  been  the 
site  chosen,  by  the  female,  for  depositing  her  eggs  in  the  sand  and  trusting 
to  the  sun's  hot  rays  to  hatch  out  her  young  ones.     By  this  time  my 
fatigue  and  malady  had  increased  so  much  that  I  did  not  feel  very  par- 
ticular as  to  my  place  of  lodging.     Cato  very  quickly  had  the  shells  brushed 
away  from  a  smooth  spot  and  the  tolda's  in  order  for  nestling  under,  and 
I  as  quickly  crawled  in  while  the  lower  edges  of  the  musquito-bars  were 
carefully  tucked  under  my  mat.     I  had  previously  given  my  black  snow- 
ball divectioua  to  call  me  when  the  moon,  now  in  its  last  quarter,  was  in 
a  line  with  the  top  of  a  tree  which  I  designated ;  and  also  how  to  act,  in 
case  that  any  of  the  cdyman  or  alligators  should  pay  any  of  us  a  visit,  in 
the  night,  with  the  intention  of  making  a  meal  of  either  of  us ;  a  thing 
which  the  negro  apprehended  more  than  anything  else  on  the  river. 

I  soon  fell  soundly  asleep,  but  how  long  I  had  been  in  that  state,  I  cannot 
tell,  I  only  know  that  when  fairly  awake  I  found  myself  sitting  upright,  under 
the  toldo  which  was  visibly  and  violently  agitated  by  some  external  agency; 
my  pistols  were  in  one  hand  and  sword  in  the  other.  The  movement  of  my 
toldo  must,  undoubtedly,  have  aroused  me,  and  instinct  caused  me  to  seize 
my  arms,  for  I  distinctly  recollect  that  surprise,  at  finding  myself  in  this 
warlike  attitude,  was  the  first  unmingled  emotion  of  my  waking  sense. 
Then  like  a  flash  of  lightning  the  idea  of  a  cayman's  visit  came  across  ray 
mind  and  simultaneously  I  saw,  by  the  light  of  the  moon  just  rising  over 
the  top  of  the  trees,  through  the  thin  fabric  of  my  toldo,  a  dark  object 
crawling  or  moving  and  stoutly  shaking  the  dark  side  of  Oato's  toldo,  one 
cord  of  which  being  fastened  to  the  same  stake  with  my  own  communicated 
all  its  motion  to  both.  My  idea  that  a  cayman  had  come  for  a  feast  was 
now  fully  confirmed  by  this  dark  looking  busy  apparition,  I  cocked  my 
pistols  but  the  distance  and  a  knowledge  of  the  cayman's  toughness  of  hide 
determined  me  to  change  my  plan  of  operations.  I  thought  it  the  better 
plan  to  throw  myself  between  the  toldos  and  the  river,  then  to  attack  the 
depredator  in  his  retreat ;  for  you  know  if  I  had  commenced  bombarding 
the  enemy  at  too  long  a  distance,  when  he  was  so  well  protected,  it  wouid 
have  been  more  than  probable  that  the  firing  would  have  been  without 


INQS. 

'ore  daylight,  and  the 
1,  began  to  lay  in  their 
ne  to  a  stop  opposite  a 
lie  boat,  securing  their 
le  of  a  day's  work.     I, 
iasant  duties,  by  order- 
ke  this  interference  of 
hat  there  was  no  other 
a  (the  shore  or  strand) 
that  I  did  not  want  a 
ind  insisted  upon  their 
I  as  reluctantly  again 
ixcessively  tired.     But 
18  soon  as  possible  and 
Is  seeing  me  indisposed 
now  they  were  again 
)  find  a  place,  kept  on 
iclock  ;  and  then  came 
atching  place  in  a  sand 
lis  reptile,  which  were 
)  have  really  been  the 
I  the  sand  and  trusting 
les.     By  this  time  my 
.  did  not  feel  very  par- 
r  had  the  shells  brushed 
for  nestling  under,  and 
the  musquito-bars  were 
f  given  my  black  sno%o- 
its  last  quarter,  was  in 
and  also  how  to  act,  in 
pay  any  of  us  a  visit,  in 
f  either  of  us  j  a  thing 
else  on  the  river, 
m  in  that  state,  I  cannot 
df  sitting  upright,  under 
y  some  external  agency; 
.    The  movement  of  my 
itinct  caused  me  to  seize 
t  finding  myself  in  this 
n  of  my  waking  sense. 
ii's  visit  came  across  my 
e  moon  just  rising  over 
my  toldo,  a  dark  object 
side  of  Cato's  toldo,  one 
h  my  own  communicated 
ad  come  for  a  feast  was 
pparition,  I  cocked  my 
man's  toughness  of  hide 
I  thought  it  the  better 
river,  then  to  attack  the 
commenced  bombarding 
well  protected,  it  would 
ould  have  been  without 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


491 


eflFect  on  such  a  foe,  thou  \  should  have  not  only  lost  my  ammunition  but 
peradyenture  my  negro  too.  I  was  out  of  the  tolda  as  quick  as  thought, 
but  Nvishing  to  ascertain,  before  commencing  the  attack,  after  gaining"my 
position,  where  Cato  was,  I  called  out  to  him.  When,  will  you  believe  it 
instead  of  coming  to  me  carrying  hid  head  under  his  arm,  or  his  Ic  i 
his  shoulder,  he  appeared  without  any  mark  of  a  conflict  with  an  all'gator 
and  answered  "  Sir"  as  boldly  and  as  plainly  as  I  had  ever  heard  "him 
speak  that  word.  A  thought  then  struck  mo,  but  I  was  not  yet  sure  and 
I  soon  asked  "  what  the  devil  he  was  doing  there  ?"  Ho  answered  that 
"  the  musquitoes  had  got  under  his  toldo  and  that  he  had  been  shaking 
them  out,''  which  convinced  me  that  he  had  been  the  dark  object  under 
the  dark  side  of  the  tdldo.  I  went  to  bed  again  somewhat  relieved  aod 
ere  long  fast  asleep  but  was  once  more  awakened  by  the  sonorous  voice  of 
Cato  now  calling  out  to  the  bogas  "vaydmonos  muchiichones,"  "let  us  go 
away  boys,"  and  the  moon  being  at  the  point  designated,  we  were  soon 
voyagers  along  the  winding  banks  of  the  river. 

At  Penon,  an  Indian  village  at  which  we  staid  over  night,  the  toldo  was 
pitched  under  thetrees  in  one  of  the  main  streets.  During  this  operation 
we  had  plenty  of  spectators  who  came  to  oflFer  to  so  rare  a  customer  as  a 

bldncoov  white  man  their  hdllo  —  Indian  meal  boiled  in  plantain  leaves 

but  I  purchased  earthen  pots  for  cookery  to  make  my  stock  of  kitchen 
furniture  complete.  The  crew  were  by  their  bargain  obliged  to  procure 
their  own  provisions  and  of  course  they  had  a  larder  of  their  own.  On 
the  sixth  day  after  leaving  Mompox,  in  which  we  had  passed  nine  Indian 
hamlets,  we  reached  the  rather  large  village  of  Morales,  early  in  the  after- 
noon. This  place  is  beautifully  decorated  by  a  row  of  thrifty  cocoanut 
trees  on  the  river's  bank,  from  one  extremity  of  the  vill  to  the  other,  and 
is  one  of  the  regular  stopphuj  places  for  the  hard  working  bogas  who  man 
the  large  boats,  they  require  a  rest  of  one  or  two  days.  In  my  light  vesse' 
this  repose  was  not  at  all  required  for  the  bogas,  but  one  of  them  landed 
here  on  pretence  of  business,  and  did  not  make  his  appearance  till  the  next 
morning,  for  fear  I  would  compel  them  to  go  on  still  further;  but  I  did 
not  feel  at  all  vexed,  for  the  change  was  as  pleasant  to  me  as  to  them. 

The  boatmen  are  always  paid  in  advance  for  their  jobs,  which  makes 
them  heedless  of  the  time  they  consume  in  performing  them  ;  owing  to 
this  many  of  the  large  boats  are  three  months  in  accomplishing  the 
voyage,  when  two  should  answer.  Nothing  seems  to  excite  the  ambition 
of  these  improvident  creatures.  In  the  course  of  my  rambles,  that  after- 
noon, I  came  across  two  foreigners,  passengers  in  one  of  the  seven 
chiimpans  lying  before  this  place;  they  were  three  weeks  from  Mompox 
and  both  bound  for  the  salt  mines  near  Bogota.  One  was  a  Cornish 
miner,  the  other  a  Frenchman  but  he  spoke  better  English  than  the 
Britain.  They  have  been  here  detained  two  days  beyond  the  allotted 
time  for  resting,  in  consequence  of  a  row,  among  the  crews  of  the  diiTerent 
boats,  in  which  one  of  their  bogas  was  completely  disabled  and  their 
patron  so  badly  wounded  by  machetes  that  they  could  not  go  on.  The 
cause  of  quarrel  was  some  trivial  thing,  which  will  cause  some  of  these 
fellows  to  draw  their  knives  and  set  them  at  cutting  and  slashing  each 
other  as  if  they  were  chopping  up  pumpkins  for  a  stall  fed  ox.  Nor  do 
they  require  the  usual  stimulants  of  our  home  bulli«s — rum,  to  set  them 
at  loggerheads,  for  they  scarcely  ever  get  drunk  ;  indeed  abstinence  from 
strong  liquors  is  hero  a  universal  virtue  —  necessity  rather  —  for  the 
climate  is  against  the  longevity  of  a  hard  drinker.     Our  Cornish 


i^ 


miner. 


492 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


one  of  your  little  fellows  only  one  inch  taller  than  myself,  Tsix  feet  four 
inches  high)  and  proportionately  built,  had  been  most  terribly  annoyed  by 
the  mosquitoes ;  his  arms  and  legs,  from  the  elbow  and  knee  down  to  the 
nails  of  fingers  and  toes  were  nearly  one  continued  sore,  nor  was  his  lace 
or  neck  in  a  much  better  plight.  I  asked  him  "why  he  had  not  provided 
himself  with  a  toldo."  "  Why  dang  it  zur,  I  had  un  till  the  dom  bogas 
stold  it  o'me  of  a  night  when  I  was  sleopin."  "You  are  a  sound 
sleeper,"  says  I.  Izz  zur,  I  duz  sleep  sound,  but  when  I  wakt  with  their 
pullin  it  fra'  under  me  and  chassed  them,  I  tumblet  down,  and  they  run 
in  the  booshes  wt  the  toldo.  an  thats  the  last  o'  it." 

Our  crew  having  assembled  at  the  boat,  quite  early,  we  again  started 
and  on  the  fourth  day  after  that  came  to,  in  the  evening,  at  San  Pablo 
where  we  remained  next  day  to  wash  our  clothes,  buy  provisions  and  to 
humor  the  bogas  —  who  wished  nie  to  allow  them  one  day  for  rest  at  this 
stopping  place,  and  then  they  would  go  on  to  Honda  without  applying  for 
the  same  favor  again.  Leaving  Cato  and  the  bogas  cleansing  their  travel- 
ing clothes,  I  started  with  my  gun  on  my  shoulder,  machete  by  my  side, 
and  compass  in  my  hand  to  follow,  in  search  of  game  and  variety^  a  little 
path  leading  into  the  forest,  which  here  as  at  all  other  Indian  villages 
approximates  so  near  and  encloses  with  its  almost  impenetrable  wilds  those 
tiny  spots  of  human  cultivation  and  habitation.  A  walk  of  a  mile  along 
this  path  brought  me  to  a  cleared  site  of  some  thirty  acres,  formerly  a 
plantation,  but  now  the  free  grazing  ground  of  jackasses,  goats  and  cows. 
The  heat  of  the  sun  in  this  close,  unsheltered  place,  compelled  me  to  add 
somewhat  to  the  speed  of  my  loitering  gait  in  crossing  over  to  gain  one 
of  the  many  sylvan  tracks  on  the  other  side,  where  I  re-assumed  my  lei- 
surely movements.  While  stretching  my  neck,  in  vain,  and  straining  my 
eyes  to  get  a  sight  of  the  "  piivo  "  (turkeys  and  wood-grouse)  which  at  times 
resort  here,  could  see  or  hear  nothing  save  macaws,  parrots,  and  monkeys. 
I  had  so  frequently  observed  these  interesting  things  that  it  seemed  but 
dull  sport.  Whilst  quenching  my  thirst  at  a  "  crystal  stream "  I  was 
suddenly  startled  by  a  rustling  in  the  underbrush  at  hand,  and  directly 
after  had  an  indistinct  glimpse  of  some  animal  running  along,  which, 
from  its  color,  I  supposed  to  be  a  deer.  Snatching  up  my  arms  I  followed 
the  road  he  took  which  led  me,  'n  a  very  short  time,  to  a  little  open  vale, 
at  the  foot  of  a  murmuring  cascade.  As  soon  as  I  broke  into  it  from  the 
woods,  my  ears  were  saluted  by  a  stunning,  shrill,  unearthly  shriek  as 
piercing  and  uproarious  a  tumult  as  if  all  Bedlam  had  joined  in  a  full 
chorus !  Jupiter  Ammon  ! !  I  nearly  fainted,  my  modesty  received 
such  an  electrical  shock  !  ! !  My  surprise  may  easily  be  imagined  when 
I  discovered  in  the  little  pool  below  the  cascade  some  five  or  six  tawny 
females  up  to  their  waist  in  water  engaged  in  washing  their  soiled  clothes. 
Among  the  pack  of  dogs,  that  also  greeted  my  appearance  and  joined  in 
concert  to  the  female  yell,  was  one  whose  dun  color  had  led  me,  in  the 
passing  glance,  to  mistake  him  for  a  deer.  I  quickly  beat  a  retreat  and 
left  the  Naiads  wallowing  in  their  limpid  fountain  and  pursued  my  course 
boatward,  where  I  arrived  with  a  stomach  full  of  emptiness  and  legs  full 
of  weariness,  without  having  shed  any  blood  in  my  ramble  except  that  of 
a  pretty  green  snake  which  perished  by  decapitation.  Quite  satisfied  with 
the  exercise  I  had  taken,  the  rest  of  the  day  was  spent  by  me  in  reading 
and  fishing. 

This  last  amusement  had  been  resorted  to  in  coming  up  the  river  only 
whea  the  nature  of  the  ground,  at  the  resting  or  eating  places,  precluded 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  493 

the  possibility  of  walking.     Many  such  had  turned  up,  and  then  we  always 
endeavored  to  forget  the  deprivation  from  exercise,  in  the  pleasures  of  the 
ever  successful  angling  rod.     We  never  made  use  of  our  hook  and  line 
without  procuring  at  least  a  dish  for  ourselves,  and  very  frequently  we 
also  hauled  m  enough  for  the  bogas.     The  only  kinds  that  took  our  bait 
were  of  the  catfish  tribe ;  of  the  two  species  that  we  caught,  one  greatly 
resembles  those  of  the  Hudson  river ;  the  other  differs  from  it  in  the  flat- 
ness  of  Its  head  and  in  the  construction  of  its  beard,  which  grows  the 
ength  of  the  fishes    body  and  from  the  circumstance  is  called  irfria  by 
he  boatrnen.     Both  kinds  are  very  plentiful,  fat  and  in  flavor  excel  any 
thing  of  the  fish  kind  I  ever  tasted ;  they  are  justly  considered  the  best 
m  the  river.     Some  of  them  attain  an  enormous  size,  the  largest  one  I 
ever  saw  was  two  feet  and  a  half  long;  but  have  no  doubt  they  are  fre- 
quent  y  as  large,  if  not  larger,  than  those  of  the  Mississippi  or  the  Lakes  ; 
their  fat  is  like  that  of  mutton  to  the  eye :  the  Indians  boil  without  skin- 
ning  them.     Ihere  is  nothing  particularly  interesting  on  the  lower  part 
of  this  river,  It  has  a  sameness  that  tires  the  traveler  — a  trip  from  one 
village  to  another  gives  a  fair  idea  of  the  whole  route.     The  village  houses 
are  ail  made  of  reeds  and  thatched  with  palmetto  leaves;  no  floors:  plenty 
of  children  and  barking  curs;  all  Ic^ks  dirty  around  them  for  they  are 
^oor,  filthy  and  noisy.     The  only  marks  of  tillage  are  found  in  the  imme- 
ate  vicinity  of  those  viUs,  the  rest,  extending  as  far  as  the  vision  can 
trace,  is  a  wild  luxuriant  wilderness.     There  is  seldom  any  hi-h  back 
scenery  to  relieve  the  eye;  the  lofty  mountain  peaks  do  not  approach  the 
river  till  near  Honda,  at  which  place,  the  base  of  the  vast  eminence,  is  in 
places  laved  by  the  diminished  Magdalena,  while  the  summit  rises  hun- 
dred-  of  feet  above  you,  clothed  with  flowers,  shrubs  and  all  the  brilliant 
trees  of  this  wild  region.     Often  when  our  boat  was  at  anchor,  while  the 
ceremony  of  cooking  was  going  on  both  morning  and  evening,  have  I 
wandered  over  the  flats  that  spread  out  from  the  bottom  of  those  hills  to 
admire  the  richness  of  the  soil,  the  perpetual  verdure  of  the  forests,  the 
beauty  of  the  birds  or  the  general  stillness  and  sublimity  of  the  scene  to 
bnd  myself  chanting  —  when  awakened  from  a  revery  —  in  my  most  dulcet 
notes  those  expressive  words  of  Moore,     "  How  great  indeed  had  been  our 
bliss  If  Heav  n  had  but  assign'd  us,  To  live  and  die  in  scenes  like  this, 
With  some  we  vc  left  behind  us."     But  it  is  impossible  to  impress  on 
paper  the  strong  emotio2«  so  frequently  experienced  during  my  travels  in 
this  beautiful  couaLry,  so  I  will  leave  these  romantic  sports  for  the  present. 
My  gun  afforded  me  not  only  plenty  of  sport,  but  was  an  indispensable 
implement  in  our  very  long  passage.     I  had  provided  more  than  enough 
yams,  tea,  coffee  &c.,  still  my  store  of  salt  meat  as  also  that  of  the  boc^adors 
was  only  calculated  for  a  trip  of  eighteen  or  twenty  days,  and   wl  soon 
lound  the  necessity  of  husbanding  it  as  much  as  possible.     The  Indian 
hamlets  affording  nothing  but  fruits,  rarely  eggs,  and  never  meats  of  any 
kind,  it  was  indeed  fortunate  a  remedy  was  ever  at  hand  in  my  trusty 
lusil.     It  was  not  an  uncommon  thing  for  us  to  have  three  or  four  wild 
turkeys,  ducks  or  any  other  large  unknown  birds  on  hand  at  one  time,  so 
you  may  well  suppose  then,  that  our  faro  was  none  nf  the  worst.     My 
bogas  always  had  their  share  of  the  fine  game  when  I  had  a  larger  supply 
than  I  could  preserve  from  decay,  but  when,  as  it  sometimes  happened,  I 
had  but  a  single  bird  for  my  own  use  they  ^vould  apply  to  me  for  a  gdrza 
or  crane.     The.se  could  aiways  be  ohtainfid  .-.h  the  river  abounds  with  them, 
they  are  quite  fat  and  are  eaten  by  the  bogas  with  much  gusto;  but  I 


Bi 


494 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


i 


I' ' 


k 


never  could  overcome  my  prejudice  enough  to  taste  them  but  once  and 
then  found  them  quite  an  agreeable  addition  to  the  impoverished  con- 
tents and  meagre  supply  of  our  "  otlas "  or  earthera  cooking  pots.  We 
also  often  made  a  short  stop  to  allow  the  men  an  opportunity  of  gathering 
turtle's  eggs,  of  which  they  found  in  some  places  large  quantities. 

The  turkeys,  like  all  other  forest  birds  here,  are  tough  but  very  sweet 
meat ;  the  ducks  assimilate  much  to  our  canvasbacks  but  in  size  and  flavor 
are  superior.  The  unknown  bird  is  shaped  like  our  woodcock,  but  the 
body  is  larger  than  a  goose ;  when  the  skin  is  stripped  ofi"  it  appeares  like 
a  solid  lump  of  fat  but  are  good  eating  and  very  tender  ;  they  fly  in  im- 
mense flocks  feeding  on  the  sand  bars.  On  the  3rd  of  June  I  secured 
among  my  little  crew  an  exalted  reputation  for  myself  as  one  of  the  med- 
ical savans.  In  attempting  to  double  one  of  the  ''penons"  or  points 
against  which  the  current  sets  with  so  much  force  as  to  make  it  very 
difl5cult,  the  boat  being  driven  back  as  frequently  occurs  at  those  places 
with  such  velocity  against  the  perpendicular  bank,  that  the  Patrdn  was 
obliged  to  fend  off  with  both  hands  to  prevent  our  going  to  pieces.  la 
doing  which  one  of  his  bauds  was  stung  by  a  snake  or  some  other  reptile. 
The  subtile  poison  caused  the  wound  in  a  short  time  to  beconie  very  pain- 
ful, as  indicated  by  his  piteous  groans  and  pallid  hue,  likewise  so  much 
swollen  that  he  became  greatly  alarmed  and  stopped  the  boat.  I  could 
not  discover  where  the  fangs  had  entered,  and  was  astonished  to  see  his 
hand  increase  in  size  so  rapidly ;  however  I  took  the  poor  fellow  under 
my  protecting  wing ;  and  whilst  I  was  engaged  in  applying  a  ligature  below 
the  elbow,  above  the  swelling,  Cato  was,  with  all  the  dispatch  of  one  who  saw 
the  necessity,  amalgamating  the  only  ingredients  I  possessed,  in  which  I 
had  any  confidence,  or  hope  of  proving  a  beneficial  unction  in  this  forlorn 
case.  A  cataplasm  of  sugar,  salt  and  turpentine  soap  was  soon  well 
daubed  on  with  unsparing  hand,  and  then  to  obviate  the  necessity  of  re- 
maining in  the  wild,  cheerless  spot  at  which  we  then  were,  I  made  him 
crawl  under  the  part  of  the  toldo  appropriated  to  Cato,  that  he  might 
grunt  there  at  his  leisure,  whilst  a  boga  took  his  place  and  Cato  the  pa- 
Idnca  of  the  latter.  Shortly  after  applying  the  soft  poultice  the  invalid 
fancied  the  pain  was  eased,  in  fact  the  next  day,  on  removing  the  band- 
ages, the  swelling  had  all  disappeared.  That  accident  was  nearly  the  cause 
of  proving  a  much  greater  one. 

Cato  after  giving  up  his  berth  under  the  tolda  to  the  sick  man  had 
mounted  the  quarter  deck  with  the  paliinca  or  pole  in  order  to  keep  the 
boat  moving  that  day.  The  little  negro  did  great  credit  to  his  new  avo- 
cation, and  as  long  as  he  had  "  plain  sailing"  before  him  all  went  well, 
the  little  bark  perhaps  had  never  glided  so  swiftly  through  the  waters  as 
she  did  when  propelled  by  him.  But  after  an  hour  or  two,  in  attempting 
to  double  a  difficult  "  penon  "  where  not  only  skill  but  great  force  was  re- 
quisite for  its  accomplishment,  the  faithful  negro  who  never  was  back- 
ward in  any  emergency  was  determined  in  this  case  to  prove  himself,  at 
least,  equal  to  the  natives  in  their  proper  element.  But  alas  !  the  vanity 
of  ambition  !  In  order  to  give  a  powerful  heave,  in  pressing  his  pole 
against  the  limb  of  a  tree  diagonally  overhead,  it  broke  and  down  he  plumped 
into  the  water  with  its  rapid  current  where  a  fifteen  foot  palanca  could 
find  no  bottom.  It  occurred  at  the  turn  where  it  would  be  difficult  for  a 
veteran  swimmer  to  reach  the  trees  or  pendulous  vines  from  the  banks, 
(jyp„  ^j^Q  vortfis  nf  violenth'  whirlin"'  water  whero  there  are  no  soundings,  for 
the  stream  comes  rushing  along  with  such  force  and  then  being  so  sud- 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  495 

donly  impeded  by  these  large  rocks  as  to  form  a  raging  whirlpool  This 
portentuus  accident  would  have  proved  fatal  to  the  "  land  lubber  "  faa  he 
knew  not  the  art  of  swimming,  and  the  stream  that  was  in  the  act  of  bear- 
ing  him  away  made  such  a  stunning  noise,  together  with  uninterrupted 
aboring  cry  of  the  bdgas,  and  extra  motion  of  the  boat  were  such  common 
things,  at  these  pendns,  as  by  this  time  not  often  to  attract  my  notice,)  but 
lor  the  providential  circumstance  of  my  being  at  the  mouth  of  the  tdldo 
waiting  for  a  shot  at  a  crimson  spoon  bill  duck,  which  I  had  a  few  mo- 
ments  before  seen  to  alight  on  a  point  above  us.  While  stretching  out 
my  neck  to  ascertain  the  precise  situation  of  the  bird,  I  observed  the  dan- 
gerous  predicament  of  my  darkey.  Hastily  throwing  my  gun  aside  I 
forcibly  snatched  the  paldnca  from  the  hand  of  the  forward  bdga,  who 
with  the  air  of  one  petrified,  was  instinctively  clinging  to  the  vines  in  the 
bank,  to  prevent  the  boat  going  back.  However  I  quickly  broke  his  hold 
he  began  to  swear  and  refused  me  his  pole,  but  that  was  no  time  for  cere-' 
mony  and  at  my  threat  of  throwing  him  overboard,  he  only  replied  "what 
a  man     and  after  I  had,  as  related,  taken  the  pole  by  force,  he  squatted 

T  !u  '''p'.i'T/^*^'  ^°'^  ^"'^  '"^'^^'^  ««  ^"^'^"t  as  if  nothing  was  going 
on,  both  of  the  bdgas  were  too  much  stupified  to  lend  their  aid.  One  stout 
heave  on  the  pole  aided  by  the  rapids,  brought  me  near  enough  to  the 
receding  but  manfully  struggling  negro  to  extend  him  one  end  of  it  and 
he  was  soon  hauled  aboard  -  while  the  caymdn  was  cheated  of  his  meal. 
Ihen  the  paddies  brought  the  boat  along  side  the  bank  and  we  proceeded 
as  usual  on  our  route.  ^ 

I  had  seen  "  Snowball"  splashing  about  in  the  waters  of  our  own  honnie 
Hudson  some  years  since,  he  then  was  rescued  from  drowni  ig  through 
my  instrumentahty,  and  in  spite  of  my  intense  anxiety  at  this  time  I 
could  not  but  remark,  nor  refrain  from  smiling  (when  the  danger  was 
past)  at  his  ludicrous  appearance  at  both  times.  His  eyes  were  distended 
and  ever  and  anon,  a  spout  issued  from  his  mouth  like  that  from  the  nos' 
tnls  of  whale.  To  my  cheering  and  earnest  cry  of  "  paddle  awav  mv 
brave  boy  he  answered  with  a  language  sometLiag  between  a  grunt  and 
a  groan  J  but  when  I  finally  dragged  him  in  the  boat,  he  went  to  work 
again  as  if  he  had  not  been  in  the  least  jeopardy,  or  without  betraying 
any  signs  of  agitation  at  the  adventure,  simply  remarking  that  "It  was 
well  for  him  there  were  no  caymiins  just  then  in  waiting."  "  Cayman" 
IS  the  fepanish  of  Alligator,  in  which  the  whole  length  of  the  river  abounds 
We  had  heard  some  report  in  BarranquiUa  of  an  Englishman  having  lost 
ason  by  them  on  this  stream,  which  was  true  as  I  subsequently  discovered 

Ihe  day  folbwing  these  nearly  tragical  events,  we  reached  the  little 
town  of  San.  Bartolemo,  and  tarried  one  day  j  by  this  time  the  Patrdn 
was  fast  recovering  we  went  on  our  way  without  any  more  trouble  Cato 
working  in  the  cool  parts  of  the  day  as  he  had  previously  and  taking  to 
the  house  when  the  heat  was  too  intense.  We  again  came  across  the 
large  kind  of  birds  after  which  I  had  a  "wild  goose  chase"  on  the 
savannas  below  Mompox.  I  found  them  very  shy,  and  made  several  vain 
attempts  before  I  got  a  shot  at  them  the  first  time,  and  then  was  com- 
pelled  to  fire  at  such  a  distance,  that  I  only  succeeded  in  crippling  one 
?*^  iAA^""™°"^  flock,  in  such  a  manner  that  it  fell  into  the  water 
about  100  yards  from  the  shore,  where  it  immediately  was  drawn  under 
by  one  of  the  greedy  caymans,  which  had  crawled  from  the  sunny  sand 
jtink  a.  my  approaci,  ixowever  these  futile  efforts  made  me  better  ae- 
(luainted  with  their  "  manners  and  customs,"  and  afterwards  procured  as 


496 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleaninqs. 


(  I 


many  as  I  pleascil,  killin-,'  seven,  ono  day,  with  tho  two  barrels.  They  are 
lur^or  than  our  gooHc,  with  u  (hirk  flcHhy  head  and  nook,  plumage  whito, 
shaped  exactly  like  our  woodcock,  and  the  only  bird  I  iiave  met  with  in 
tluH  country  which  can  be  called  really  fat,  they  are  toleral)ly  good  eating. 

We  now  occaHionnlly  were  favored  with  a  distant  view  of  the  Andes 
which  was  an  agreeable  relief  to  the  eye  ho  long  accustomed  to  tho  un- 
varying sight  of  the  luxurianoy  of  the  plains  in  tho  level  country,  but  as 
we  approached  nearer,  in  our  progress,  towards  those  mountains  we  were 
tho  oftener  disturbed  from  our  sleep  by  tremendous  showers  of  rain.  Tho 
b(5gas  were  freciuontly  wet  to  the  skin,  I  therefore  willingly  allowed  a 
stoppage  in  the  middle  of  an  afternoon  at  tho  little  village  of  Naro.  This 
place  iTke  all  other  villages  hero,  stands  on  a  spot  of  cleared  ground  barely 
largo  enough  to  contain  tho  huts,  with  a  cheerless  forest  on  three  sides 
and  the  river  in  front.  Not  many  hundred  yards  north  of  it,  tho  very 
considerable  stream  of  tho  Rio  Naro  comes  sweeping  down  from  tho  mount- 
ains in  the  Province  of  AnticHpua  to  pay  its  tribute  to  tho  Magdalena.  I 
here  laid  in  a  stock  of  pine  apples,  plums,  sugar  and  chocolate,  and  after 
leaving  it  we  more  frequently  came  across  the  Cocoa  tree,  from  the  berry 
of  whTch  we  concoct  our  delicious  chocolate.  These  trees  are  cultivated 
in  regular  rows  and  much  care  is  bestowed  upon  them ;  nothing  is  suflereJ 
to  grow  under  them  (except  the  shade  loving  pine  apple)  th  jy  are  kept  well 
trimmed  and  never  grow  very  large.  Tho  rough  pods  in  which  tho 
berries  are  incased  are  a  little  in  appearance  like  the  fruit  of  the  Calabosa 
which  grows  out  of  the  trunk  of  tho  tree  from  the  ground  up,  at  irregular 
intervals  and  has  a  singular  appearance.  The  cultivation  of  the  fruit  is 
a  very  profitable  business  and  many  extensive  plantations  are  to  be  met 
on  the  upper  part  of  the  river.  Tho  most  prosperous  one  of  great  extent 
is  at  the  "  Hacienda"  (estate)  de  J'alencaiio  where  I  enjoyed  a  delightful 
stroll  on  tho  evening  of  June  Uth  after  the  excessive  heat  of  the  day 
among  the  cocoas,  bansinas,  and  sugar  patches ;  being  afterwards  kindly 
entertained  with  a  cup  of  chocolate  and  some  "  fWto?s  "  — preserves  —  by 
the  owner,  a  majestic  hoary  headed  negro  and  his  fat  but  cleanly  spouse. 
Their  mud  covered  reed  house  is  tastefully  flanked  on  each  side  with  four 
or  five  uniform  huts  for  their  slaves,  while  everything  about  them  is  a 
model  of  neatness. 

Tho  night  after  this  a  heavy  shower  so  completely  drenched  the  clothes 
of  the  b(}ga3  that  I  resolved  the  next  morning  to  take  advantage  of  the 
interval  lost  in  drying  them  and  in  the  preparations  for  broakfast.to  ascend 
a  hill  at  the  foot  of  which  we  were  lying.  These  showers  surprised  us 
only  at  night  as  the  sun  is  here  too  powerful  to  permit  the  clouds  to  collect 
in  the  day.  I  took  my  machete  in  hand  but  it  was  only  with  the  greatest 
difficulty  I  succeeded  in  cutting  my  way  through  the  wild  banana,  matted 
vines,  briers  and  luxuriant  plants  until  I  came  to  a  precipitous  rock  which 
crowned  the  summit.  After  a  short  search  at  the  foot  of  the  precipice  I 
found  a  place  where  the  ascent  was  practicable  for  an  active  body  with 
good  nerves.  I  made  the  attempt  and  with  the  aid  of  a  friendly  tree  suc- 
ceeded in  attaining  half  the  height  of  the  steep;  the  other  ten  feet  was 
surmounted  a  la  'mode  of  a  chimney-sweep  through  a  narrow  fissure  of  the 
rock  when  all  my  fatigue  was  forgotten  in  the  maguiticeuce  of  the  prospect 
and  the  refrcjhing  coolness  of  the  breeze.  From  the  little  rocky  table  the 
termination  of  this  height,  which  perhaps  had  never  before  sustained  a 
man,  I  jerked  many  a  pebblo  into  the  muddy  water  of  the  ritp'.d  viycr 
which,  in  its  winding  course  rolling  from  amidst  the  hills,  forms,  in  its 


I  Lroacy  op  IlrsTORioAL  Gleaninqs.  497 

noarnr  approach,  a   poninHulnr  the  oxact  model  of  the  scono  from  Mfc 
Ioly..ko  ,.,.  a  more  ^limimitivo  .s.alo.     Tho  M;./,'.lulena  forms  its  o.rbow  at 
.0  foot  of  my  hill,  and  th.,..  winds  off  watering-,  in  itn  direction  of  movin-. 
tlio  richly  coatod   Havannan  ho  beautifully  dreased  in  verdure  till  it  .s  lost 
111  the  d.Htanco.     Tho  re,semhlar.oe  to  my  favorite  scene  at  home,  was  so 
striking  that  I  forgot  the  toil  and  blisters  —  a  consequent  of  aooomplishinff 
t he  ascent  — and  f..r  a  few  agreeable  moments  imagination  carried  mo  to 
the  society  of  a  happy  few  on  that  bonny  hill  of  Ma«sachusotts.     The 
delusion  was  soon   put  to  flight  by  a  "  still  small  voice"  from  tho  pigmv 
form  of  Cato  down  on  the  beach  H  or  400  feet  below.     As  the  tone  came 
up  along  the  mountain's  side  it  seemed  like  distant  thunder;  though  hia 
words  could  notbo  understood,  the  sound  in  reverberating  alon"  the  cra-'irv 
rocks  Hcomod  to  have  acquired  a  tenfold  force  ore  it  reached  mo      Tho 
cause  of  this  untimely  summons  was  easily  ,/nrm'.,t  and  I  loft  the  dizzy 
height  to  partake  of  tho  breakfast  prepared  by  (Jato. 

Our  b()gas  had  so  much  difficulty  to  day  —  Juno  15  —  in  working  a-'ainsfc 
a  current  running  at  the  rate  of  seven  miles  per  hour  that  they  threw"asido 
their  pjlancas  in  despair  of  getting  around  a  peiion  at  5  v.  M.  about  one 
ioaguo  from  their  final  destination.     This  early  stoppage  [  took  a<lvanta.^o 
of  to  ascend  to  tho  top  of  another  hill  in  company  with  Cato.     This  was 
not  so  arduous  a  task  as  the  one  I  had  accomplished  in  the  raornin"  althou<'h 
It  was  twice  the  height  of  the  other  for  our  course  was  not  obstructed  by 
vines  and  briers.     After  pa,ssing  through  the  woods  which  cover  tho  narrow 
flats  lying  between  the  river  and  the  foot  of  the  mountain,  we  found  an 
open  but  very  steep  road.     This  hill  like  many  others  .scon  latterly  was 
completely  devoid  of  trees,  though  thickly  coated  in  a  short  growth  of  .^rass 
l^rom  the  summit  the  view  was  extensive  and  beautiful:  on  ono  side  waa 
seen  the  river  rolling  along  through  a  fruitful  valley  with  an  occasional 
hut,  or  herd  of  cattle  indicating  that  man  was  there  to  mar  tho  quietude 
of  the  peaceful  spot.     On  the  other  side  was  displayed  to  our  gaze  the 
wildest  and  most  picturesque  succession  of  peaked  hills  rising  one  over  the 
other  that  I  ever  beheld,  1  was  perfectly  fascinated  with  the  novelty  of  the 
scene.     After  gazing  awhile  wo  set  to  rolling  stones  down  the  steep  de- 
clivity and  in  places  of  craggy  sides,  then  stand  to  see  them  bound  alon<' 
in  their  furious  career,  and  listen  to  hear  their  thundering  noise  as  it  rose 
over  the  stillne.ss  of  the  evening,  from  their  coming  in  contact  with  other 
stones,  till  they  were  broken  in  fragments  by  the  percussion  from  their 
precipitous  descent,  or  lost  in  the  distance  to  the  sight  and  ear.     This  idle 
pastime  was  at  length  brought  to  a  close,  at  our  hearing  music  from  the 
tail  of  a  rattlesnake  which  lay  hid  under  a  massive  stone  against  which 
wc  had  both  concentrated  our  strength  to  dislodge  from  its  bed  to  send 
down  the  declivity.     "  A  word  to  the  wi.se"  is,  or  ought  to  be  enough,  so 
we  left  the  wrathful  snake  in  undisputed  po.ssession  of  its  stone  and  shortly 
after  started  off  in  direction  of  the  beacon  fire,  which  was  blazing  by  the 
8ide  of  our  little  biirgo  where  we  arrived  long  after  dark.     The  n'ext  day 
June  16  we  landed  at  8  oclock  a,  m.  opposite  the  Bod6<ja  (storehouses) 
de  Honda,  and  immediately  walked  up  a  distance  of  one  league  to  the  city 
to  deliver  my  letters  of  introduction,  from  the  Glens,  to  Seiior  Martin 
Avendano,  who  formerly  was  a  clerk  in  their  hou.so.     On  presenting  tho 
letters  at  tho  door  I  was  immediately  invited  in,  where  I  found  the  whole 
family  at  breakfast ;  mine  was  ushered  in,  after  they  had  finished,  in  haiul- 
wme  style.     Before  1  Lad  finished,  a  fine  looking  young  man  of  about  30 

63 


Hi 


i 


^      I 


'  J 


498 


Legacy  op  Historical  Qleaninoh. 


or  86  years,  whom  I  lind  obHorved  eating,  at  the  pcneral'H  table,  in  IiIh 
shirt  h1ccvo8,  put  on  a  red  niilitury  jiickt-t  and  cup,  tlion  with  a  iHnfiiunii 
military  salute,  took  hiB  departure.  Thinks  I,  there  goes  a  druni-niiijor  as 
proud  of  his  livery  as  a  peacock  of  his  tail  and  then  dismissed  all  thought 
of  him. 

Having  understood  that  Scflor  A  —  had  letters  from  General  Harrison 
to  me,  who  hud  as  previously  requested  addressed  to  his  care,  went  with 
him  after  finishing  my  meal,  to  his  store  and  found  two.  The  General 
expressed  his  pleasure  at  my  having  a  servant  with  mo,  and  stated  that  in- 
stead of  an  encumbrance,  he  would  be  un  aeciuisition  to  him,  as  the  servants 
here  are  so  incompetent,  and  af'  r  giving  me  some  directions  about  his 
furniture,  which  by  this  time  had  all  gone  on  ;  he  closed  by  informing  me, 
who  to  draw  on  for  money  in  case  I  wanted  it;  that,  however,  was  not  nec- 
essary, but  it  all  goes  to  show  the  man.  After  reading  my  letters,  Sf 
Avendano  suggested  going  to  the  Governor's  oflRce  to  show  my  passport, 
and  take  out  a  new  one  at  once,  as  I  wished  to  move  on  early  the  following 
morning ;  accordingly  we  went,  and  who  did  the  Governor  prove  to  be, 
but  my  polite  drum-major.  I  was  greatly  surprised  but  my  equanimity 
Boon  returned  and  Governor  Posada  was  so  favorably  impressed  by  my 
powers  of  affability  that  nothing  could  equal  his  civility.  He  sent  out  his 
own  servant  to  procure  the  mules  for  me  to  proceed  on  with ;  gave  me  a 
hammock  to  sleep  in  that  night ;  and  afterwards  when  wo  found  none 
other  was  to  be  had  in  Honda,  he  offered  me  the  use  of  his  own  English 
Buddie,  without  which  my  journey  would  not  only  have  been  unpleasant 
but  extremely  hazardous.  I  found  Honda  excessively  warm,  but  in  spite 
of  the  heat  I  rambled  through  every  part  of  the  earthquake  battered  place, 
to  view  the  ruins  of  churches,  convents  and  dwellings  prostrated  by  tlie 
earth's  commotions.  After  my  stroll  ab..ut  town  wo  returned  home  to 
dinner  where  I  found  Cato  and  the  baggage  by  the  Governor's  orders. 
Cato  remained  with  the  luggage  at  Seilor  Avendano's  and  1  went  to  the 
Governor's  that  night.  The  only  thing  that  occurred  at  Honda,  to  mar  my 
enjoyment,  was  the  first  flying  report  of  General  Harrison's  removal.  'I'lie 
news  was  not  so  very  shocking,  as  the  posisibility  of  such  a  thing  had  jjici- 
viously  occurred  tc  my  mind;  but  my  greatest  anxiety  was  —  that  your 
new  Hickory  broom  might  peradventure  sweep  too  clean  at  your  office. 
On  the  17th  June  upon  crossing  the  river,  after  breakfast,  at  eight  o'clock, 
I  found  the  Governor's  servant  with  mine  awaiting  my  oming.  The  bajr- 
gnge  was  soon  lashed  on  the  backs  of  the  mules,  when  Cato  and  myself 
mounted  ours  ;  and  followed  by  our  cheering  pe6n  (muleteer)  Honda  was 
quickly  left  behind  us. 

This  road  has  the  reputation  of  being  one  of  the  worst  in  South  Ame- 
rica, We  passed  on  the  brink  of  many  a  giddy  precipice,  and  up  eleva- 
tions which  owing  to  their  perpendicularity  appeared  to  our  unpracticed 
eyes  insurmontitable,  but  these  places  are  passed  and  repassed  with  but 
little  diflicult}  through  a  zig-zag  road.  This  has  by  the  power  of  the 
mountain  floods  and  constant  travel,  been  worn  down  below  the  general 
level  of  the  surrounding  ground,  and  now  resembles  a  farmer's  ditch  more 
than  a  grand  turnpike  to  a  large  and  rich  Capital.  Our  wearisome  head- 
way was  made  up  such  a  road  for  several  hours,  now  and  then  a  short 
level,  or  a  descent  would  occur  by  way  of  variety.  The  description  we 
had  received  of  this  road,  from  our  English  acquaintances,  had  made  us 
expect  many  an  adventure  in  the  shape  of  broken  bones  and  tumbles;  but 
the  agreeable  change  from  our  boat  life  with  the  quickly  acquired  conti- 


Lbqacy  op  Historical  Qleaninqs. 


499 


donco  m  tho  Huro-footedneas  of  our  patient  mulos,  dispelled  every  appre. 
hoijHioti  of  thatsu'-t  and  loft  tho  mind  at  oiise  to  enjoy  tho  over  varyin" 
scenery.  A  slip  which  Cato  unintentionally  made  over  tho  neck  of  hia 
boast,  did  not  in  the  least  tend  to  destroy  our  enjoyment,  only  made  ua 
more  cautious  in  sitting  firmly  on  our  saddles  while  crossing  bad  places. 
At  length  we  attained  the  elevation  as  designated  on  an  old  Spanish  monu-* 
iJient  by  the  side  of  860  t,>6m  (;fathoms)  from  which  tho  viow  was  magni- 
ficont,  a  wild  and  most  extensive  spectacle.  In  tho  centre  of  the  scene 
the  River  Magdalona  like  a  silver  thread  was  seen  winding  along  for  many 
miles  on  its  seaward  course  and  from  it,  tho  mountains  rose  to  a  towering 
height  one  above  another,  in  every  direction  as  far  a^  the  vision  could 
detect  them ;  and  in  the  distance  became  so  blended  with  the  clouds,  as 
to  bo  scarcely  distinguishable.  Even  the  spot  on  which  we  stood,  though 
far  above  the  ribbon  like  stream  appeared  when  tho  nearer  ranges  were 
overlooked,  and  when  the  eye  rested  on  the  remote  mountain  tops,  like 
the  lowest  spot  athwart  the  vale.  I  never  in  my  life  so  forcibly  realized 
the  insignificance  of  man  as  I  did  at  that  moment.  Notwithstiinding 
fatigue,  our  time  passed  away  most  pleasantly  and  about  5  o'clock  p.  m. 
Guaduas  in  tho  bosom  of  its  delightful  valley  opened  to  our  view  and  at 
8  o'clock  we  had  made  the  descent. 

After  delivering  rny  letters  of  introduction  from  Governor  Posada  and 
Soflor  Avondano  to  Colonel  Acosta  I  was  soon  put  in  very  comfortable 
quarters  for  the  night.  At  Guadua,  which  is  about  eight  leagues  from 
Honda,  I  met  Col.  Campbell  the  British  Charge  d'  Affaires  to  this  Country, 
and  Mr.  Miranda  — a  son  of  the  unfortunate  Patriotic  General  killed  by 
the  Spaniards,  of  tho  same  name.  They  both  confirmed  the  rumor  of 
General  Harrison's  removal  by  President  Jackson,  but  that  he  had  not  as 
yet  been  officially  informed  of  the  event;  I  was  gratified  to  learn  from 
them,  that  he  would  not  probably  leave  the  country  yet,  for  some  months. 
I  was  extremely  well  pleased  with  both  gentlemen,  particularly  with  the 
urbanity  and  true  gentility  of  Col.  Campbell.  They  had  been  traveling 
for  health  and  amusement;  at  this  time  had  been  several  days  in  this 
charming  village  when  I  arrived,  and  having  understood  from  Col.  Acosta 
that  there  was  an  "  Imjles  cahallero  "  or  an  Knglish  cavalier  at  his  man- 
sion  who  spoke  the  Spanish  imperfectly  they  at  once  called  on  and  break- 
fasted with  mo.  I  gleaned  many  items  of  intelligence.  The  President 
of  Colombia  is  still  in  Peru. 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

South  American  Letters  Continued. 

Rumor  with  her  thousand  tongues  is  very  busy,  though  of  course  there 
is  no  sure  dependence  to  be  placed  upon  her ;  she  says  that,  the  war  is 
soon  to  be  renewed,  and  when  peace  is  firmly  established  that  the  great 
Republican  Bolivar  is  to  assume  the  royal  purple  ;  that  plan  is  quite  openly 
talked  of  and  doubted  by  none  ! 

A  short  time  since  word  w.is  received  of  the  total  dfistrnction,  hy  fire, 
of  the  best  frigate  in  the  Peruvian  navy ;  this  unlucky  accident  gives  the 


m 


Leoaoy  op  IIihtorical  Glkaninqs. 


I'rosident  a  docidod  ndvuntn^o,  iind  most,  pr()l)iiMy  will  bo  tlio  nioanH  of 
Ills  ull'octin^  a  .H])('0(ly  finltloiiicnlr  witli  liis  Iocs  in  that  (piarter.  A  new 
tarill' lias  lalolj'  licoii  iswHod  also  by  (iuni'ial  Jiolivar  t'roiii  Quito,  whith 
iiiiposos  an  additional  duly  at  onco,  of  ^f)  pur  bbl.  on  i'our,  it  was  $<i  bo- 
i'oro;  tills  uiiwisu  act  will  make  tlic  imporlatiou  ot  tli.it  article  from  tlic 
llnitcd  States  out  of  tbo  (imsstioii.  Indeed  tlie  ciVect  ol'  the  new  tariff 
appears  to  bo  directed  eliietly  af^ainst  the  jiroduetions  ol"  the  United  StatcH, 
and  is  widely  eiuisidcrod  u  I'lirther  jiroof  ol'  the  President's  ill  will  towards 
our  ropublicaiiisiii.  However  lot  him  run,  only  "give  a  roj^ue  rope 
enouf^b  and  he'll  biiii};  hiinselt."  The  first  glimpse  1  had  ol'  this  beauii- 
i'ul  (Jauduas  valley  was  from  a  height  ol'  C)  I  (it)  feet,  as  indicated  by  the 
true  Spanish  measure  stones,  it  then  anpoared  as  if  I  could  easily  jerk  u 
stone  upon  it,  but  it  bad,  iiotwithstandiiig,  takan  us  (ivo  long  hours  bcl'ore 
we  made  our  entrance  in  it.  The  valley  in  which  tho  village  stands  is 
surrounded  by  ii")Uiitaiiise(|ually  as  high  as  the  one  over  which  we  passed, 
and  a  more  romantic,  lovely,  secluded  spot  never  was  warmed  by  tho  sun. 
If  the  inhabitants  ot  the  vicinity  had  only  a  tenth  part  of  the  Ytinkoc 
enterprise,  they  uiight  soon  '.  ommaiid  the  productions  of  every  climate, 
but  as  it  now  is,  they  only  have  such  products  as  grow  almost  spontane- 
ously. 

1  took  one  of  (\il.  Campbell's  many  useful  hints,  by  dispatching  on  my 
baggage  early  next  nioniing,  after  my  muleteer  had  received  d'  ectioiis 
from  the  two  colonels  where  to  stop  with  mo.  Having  been  infov.ned  by 
Ool.  Oampbell  that  Gen.  Harrison  had  been  anxiously  expecting  me  since 
ho  bad  hei'id  from  home,  1  finished  my  meal  with  my  hospitable  entei- 
tainer  and  his  guests;  then  taking  leave  of  them,  jogged  on  after  my 
other  three  mules,  which  looked  at  the  height  they  had  by  this  time  at- 
tained, like  so  many  mice  beating  up  the  side  of  a  haystack.  T  followed 
up  the  steep  miHintaiu  but  it  was  near  one  o'clock  ore  I  found  thom  and 
lost  sight  of  Gauduas.  We  mot  with  the  same  kind  of  scenery  and  rough 
roads  though  generally  bettor  than  on  the  previous  day,  though  souie  of 
tho  passes  wore  very  bad,  and  tho  precipices  dangerous  causing  giddiueH.s, 
but  tho  mules  are  so  perfectly  sure-footed  '  nd  accustomed  to  the  way  that 
you  acijuiro  more  contidonce  while  passing  the  most  gloomy  looking  pre- 
cipice on  their  backs  than  you  would  if  depeiuli;ig  upon  your  owu  lejis, 
We  consumed  nearly  the  whole  of  that  day  in  crossing  over  the  mountain 
of  Alfo  (le  Trltju,  or  height  of  wheat,  though  we  saw  none  of  that  grain 
on  our  road.  On  reaching  tho  sunnnit  of  tho  mount  we  had  a  charming 
view  of  the  village  and  valley  of  Velleta  a'ld  passed  through  at  5  r.  M., 
sleepiug  about  one  and  a  half  leagues  beyond  at  a  hovel  called  Alto  de 
Gaseno  -I'lO  tahd  higher  than  the  village.  The  ]}ogota  or  Funza  river, 
waters' the  valley,  adding  much  to  its  beauty,  but  still  not  e^ual  to  the 
picturesque  valley  of  Gauduas.  Viileta  is  i54l)S  feet  above  the  level  of 
the  sea;  from  this  place  you  aficend  with  little  or  no  interruption  until 
you  have  obtained  the  altitude  of  tho  plain  of  Bogota  which  is  HzUO  fcut 
above  the  sea.  The  change  of  atuu)spheve  ou  this  table-land  was  so  great, 
that  my  blanket,  coats  and  other  wrappers  could  scarcely  keep  me  from 
shivering.  1  suil'ered  much  from  cold  ail  that  night,  perhaps  if  our  house 
could  have  afi'orded  any  edibles,  1  might  not  have  felt  it  so  sensibly,  but 
1  found  not  only  that  day  but  also  the  succeeding  one,  that  a  long  ride 
over  a  rough  mountainous  road  with  an  empty  bread  basket  is  not  a  non- 
conductor oi  cold. 

iMy  hammock  was  slung  for  tho  night  in  a  room,  around  which  twenty 


Legacy  op  IIistorioal  Gleanings. 


601 


noiay  and  filtliy  imiletoorH  wcro  huddlod  t();<otliur  like  ho  tnnny  swine. 
Mtciruii  uiicomlurtiiblo  ni^-lit,  in  whicinmr  lij^'ht  Hliunborn  worts  rre(|U(Mil,ly 
di.stuibod  by  tho  urriviil  ol'  tliu  oluinoruuH  njulo  drivers  witli  their  braying,' 
jvniiiiul.s,  of  whicli  thoro  wore  no\L  morning,'  about  ono  hundred,  wu 
wore  liiippy  wlion  tlio  day  dawned,  as  it  enabled  uh  to  proceed  on' our 
route.  After  lour  liourw  ride,  wo  were  fortunate  enouj^h  to  pr(»eure  three 
diHl.es  of  weak  Houp  — beinj,'  a  eoinpound  of  potatoe.s,  eabba},'e,  beans  and 
the  lof,' of  a  fowl  — it  was  the  first  time  we  had  broken  our  fast  since 
leavin-,'  (Jauduas  and  we  were  destined  to  have  this  Hutfico  till  after  reach- 
ing; Hogota.  Tiiis  mess  put  us  in  a  better  condition  to  resume  our  journey 
and  I— as  was  my  eon.stant  practice  —  led  the  van  in  order  that  I  mi{,'ht 
alight  occasionally,  on  .spots  where  tho  view  was  particularly  fine,  to  gaze 
on  the  rugged  little  world  around  me.  From  the  lofty  height  of  our  road 
in  .Mome  places  you  look  down  upon  this  range  of  tho  Andes  and  see  mount- 
ain piled  on  mountain  with  their  rocky  and  difficult  pa.sses;  then  as  far 
as  the  eye  can  roach  on  all  sides  you  still  ,seo  other  ranges  whoso  lofty 
cminonocs  mingling  with  tho  cloudH,  are  much  higher  than  tho  pi  icle 
upon  which  you  stiind.  Nothing  can  equal  the  wild  grandeur  ol  the 
country  through  which  wo  travel  on  this  route.  To  look  back  you  can 
hardly  realize  having  traversed  over  so  rough  a  district;  to  gaze  ahead 
you  think  it  an  impo.ssibility  to  surmount  tho  barriers  before  you,  but 
.still  a  road  has  been  formed  oven  here,  over  which  delicate  ludies  occa- 
tiionally  travel  and  in  perfect  sai'ety. 

I  mot  a  young  Virginian  accompanied  by  his  Lieutenant  Guard  of  Col- 
ombian troops,  passing  each  other  in  tho  most  dreary  part  of  the  road.  I 
should  not  have  km)wu  him  for  a  Countryman  on  account  of  his  formid- 
able mustache,  but  he  joyfully  recognized  mo  as  "  a  paisilno."  He  hailed 
me  and  asked  if  I  was  a  foreigner,  with  a  variety  of  other  questions;  stat- 
ing by  way  of  apology  for  his  inquisitiveness,  that  ho  was  looking  out  for 
a  young  gentleman,  by  name  Van  Jlen?selaer,  to  whom  ho  was  instructed 
to  deliver  a  letter  from  (ionoral  Harrison.  When  1  told  him  /  was  of  that 
name,  and  called  upon  him  for  the  letter,  he  dropped  his  Spanish  tongue 
and  in  his  own  native  lingo  told  mo  his  name  was  Carr  from  Virginia,  he  was 
now  a  bearer  of  letters  to  (!ol.  Acosta  from  (ion.  Harrison  ros^iiectin"  mo 
tlio  (jonoral  having  a  few  days  previous  hoard  of  my  coming,  requesting 
him  to  pay  mo  a  little  attention  in  case  he  should  see  me  on  my  way  up. 
While  my  baggage  waa  coming  up,  and  his  with  .some  of  his  stragglers 
wore  on  their  way  down,  we  stopped  in  a  little  hut  at  hand  on  that  iTnely 
wild  of  tho  Andes  to  talk  of  homo,  sweet  home  !  He  knew  many  of  my 
ac(|u:iintances  and  it  was  an  agreeable  incident  to  meet  this  tall  mustachcd 
sociable  and  intolligont  countryman  who  was  well  acquainted  with,  and  had' 
BO  lately  as  two  days  previous  pj-rted  from  Gen.  Harri.son.  Carr  being 
out  merely  on  some  Government  business  to  be  ab.sent  a  few  days,  we 
expressed  a  hoi)e  of  meeting  each  other   at  no  distant   period   in  Bogota 

which  fs  his  permanent  station.      However  we  loft  each   other on'^the 

arrival  of  our  respective  baggage,  from  difi'erent  directions —  and  pursued 
our  different  destinations  —  he  for  Guaduas  —  myself  for  liogofa. 

For  the  last  24  hours  we  mot  with  many  evldeuces  of  enterprizc  in 
this  rough  region,  in  the  lino  of  agriculture;  whenever  the  unevenncssof 
tho  surface  admits  of  it,  a  hut  is  erected,  in  many  places  even  on  the 
peaks  of  tho  steep  mountains  and  around  it  is  seen  the  various  productions 
of  tlio  industrious  proprietor  growing  amidst  tho  lofty  trees  of  the  forest 


,  around  which  twenty    ■    in  the  greatest  luxuriance.     Wo  met  to  with  many  familiar  growths  of 


502 


Legacy  of  Historical  Qleaninqs. 


our  own  couTitry  such  as  corn,  onions,  cabbages,  potatoes,  beans  all  in  a 
fine  .state  oJ  cultivation,  and  this  morning  to,  tor  the  first  time  in  this 
country  saw  roxes.  In  the  afternoon  I  was  much  elated  at  the  sight  of  a 
beautiful  little  field  of  wheat,  about  the  same  state  of  maturity  as  at  home 
at  this  season ;  which  with  a  flock  of  sheep,  geese,  &c.  gave  the  place 
such  a  comfortable  look  that  I  began  to  feel  myself  in  a  civilized  country. 
Indeed  for  a  time  I  fancied  myself  among  the  backwoodsmen  at  home. 
I  find  the  people  are  enterprising,  but  they  do  not  know  how  to  direct 
their  labors.  They  have  the  most  miserable  apologies  for  agricultural 
implements,  of  course  though  they  may  work  hard,  they  cannot  execute 
very  much.  To  give  you  an  idea  of  what  can  be  done  by  a  good  farmer, 
1  will  mention,  that  the  soil  with  the  imperfect  tillage  it  now  receives, 
produces  two  crops  of  wheat,  and  three  of  barley.  Both  grains  command 
in  market  from  two  and  a  half  to  five  dollars  per  English  bushel.  Hor- 
ticulture is  still  less  understood,  though  it  receives  better  encouragement 
than  agriculture.  You  v.^uld  be  a.stonished  to  .see  the  poverty  of  the 
Market  in  this  climate  where  all  the  productions  might  with  little  care  be 
raised.  Vegetables  command  a  very  high  price,  and  though  of  a  good 
quality  are  often  out  of  season  when  ottered  for  sale.  Peas  and  potatoes 
when  nearly  dead  ripe  arc  then  brought  to  market. 

Many  of  our  most  common  vegetables  were  never  known  here,  till  intro- 
duced by  Gen.  Harrison.  When  a  dinner  is  given  by  any  of  the  Diplo- 
matic Corps,  he  is  always  called  upon  for  his  vegetables :  his  celery,  tur- 
nips, radishes,  salads,  &,c.,  are  the  finest  I  ever  >held,  and  ho  says,  they 
grow  faster  and  are  more  ea>ily  cultivated  than  at  homo.  Indeed,  now  as 
the  General  is  recalled,  I  feel  that  if  I  had  one  or  two  more  hands  with 
Oato,  I  would  really  like  the  idea  of  trying  the  experiment  of  making  a 
fortune  on  fifty  acres,  in  my  favorite  way.  There  is  much  for  and  against 
the  plan,  I  will  give  it  more  reflection  before  I  decide.  But  to  return 
from  my  long  digression,  shortly  after  passsing  this  comparative  level 
where  things  were  flourishing,  the  steepness  and  diflSculty  of  the  mountain 
passes,  convinced  me,  1  was  not  on  a  road  worked  by  the  hands  of  Yankees. 
However  this  last  ascent  was  not  of  long  continuance  and  to  our  great  re- 
lief my  mulish  cavalcade  soon  reached  the  height  skirting  the  great  plain 
of  Bogota,  where  the  rarefaction  of  air  became  so  great,  that  I  was  taken 
with  a  very  severe  headache,  while  at  the  same  time  the  guide  and  Cato 
were  bleeding  in  concert  at  the  nose.  From  this  elevation  the  descent 
was  gradual  for  better  than  half  a  league,  when  we  came  to  the  plain  and 
shortly  after  to  the  village  of  Facitatiba,  through  which  we  passed  and 
lodged  that  night  (after  having  had  a  dim  view  of  the  Capital  afar  off'),  at  a 
dirty  h  >vcl  a  league  and  a  half  beyond  it. 

Before  reaching  oar  inn  for  the  night  we  passed  several  cavalcades, 
composed  of  riders  of  both  sexes,  whose  large  wide  loose  Roanas  or  sort 
of  cloaks,  gave  a  very  fanciful  appearance.  These  roanas  are  nothing 
more  than  an  oblong  piece  of  cloth  with  a  hole  in  the  centre  for  the  passago 
of  the  head  ;  and  when  of  a  gaudy  color,  as  many  of  them  are,  fluttering 
about  around  its  owner  on  a  swift  horse,  bring  to  mind  the  often  described 
dress  of  the  gay  Cavalier  of  old  Spain.  These  parties  were  coming  at  full 
speed  from  the  Capital  where  they  had  been  to  join  in  the  festivals  of 
Corpus  Christi.  The  meeting  of  so  many  white  faces,  after  all  the  tawny 
skins  [  had  for  .so  long  time  been  gazing  at,  together  with  their  dashing 
style  of  dress  and  movement  was  quite  acceptable  to  mo.  Another  cold 
shivering  night  was  spent  in  the  same  manner  as  the  last,  in  similar  com- 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  503 

pany  and  on  an  empty  stomach,  but  my  headache  was  expelled.  Jicavin" 
(^ato  to  briiifr  up  the  rear  with  tlie  bafrgage  I  proceeded  on  alone  to  ac'- 
comphsh  the  remaining  six  leagues.  For  miles  around  an  almost  dead 
level  IS  seen,  and  its  monotony  only  broken  by  a  solitary  hut  unless  it  is 
by  the  broken  summits  of  the  distant  hills  surrounding  it.  A  few  orna- 
mental trees  around  dwellings  meet  the  eye  with  immense  herds  of  cattle 
Hedges  or  fences  would  greatly  improve  the  appearance  of  this  country] 
but  none  are  visible  ;  the  divisions  between  fields  and  estates  are  ditches! 
The  ditches  are  of  a  peculiar  construction,  and  calculated  only  for  this 
climate  and  soil.  They  are  generally  about  five  feet  deep,  divided  into 
two  apartments;  one  of  which  comprising  nearly  half  of  the  whole  is  plain 
like  those  at  home ;  the  other  half  is  a  continuation  of  square  holes  runnin" 
parallel  to  the  other.  The  earthen  partitions  of  which  serves  to  stop  the 
cattle  or  sheep,  which  may  have  entered  the  first  grand  division  ;  as  they 
when  there,  have  no  room  to  make  a  leap  over  the  second  barrier  This 
is  a  rough  plan  of  them  I  '''''':''''''''  :  The  dirt  of  these 
ditches  IS  always  thrown  up  on  the  toad  and  forms  an  embankment  on  each 
side  which  gives  the  road  a  concave  form;  an  admirable  invention  for  the 
retention  of  rain  water  and  undoubtedly  must  be  the  cause  of  bad  roads 
in  the  rainy  season.     However  when  I  left  the  passes  on  the  mountain 

side,  I  left  all  the  mud   behind  me  ;  here  I  encountered  no  mud but 

dust  in  great  abundance. 

At  11  o'clock  A.M.  I  found  myself  in  Bogota  the  Capital  of  Colombia 
at  the  Ilidrto  de  Jai/me  (Garden  o^  James)  the  residence  of  Gen.  Wm. 
II.  Harrison  —  Minister  Plenipotentiary  and  J]nvoy  Extraordinary  from' 
the  United  States  of  America.  My  reception  here  was  by  Carter 
Basset  Harrison  the  General's  son,  an  Attache  to  the  Legation;  shortly 
after  his  Father  and  Mr.  Tayloe,  the  Secretary,  made  their  appearance 
from  a  visit  in  the  City  and  greeted  my  arrival  with  such  cordiality  that 
I  immediately  felt  at  home.  A  little  before  dinner  Cato  with  the  baggage 
and  my  jolly,  whistling,  shouting  muleteer  came  along,  and  all  my  tlungs 
were  soon  placed  in  the  little  room  I  now  occupy,  it  had  long  since  been 
in  a  state  of  preparation  for  me.  Although  I  had  been  now  almost  six 
months  in  the  country,  I  had  not  received  any  letters,  written  at  home  sub- 
sequent to  my  leaving  the  U.  S.  until  my  reaching  Bogota.  Here  I  was 
handed  the  first  package  dated  about  five  months  back,  but  notwithstand- 
ing their  old  age,  the  perusal  gave  me  much  pleasure,  and  the  hope  of 
soon  getting  later  ones,  together  with  the  kindness  and  urbanity  of  the 
new  acquaintances  with  whom  I  was  now  associated,  made  me  quite  as 
well  contented  with  my  new  situation  as  I  could  have  anticipated.  I  was 
soon  introduced  by  the  General  and  the  rest  of  the  family  to  the  Diplo- 
matic, Military  and  Civilians  in  the  Capital  worth  knowing.  Among 
whom  were  M.  De  Bres,son,  Commissioner  of  France  —  Col.  Campbelf, 
Charge  D' Affairs  of  H.  B.  Majesty  —  Col.  Torrens  do.  of  Mexico—  Mr! 
Henderson  H.  B.  M's  Consul  General  —  M.  Martinez  ditto  of  France 
&c.  &c. 

It  was  the  day  after  my  arrival,  on  June  18th  that  General  Harrison 
took  mo  round  to  see  the  Diplomatic  Corps  of  the  different  nations.  Among 
the  first  to  whom  he  introduced  me  was  Monsieur  De  Bresson,  whom  you 
niu;it  know  as  son-in-law  of  Judge  Thompson  ;  he  was  ({uite  friendly  and 
ontortaining  withal  as  Albany  and  my  friends  was  the  theme  of  our  cun- 
Vf,rsation. 

The  Duke  of  Moatibello  who  is  with  him  joined  in  our  conversation  as 


604 


Legacy  of  IIisroiiicAL  GLEANiNat?. 


! 


he  also  was  quito  familiar  with  Albany,  having  been  there  only  last  year. 
The  HritiHli  (Jonsul  (leneral  is  also  a  very  estiuiul)io  <i;oiitl(Mnan,  his  f'iimily 
is  composed  of  liis  wife  and  three  beautiful,  accomplished  grown  up  daugh- 
ters and  three  smaller  ones.  One  daughter  was  born  on  one  of  the  pld/jas 
or  sand-bars  of  the  river  Magdaiena  five  years  since,  at  which  time  he  iiud 
a  son,  a  fine  lad  of  fourteen  years,  seized  and  carried  otF  by  an  alligator; 
it  was  the  sad  work  of  an  instant  and  no  help  could  bo  given.  With  tins 
family,  the  Duke,  and  M.  ])e  IJresson,  (len.  Harrison  is  very  iutiuiato, 
indeed  he  is  on  excellent  terms  with  all  the  Foreigners. 

The  courteous  Charge  d'Att'aires  of  England  Colonel  Campbell  has  re- 
turned from  his  trip  some  days  since,  he  also  forms  one  in  the  General's 
private  circle.  My  reception  by  General  Harrison  was  truly  kind,  it  ap- 
pears to  as  if  the  same  feelings  that  move  him  wore  extending  to  his 
whole  household.  Mr.  Tayloe  is  a  very  fine  man  of  about  thirty-two  years, 
a  brother  to  the  husband  of  Julia  Dickenson  (your  friend's  daughter)  and 
to  the  unhappy  young  Kinderhooker.  He  greeted  my  arrival  with  as 
much  cordiality  as  he  could  a  brother  ;  as  also  did  Carter,  the  General's 
son.  They  live  in  one  of  the  finest  houses  in  Bogota,  there  is  more  room 
in  it  than  he  requires.  The  garden  contains  more  than  an  acre  of 
ground,  well  stocked  with  Yankee  smice,  in  which  he  takes  much  delight, 
and  devotes  a  great  deal  of  attention  to  it.  I  need  not  describe  your  old 
friend  to  you  who  know  him  so  well,  his  army  habits  have  given  a  blunt- 
ness  of  bearing  and  such  a  thorough  knowledge  of  human  nature,  that 
independent  of  his  high  office,  his  company  would  be  courted  by  all  as  a 
great  acquisition.  Of  all  the  city  belles.  Consul  General  Henderson's  three 
daughters  —  Misses  Margaret,  Mary  Packer  and  Fanny  —  carry  oft'thepalm. 

I  rogreted  to  learn  there  is  a  coolness,  if  not  something  worse,  between 
Consul  Henderson  and  Col.  Campbell  which  occurred  before  my  arrival  in 
the  city.  It  appears  that  there  then  resided  here,  a  very  beautiful  woman 
called  Mrs.  Inglis,  her  reputation  was  none  of  the  best,  but  her  powers  of 
fascination  were  so  great,  as  to  insnare  the  hearts  of  almost  every  foreigner 
of  the  place.  Col.  Campbell's  among  the  rest;  they  became  affianced,  the 
wedding  day  was  fixed,  dresses  prepared,  and  guests  invited.  Henderson 
had  been  called  upon  by  the  Colonel,  and  had  consented  that  his  eldest 
daughter  should  ofliciate  as  bridesmaid  on  the  occasion ;  this  match  how- 
ever was  broken  off.  Not  a  long  time  after,  the  Colonel  again  requested 
the  attendance  of  Miss  Henderson  at  the  nuptials  of  Mrs.  Inglis  and  Mr. 
Greeuop,  but  her  father  refused  alleging  the  dubious  character  of  the  bride 
as  his  apology.  He  stated  that  when  he  consented  to  her  acting  as  such 
before,  it  was  to  the  contemplated  bride  of  the  lleprescntative  of  his  sov- 
ereign, but  that  now  as  this  woman  was  to  marry  a  man  of  whom  he  knew 
nothing,  and  whose  character  perhaps  could  not  elevate  that  of  his  intend- 
ed, he  did  not  I'eel  himself  authorized,  and  could  not  as  a  father  consent. 
The  Colonel  went  off  apparently  satisfied  but  very  shortly  after  the  wed- 
ding, the  objections,  which  Henderson  had  given  him  in  confidence,  to  his 
daughter's  serving  as  bridesmaid,  became  public,  and  Henderson  was  near 
receiving  a  challenge  from  Grcenop,  but  the  Colonel  interposed  and  the 
matter  rested,  without  another  instance  of  the  fallacy  of  the  code  of  honor. 
It  is  indeed  a  relic  of  barbarous  exercises  which  I  for  one  do  not  desire  to 
8oe  in  use.  Henderson's  refusal,  however,  was  never  forgiven  and  every 
opportunity  was  claiKlct?r,inely  taken  to  injure  him.  On  one  occasion 
wiien  the  British  government  required  a  statistical  return,  in  which  it  was 
necessary  to  have  the  clear  opiuiou  of  the  different  merchants,  Campbell 


Leqacy  op  ITrsTORicAL  Gleaninqs.  cos 

a.lvi.sed  rrendnrson  to  c.II  a  ,no«f,i„K.  flc  ,lid  ho,  but  .omo  of  the  mor- 
d.Mntsn„tw.sln..^^  to  expose  their  invoices  or  eircunistaueeH  to  others 
refuse,  to  attend,  hut  o  ered  to  j^ive  all  the  inforn.ution  they  posseJed 
l.nvately^  Tins  was  told  to  the  (Jolonel  Can.pbell  and  ho  dedaJed  S 
sol  satisfied;  but  in  Ins  very  next  dispatch  home,  ho  ^^  rccjvMvd"  that 
M..  IJonderson  had  not  acted  with  sufficient  efficiency  in  the  matter  to 
con.0  at  the  n.foruiat.on  which  was  re(,uired.     This  was  done  at  the  very 

,'vwViTi'"".r1r '■"""/'■'  P,'"'"'"'"^'  ^'^'^  ""'y  course  to  get  ut  it  correctly  : 
by  wiitmj,' thedilterent  uierchants.  •' 

VVhen  that  dispatch  was  sent  to  Kngla'J -Campbell  clapped  his  hands 
together  and  swore,  that  .I' .t  di.l  not  ruin  Henderson,  he  would  never 
write  ano  her.  n  duo  course  of  time  Henderson  did  receive  a  sevl^e 
reprimand  from  his  government  in  conse.juenceof  the  Colonel's  represent- 
ation and  when  he  immediately  after  it,  charged  the  Col.  with  unfairness 
and  duphc.ty  in  making  Ins  report;  he  received  for  an  answer  an  absolute 
denial  o  the  charge  However  when  the  Colonel's  original  dispatches 
were  referred  to,  the  falsehood  of  his  .lenial  was  manifest"aud  mudi  coH! 
tr.t.on  was  expressea  by  the  (Jolonel.  The  whole  line  of  Campbell's 
conduct  towards  Ilendenson  after  Mrs.  Inglis's  last  marriage  goes  to  prove 
lus  mimical  feelings  He  once  had  the  absurdity  to  send  a  number  of 
eliargts  against  Henderson  to  his  government ;  after  they  were  gone    ho 

^,ive  11 a  list  of  them,  re(,uiring  at  the  same  time  a  refutation.^     When 

Henderson  sent  him  word,  that  it  was  more  ea.sy  to  make  charges,  than  to 
I.nng  proofs,  and  that  he  was  ready  and  capable  of  refuting  any  char.re  he 
might  undertake  t<»  prove.  Col.  C.  became  alarmed  at  the  responsibility 
he  had  .so  unwittingly  undertaken  and  dispatched  Mr.  Wall,  one  of  his 
Attaches  off  to  Carthagena  to  intercept  the  communication  —  which  was 
clone,  and  that  affair  dropped. 

I  attended  two  formal  dinners  given  to  all  the  Diplomacy  in  liooota 
one  of  which,  at  the  French  Commissioners  was  particularly  -rand  The' 
Uenera  novy  discovered  some  symptoms  of  the  fever  and  ague  displaying 
themselves  in  my  corpus  (of  which  nearly  all  new  comers  must  partake 
in  a  greater  or  less  degree.  1  am  now  convinced  the  fever  attacked  mo 
the  moment  I  reached  the  altitude  of  this  plain  by  those  shivering  ap- 
proaches), lie  General  with  the  most  fatherly  care  took  me,  at  once  in 
his  own  immediate  charge;  after  dieting  me  for  about  a  week  on  cathartics 
and  emetics  at  last  pronounced  me  convalescent,  but  charged  me  under 
the  penalty  of  a  relapse,  to  let  all  fruit  alone  for  some  time.  His  directions 
were  faithfully  obeyed  and  now  I  am  bettor  than  ever. 

The  splendid  rout  of  General  Harrison  on  July  4th  exceeded  every 
tiling  of  the  kind  that  ever  took  place  in  Bogota.  Wo  had  about  fifty 
Mies  comprising  all  the  beauty  of  the  metropolis,  which  m  pa^mnt,  is  far 
liom  being  eclipsed  oven  when  contrasted  with  our  home  belles.  We 
Ijlso  had  about  one  hundred  gentlemen,  representatives  of  all  nations, 
he  Corps  diplomatique  and  Government  officers  were  all  in  Court  costume, 
he  National  IJand,  which  had  practiced  for  the  occasion,  cheered  us  with 
Hail  Columbia  and  Washington's  March  in  fine  style.  The  dancin<'  com- 
meiiced  before  4  o'clock  :  at  5  o'clock  dinner  was  announced  ami  the 
tahle,s  were  filled  three  succes,sivo  times  while  the  utmo.st  hilarity  and 
f.'itod  feeling  'lervaded  throughout  the  whole  entertaitnnent.  Many  ex- 
tvllent  toasts  were  given,  and  when  the  gue.ts  had  all  been  foastod  to 
MiUiciency,  and  the  eating  and  drinking  over,  we  adjourned  to  the  drawin'' 
mom.  .  o         I  J  o 

G4 


^n    :LI 


606 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings. 


i  I 


■J 


The  large  parlor,  which  was  appropriately  and  tastefully  decorate'l  with 
the  Stars  and  Stripes,  the  Declaration  of  Independence,  Uustof  Washinu;- 
ton,  &c.,  soon  resounded  to  the  inspiriting  music,  accompanied  by  the 
shuilling  of  the  "  light  liintastic  toe,"  which  was  kept  up  with  great  ani- 
mation till  midnight,  when  the  (juests  retired  to  their  respective  homes, 
delighted  with  Yankee  hospitality  and  the  urbanity  of  the  Host.  Among 
the  toasts  many  were  given  in  favor  of  Liberty;  but  many  ambiguous 
ones  were  likewise  given,  by  the  officers  of  tjiovernnient  and  tiieir  friends, 
which  might  have  surprised  me  a  little,  if  1  had  not  unaorst(  od  previously, 
that  a  change  in  the  form  of  Government  had  been  in  the  contemplation 
of  many  of  the  President's  adherents  from  motives  of  interestedness.  But 
none  of  their  wishes  over  the  wine  glass,  were  so  broadly  giveu,  as  to 
create  one  angry  feeling. 

My  lettCi-s  though  always  addressed  to  you,  are  intended  for  the  whole 
family  and  1  hope  my  request  of  forming  a  general  combination  to  produce 
a  family  letter  for  the  absent  one  each  month  will  succeed  and  be  con- 
tinued. It  depends  much  upon  General  Harrison,  whether  I  see  you  soon 
or  not,  as  old  Ilickory's  removals  will  cause  a  change,  or  at  least  a  speedy 
formation  of  permanent  plans.  I  have  not  as  yet  made  any  excursions  in 
the  neighborhood,  but  a  party  is  now  ibrming,  of  which  1  am  to  be  one, 
for  a  grand  visit  to  all  of  the  many  curiosities,  after  that  I  will  write  again. 
In  the  meantime  with  love  to  all,  Achh'os^  Scnor. 
Su  mas  humilde  servidor 

Kknsselakr  Van  Rensselaer. 

Gen.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany,  N.  Y. 

Oen.  Van  Cortlandt  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Dear  Sir,  Peekskill  July  13,  1829. 

By  the  last  mail  I  received  a  letter  from  my  friend  Dr.  Davis  whom 
you  saw  at  Albany,  and  he  writes  to  me  from  the  City  of  Washington 
dated  the  Gth  Instant  :  "  Tell  Genl.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer  he  has 
nothing  to  fear."  When  I  see  you  I  will  tell  you  more.  But  my  present 
Advice  is,  to  take  no  Notice  in  your  behaviour  of  any  thing  that  has  taken 
place,  to  any  one,  and  let  your  friends  be  prudent  and  say  nothing. 

Yours  Assuredly        Pierre  Van  Cortlandt. 

Genl.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer  Albany,  N.  Y. 

J)r.  Davis  to  Oen.  Van  Rensselaer. 
Pear  General,  Washington  City,  16  July  1829. 

After    I   left   Albany    I  saw  Maj.    Moore    in    N.   Y'ork,  and  spoke  to 
him  in  behalf  of  your  son   now  at  Bogota.      He  told  me  if  he  appointed 
a  private  Secretary,  he    should  have   to  pay  him    out   of  his  own  Salary; 
that  he  should  have  no  use  for  one  and  therefore  should  not  appoint  one, 
I  have  also  seen  Maj.  Barry  since    my  arrival  here,  upon  the  subject  we 
conversed    while   at    Albany.      I  think    Sir,   you    need    apprehend   no : 
danger  of  being  removed.     If  you    are   removed,  there  must  be  a  change  i 
in  tlie  sentiments  of  the  President  and  the    I'ost    Master  General  in  rela- 1 
tiou  to  you.     After  I  conversed  with    you   at  Albany,  I  was  informed  ot'j 
new  attempts  to   remove    you  from    office.     I  immediately    informed  our  | 
mrtual  friend  Genl.  Van  Cortlandt  of  it  and    advised  him  to  write  to  tlie  i 
President  in    your  lelialf,  he  did  so  —  and  1  have  no    doubt  it  had  great  | 
weight.     Be  so  good  as  to  let  me    hear  from  you.  write  to  me  to  my  resi- 
dence in  Hartford    Kentucky,  for  I   shall  be   happy   to   hear   from  you. 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 

Jly    to 
esteem  and  friedship 


507 


IVesent  me  kindly    to  Genl.    Stephen  Van    Rensselaer.   With  very  "loat 
esteem  and  friedship  Sincerely  your  friend 

rL      a  1  ir     »        ,  William  M.  Davis. 

(ion.  Sol    Van  Rensselaer,  Post  Master  Albany. 

Eemselaer  Van  Rensselaer  to  his  Father. 
Dear  Father,  ii^„^^^^  ^'^^^^^  oq^  I829. 

My  last  letter  was  signed,  scaled  and  delivered  on  tiit  12th  ult.  to  Gen- 
eral  Harrison,  by  hun  to  be  forwarded  to  (.'arthagena  with  his  own  dispatches 
What  with  writing,  riding,  walking,  receiving  and  nfurniug  visits,  my  time 
IS  now  fully  and  ot  course  pleasantly  occupied.     The  thing  I  regretted  was 
that  so  httle  leisure  was  obtained  for  studying  the  Spanish  lringu;.-e;  my 
necessary  intercourse  with  those  speaking  my  mother  tongue  did  no"t  facili- 
tate  or  assist  me  in  that  desideratum.     However  when  I  seized  every  op- 
portunity  to  extend  my  knowledge  not  only  in  tbe  language  of  tins  black- 
eyed  beauties  of  the  Colombian  Metro-  .lis,  but  also  their  ways,  manners 
and  customs  I  lound  a  much  better  gloss  spread  over  the    iirface  of  life 
l.e  farst  thing  after  beingseated  in  a  house,  is  the  offer  of  a  lighlod  ci-'ar 
which  as  well  as  witli  every  article  then  offo.od  to  a  stranger  by  a  Colom- 
bian, must  never  bo  rel'used  under  the  penalty  of  losing  caste,  or  lowering 
the  standard  of  your  character  for  gent     ty.     Upon  leaving  the  hou^e,  Ft 
with  all  the  contentv  of  the  mansion,  is  declared  by  the  owaor  "at  the 
guests  entire  disposition"  !     The  sincerity  of  tli.   ->  declarations  may  be 
estimated  as  they  deserve,  when  it  is  known  that  they  are  invariably  made 
to  every  one ;  indeed  this  offer  is  an  epitome  of  the  Colombian  character  — 
polite  but  insula  re.     The  young  ladies  are  blest  with  but  a  small  share  of 
conversational  powers  ;  their  one  uniform  topic  is,  the  merits  of  the  latest 
party,  dance,  frolic,  bullfight  or  horse-race.     They  are  never  suffered  to 
converse  with  the  other  sex,  unless  in  the  pre  voce  of  the  mother,  aunt 
or  some  other  equally  trust  woithy  duenna  whose  charms  are  on  the  wane  • 
and  whose  recollection  of  her  own  intrigues  in  early  life  are  still  vividly 
awake.     With  one  of  these  custodial  friends  the  youthful  beauties  attend 
the  early  Mass,  pay  ceremonious  visits,  go  to  the  bull-fight,  mingle  in  the 
favorite  waltz  and  with  them  receive  their  companv.     Their  dress  is  very 
extravagant,  and  the  fashion  of  their  prevailing  costume  gives  the  wearer 
a  bewitching  look,  particulary  when  walking  out  with  their  broad-brim 
semispherical  crowned  beaver  hats,  poised  on  the  back  part  of  the  head  by 
the  large  and  fancifully  worked  shell  comb,  over  which  last  the  light  shawl 
IS  thrown  to_  protect  the  face  from  the  sun,  without  hiding  the  v?ew.     On 
occasions  of  traveling  or  wishing  to  remain  incog,  a  hand  or  handkerchief 
IS  used  to  hide  under  the  folds  of  the  shawl  every  thing  but  their  brilliant 
eyes. 

Sunday  is  the  only  day  in  the  week  when  the  ladies  are  certainly  at 
home;  then  they  are  decked  in  their  best  habiliments  for  the  reception  of 
company;  the  evening  is  always  devoted  to  the  dance.  Indeed  Sunday  is 
the  grand  gala  day  for  amusements  of  every  description;  then  as  on  Fes- 
tivals the  stores  are  closed  except  retail  liquor  shops.  The  great  body  of 
the  people,  as  a  general  thing,  are  very  ignorant  and  rigid  Roman  Catho- 
lics. After  the  morning  Mass  the  entire  population  engage  in  the  sports 
of  the  time  in  which  even  the  priesthood  join  :  some  to  the  billiard-room, 
others  to  the  cock-pit,  bull-fight  or  whatever  (diversion  is  on  the  tapis.  The 
passion  for  gambling  appears  to  be  almost  universal,  and  is  encouraged  by 
both  Government  and  Church.     Upon  occasions  of  great  rejoicings  for  any 


,!-il 


14 

if 

J 


i 


i 


I 


1 


I 


508 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


public  incident,  tables  arc  spread  by  Government  in  the  great  squnr.e  of 
the  city,  wiiere  all  classes  luid  sexea  are  seen  promiscuously  engajied  in 
betting  —  the  wealthy  with  tlieir  Onza  or  ounce,  the  poor  with  tholr 
qviirtillo  or  cent.  On  the  anniversary  of  the  patron  Saint,  of  any  of  the 
villages,  town  or  parish,  the  same  scene  occurs  under  the  patronage  of  the 
Church  as  I  witnessed  in  the  case  of  the  feast  of  St.  Jago.  When  in  the 
pliiza  appertaining  to  the  church  and  convent  of  that  Saint,  the  clergy 
erected  large  tents  for  tiie  gaming  tables  ;  also  booths  where  refreshments 
of  all  kinds  were  to  be  procured.  My  astonishment,  at  seeing  some  of  the 
"  black  coats  "  so  prone  to  imitate  servilely  the  notorious  hlackleys,  was 
not  a  little  increased  upon  learning  the  fact  of  their  giving  such  facilities 
for  gambling,  and  that  the  rents,  derived  from  the  temporary  sheds  de- 
voted to  such  vile  purposes,  were  all  appropriated  .to  the  Church  !  !  With 
such  encouragement  to  vice,  can  we  even  wonder  at  the  immorality  of  this 
people  ?  There  was  found  no  great  philanthropist  to  stand  up  boldly  and 
deprecate  this  important  national  sin;  all  were  powerless  to  resist  the 
overpowering  influence  of  stern  masters,  under  whose  iron  heel  they  have, 
and  still  do,  struggle  in  their  oppressive  servitude.  These  church  feasts 
last  eight  days  and  nights,  during  which  period  these  tents  are  the  fash- 
ionable lounges  for  the  loiterers  of  the  city  ;  some  go  to  play,  others  to 
see  what  is  going  on  ;  anicmg  the  latter  cla>^s  will  be  found  all  the  beauty 
of  the  place  with  their  pretty  faces  mufHed,  and  only  the  jetty  sparklers 
visible. 

A  party,  composed  of  Gen.  Harrison  and  Suite,  M.  Do  Bresson,  Duke 
de  Montibello  and  Count  Zliskies  —  an  expelled  I'olander  —  having  for 
aome  time  been  formed  to  visit  the  natural  bridge  of  Pandi,  and  the  time 
appointed  for  starting  having  been  often  postponed  owing  to  the  non- 
attendance  of  some  one  of  the  party,  it  was  finally  resolved  that  July  13th 
should  be  the  day  to  leave,  for  all  who  then  could  go,  the  rest  to  follow  on  as 
soon  after  as  practicable.  Accordingly  Count  Zliskie,  Mr.  Tayloe  and 
servant,  Carter  Harrison  and  myself  composed  the  cavalcade  which  set  out 
early  in  the  morning,  of  that  day,  from  Bogota  for  the  village  of  Fusugn- 
zuga.  The  first  part  of  our  ride  was  pleasant  enough,  but  after  we  left 
the  great  plain  of  Bogota,  and  ascended  to  near  the  apex  of  the  ridge  that 
encircles  it,  twenty-five  miles  from  the  City  and  1500  feet  above  its 
level,  or  9720  i'eet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  with  the  rar.,'^  of  hills 
rising  one  above  the  other,  and  its  aspect  of  unrivalled  sublimity,  we 
found  a  great  change.  Our  coats  and  cloaks  were  put  in  requisition  to 
guard  against  the  humid,  cliilly  eii'cct  of  the  clouds  that  encountered  us 
here  in  mid-day  like  a  dense  fog.  Our  descent  towards  the  valley  had 
scarcely  commenced,  when  those  clouds,  which  we  had  noticed  as  travel- 
ing in  the  same  direction  with  ourselvL  condensed  ove?-  our  heads,  while 
descending  the  steepest  part  of  the  declivity,  and  showered  down  such  a 
quantity  of  rain  that  we  all  were  completely  drenched. 

This  part  of  our  trip  was  not  very  enjoyable,  for  as  we  could  find  no 
shelter,  we  were  exposed  to  the  soaking  shower  between  two  and  three 
hours;  the  sultry  heat  ^if  the  narrow  pas.ses  and  the  intolerable  badness 
of  the  road  added  to  our  discomfort.  In  very  many  places  the  large  stones 
that  line  the  tortuous  and  extremely  abrupt  path,  have  been  laid  up  one 
over  another  alter  the  manuer  of  the  steps  of  a  staircase,  from  one  to  the 
other  of  which  the  horses  are  obliged  to  jump.  One  false  step  would 
insure  the  rider  a  lioan y  but  uiiucsirabic  i  iiunip,  against  some  of  the  cragu) 
projections,  in  the  sides  of  those  rugged  and  diliicult  places  of  entrauce 


Legacy  of  IIistouical  Gleanings.  609 

find  exit.  TTowcver  our  naijs  were  such  sure  footed  animals —  with  tlieir 
short,  quick  step  ;  stumbling',  leapin-;,  and  keen  looking  with  an  instinctive 
hesitation  in  dangerous  proximities—  that  no  such  accident  occurred  to 
cither  one  of  our  party  ;  we  all  came  hopping  down  from  stone  to  stone, 
like  so  many  frogs,  one  after  another  in  perfect  safety.  This  kind  of 
traveling  was  a  sort  of  amusement  to  ?m,  experienced  as  we  were  on  the 
other  similar  roads  of  Colombia;  but  I  doubt  not,  an  attempt  to  pass  such 
public  ways  in  the  United  States  would  be  considered  the  height  of 
temerity,  yet  we  enjoyed  it  notwithstanding  the  risk  to  a  poor  rider's 
bones.  We  experienced  however,  real  misery  in  crossing  over  the  badly 
constructed  "corduroy  bridges,"  occasionally  metwith  in  some  of  the  m  ry 
little  glens ;  the  sticks  being  so  far  apart  that  the  poor  horses  legs  would 


We  had  now  iairly  run  away  from  the  rain  ;  when  we  looked  back  we 
could  see  it  pouring  down  apparently  as  fast  as  ever  among  the  "cloud 
capt  mountains,"  whilst  before  us  the  sun  was  shining  in  all  his  glory 
on  the  bcautiiul  narrow  valley  decked  in  emerald  robes  of  lively  color. 
We  still  had  to  descend  some  hundreds  of  feet  to  the  village,  but  from 
our  present  stand-point  the  view  was  most  enchanting  with  the  snowy 
peaked  Andes  varied  aspects.     On  either  side  of  the  narrow  plain   the 
different  ridges  of  mountains  rose  as  high  as  the  one  we  were  about  leav- 
ing ;  the  vale  extended  directly  before  us  in  a  southerly  course  as  far  a.s 
the  eye   could  reach,  while   the  fleeting  clouds  which  capped  the   ridges 
would  occasionally,  by  opening,  afford  a  momentary  glimpse  of  the  outline 
of  the  sparkling  peaks,  and  among  the  many  the  Count  pointed  out  one 
mountain  with  its  two  peaks  as  bearing  an  exact  resemblance  to  a  view  of 
the  y  fork  peaked,  fire  puffing  Vesuvius."     This  sight  had  the  effect  of 
waking  us  almost  forget  the  exercise  we  had  passed  through  in  our  leap- 
ing  course  down    the   stone  stair   cased  mountain  side.     We   passed   on 
rapidly  after  this  down  the  remaining  gradual  descent;  the  road  improved 
as  we  advanced  towards  the  village,  the  first  object  in  this  landscape  was 
the  cluster  of  about  100  straw  thatched   huts  for  which  we  were  bound 
and  we  were  not  sorry  when  we  soon  after  arrived  there,  with  most  raven- 
ous appetites,  the  consequence  of  our  eight  hours  exercise  on   horseback. 
Our  baggage   carriers   had  on  the   previous   day  hired  the   best  house   in 
the  place;   the    tawny  landlady  was   preparing  a  meal  for   us,  in  the   de- 
tached  kitchen  ;  and  after  a   change  of  garments  we  were  seated  i.i  the 
front  house  discussing  our  ride.     We  came  to  a  satisfactory  conclusion, 
that  to  the  peel  of  an  onion,  we  were  3000  feet  lower  now,  than  when  ten 
miles  back  in  the  morning  we  were  on  the  highest  partof  the  road.     Our 
thermometer  too,  which  pointed  at  05°,  told  us  that  we  were  in  a  climate 
10°  warmer  than  that  of  Bogota  ;  but  our  feelings  also  indicated  all  that 
change,  we  did  not  require  an  instrument  to  convince  us  of  that  accepta- 
ble fact;   I  think    we  might  have  found   out  the  exact   difference  in  the 
same  way  that  we  measured  the  sfair-casc.  mountain — by  guess.     The 
distance  between  Bogota  and  this  village  is  35  miles.     After  demolishing 
all  the  provisions,  with  which  our  old   landlady  had  so  profu.sely  decked 
our  talde,  our  hammocks  were  suspended  and  we  soon  fast  asleep. 

In  iJogola  the  cold  is  too  severe   lor   the   use   of  a    hammock    by 
person  having  a  cousideiatiou  for  his  health,  but  here,  the  "  siesta 


m 


any 
or 


510 


liEOACY   OP  TIlSTOUICAL   QlKANINOS. 


I 


nap  after  dinner  is  cnnsidorcd  almost  im  great  a  luxury,  in  this  salubriouii 
and  dolif^htrul  valley,  as  it  in  on  tlio  sultry  banks  of  tlio  Maj^dalona.  At 
all  events  wo  found  it  ho,  for  after  turnini;  in,  wo  wore  not  released  from 
the  chains,  in  wliieh  wo  all  were  locked  by  Morpheus,  till  two  hours  after, 
when  the  old  woman  came  to  say  it  was  oij^ht  o'clock  and  our  supper 
ready.  Wo  observed  many  of  tiie  tropical  productions  not  found  on  the 
plain  of  Bogota,  such  ut  plantuins,  jucre,  sugar-cane,  lizards,  snakes,  &o. 
We  found  also  plenty  of  gauin  m  turkeys,  (juails,  guachichics,  the  moun- 
tain hen,  a  bird  miieli  like  our  uonieslie  fowl  in  everything  but  its  sylvan 
predilections;  none  oi  these  are  to  be  obtained  in  Bogota.  The  turkeys 
of  this  place  are  of  a  darker  color  and  of  a  different  shape  from  those  of 
the  lower  countries,  but  about  the  same  weight  though  not  so  tender. 
We  sent  homo  two  mules  loailed  with  game,  after  reserving  sufficient  for 
our  own  use.  A  few  days  after  our  arrival  at  Fusugazuga,  I  found  myself 
attacked  by  that  most  provoking  illnem  of  '  uU  the  ills  that  human  tie,'<h 
is  heir  to"  —  the  Kevor  and  Ague.  The  mule  that  went  freighted  to 
IJogota  with  game,  bore  also  a  note  I'rom  Mr.  Tayloe  to  the  (Jonoral  re- 
questing a  supply  of  medicine  for  me  as  I  had  strong  chills.  I  was  in 
hopes  of  driving  off  this  unwelcome  visitant,  by  ])leiity  of  exorcise,  and  oa 
the  "  shivering  days,"  was  sure  to  bo  out  with  niy  guide  Pedro,  who  hud 
won  in  my  estimation  the  appellation  of  "  Ilawk-Kye" — 'and  gun,  beat- 
ing through  the  thick  woods  from  morning's  sun  till  dark.  My  specilii! 
answered  lor  the  time  being,  but  when  the  exercLso  was  over,  the  lit 
would  return  with  redoubled  force  and  compelled  me  at  last  to  give  up 
gunning  and  take  to  the  blankets. 

[n  the  meantime,  hearing  i'rom  the  City,  that  Gen.  Harrison  —  M.  De 
]Jre.s.son  —  The  Duke  l)e  Montebello  and  (leu.  Urdenata — one  of  the 
Secretaries  of  State  —  owing  to  a  pressure  of  business  could  not  join  us 
here  for  the  visit  to  the  famed  Natural  Bridge  of  I'andi,  as  had  been  pre- 
viously arranged,  the  rest  oi'  our  party,  at  my  request  went  on  without 
me,  as  by  this  time  I  did  not  dare  to  attempt  it.  During  the  two  days 
of  their  absence  I  discovered  that  I  had  been  spoiled  by  the  sick  bed  at- 
tentions of  my  home  friends,  and  at  first  was  so  provoked  at  the  compara- 
tive apathy  of  these  stranger  attendants,  that  my  pettishne.ss  would 
sometimes  break  forth,  but  it  had  the  desired  effect  of  .setting  the  whole 
household  in  motion  to  supply  my  wants.  Two  days  after  their  return 
irom  Pandi,  Messrs.  Tayloe  and  llarrison  went  on  to  Bogota,  leaving  the 
Count  and  Servant  with  me.  The  third  day  brought  back  Mr.  Tayloe 
to  us  loaded  down  with  Quinine,  an<'  other  medicines  put  up  for  my  use 
by  the  kind  paternal  baud  of  the  Ueneral  and  two  home  letters  for  uie. 
The  first  contained  the  last  note  of  my  uncle  Kilian  P.  Van  ilens.selaer, 
the  other  an  announcement  of  his  (h'uth.  These  letters  were  the  second 
batch  received  from  Albany  and  by  them  I  heard  of  Aunt  Maria  M.  V. 
ll's  marriage  to  Jacob  S.  Glen,  also  of  the  birth  of  Klizabeth's  daughter 
"  3Iaria  Elizabeth,"  this  makes  my  second  niece.  The  letter  from  my 
good  old  Grandmother  was  a  great  treat  in  this  far  off  land.  The  Gene- 
ral's prescriptions  had  the  desired  effect,  as  in  one  week  the  fever  had 
disappeared  and  was  succeeded  by  such  a  tine  appetite,  that  after  a  few 
prefatory  rides  in  the  neighborhood,  I  found  myself  sufficiently  strong 
to  set  off  with  a  reliable  guide  for  the  Bridge.  My  pill-bo-s  was  not 
uoglocted,  i'or  I  took  the  precautionary  step  of  swallowing  a  requisite 
number  for  a  fortnight  after  to  prevent  another  relapse. 

The  road  to  the  JJridge  was  not  a  rough  one  for  the  country,  but,  as 


[N(JS. 

ury,  in  this  siilubrioun 
tlio  Miijj;il;ilona.  At 
TO  not  reloiisod  from 
s,  till  two  hours  aftur, 
ock  and  our  suppur 
lUH  nut  t'uunJ  un  the 
),  liztird.s,  Bniikeu,  <!^o. 
iiichiohios,  the  uiouri- 
ything  but  its  Nylvaii 
loL^ota.  The  turiicys 
shape  from  those  of 
bou^h  not  so  tender, 
serving  suffic-ient  for 
azui^a,  I  found  myself 
illn  that  liuman  flesh 
at  went  freij^htod  to 
i  to  tlie  General  re- 
ng  chills.  I  was  in 
ty  of  exercise,  and  on 
^uide  Pedro,  who  hud 
e  "  — ■  and  gun,  beat- 
I  dark.  My  specilic 
i.se  was  over,  the  tit 
e  at  last  to  give  up 

u.  Harri.son  —  31.  De 

•denata  —  one  of  the 
CSS  could  not  join  us 
mdi,  as  had  been  pre- 
t!st  went  on  without 
Duriny;  the  two  davs 
d  by  the  sick  bed  at- 
oked  at  the  couipara- 
y  pettishness  would 
of  setting  the  whole 
ys  after  their  return 
)  JJogota,  leaving  the 
ught  back  Mr.  Tayloe 
es  put  up  for  uiy  use 
home  letters  for  uio. 
u  P.  Van  Rensselaer, 
ters  were  the  second 
if  Aunt  Maria  M.  V. 
Elizabeth's  daughter 
The  letter  from  my 
off  land.  The  (Jene- 
j  week  the  fever  had 
tite,  that  after  a  few 
elf  sufficiently  stroog 
My  pill-bo-s  was  not 
'allowing  a  requisite 
pse. 
'  the  country,  but,  as 


Leoacy  of  Historical  Qleaninqs. 


611 


may  bo  expected  in  the  Andes,  runs  over  hill  and  '  le  ;  and  so  rare  a 
variety  is  u  level  vpol  in  this  mountainous  region,  tha  rural  cimpcl  with 
one  or  two  huts  situated  about  half  way,  on  a  flat  piect  ol  ground  of  about 
one  acre's  area,  goes  by  the  name  of  Jjlanu  lunjo  or  large  [ilain.  It  cer- 
tainly was  a  very  appropriate  name,  us  it  is  the  largest  and  indeed  the 
only  apology  for  a  jdainon  the  entire  route;  although  from  all  the  variouH 
heights,  an  immense  extent  of  table-land  is  seen  in  the  distance  and  added 
much  to  the  diversity  of  the  wild  scenery.  The  next  j)laco,  through  which 
we  passed,  lies  against  the  side  of  a  mountain,  a  scattered  set  of  huts,  the 
owners  of  which  raise  many  tine  cattle.  There  are  six  or  seven  con- 
siderable streams,  on  the  road,  over  which  we  passed  on  flimsy  bridges, 
without  railing  and  <|uite  narrow  ;  .some  are  very  high,  ;ind  we  could  plainly 
see,  and  feel  tliem  shake  under  us ;  however  we  arrived  safe  about  5 
oclock  r.  M.,  in  Mercadillo,  a  hamlet  of  abort  40  huts.  ]}eforo  reaching 
this  we  had  crossed  many  a  hill,  three  of  winch  are  very  high  and  steep, 
but  as  the  great  ledges  of  rocks  have  been  avoided,  a  zlij-jnj  path  over 
them  is  followed  instead  of  a  "  stair-caso  one."  My  guide  conducted  mo 
to  a  fine,  cleanly  looking  house,  facing  the  church  S(|uare  ;  and  while  the 
dinner  was  being  jircpared,  1  took  a  !n.\urious,  but  much  needed,  swing 
in  my  hammock,  which  had  been  hung  in  the  best  room.  In  the  morning 
at  daybreak  I  found  a  cup  of  chocoiate  and  a  cake  in  readiness  for  mo  which 
was  soon  disposed  of,  after  which  Caiistro  and  myself  walked  otf  about  one 
and  a  half  mile  to  Inkononzo  to  see  the  I'uinte  or  Bridge  of  I'andi.  It 
seemed  the  longest  half  league  I  ever  knew,  and  thought  the  road  the 
roughest  a  pedestrian  need  wish  to  travel. 

The  latter  part  of  this  walk  is  much  the  worst  as  you  descend,  almost 
perpendicularly  down  some  hundred  feet,  into  a  narrow  and  gloomy  ravine, 
but  1  followed  after  my  nimble  footed  Indian,  and  the  siglit  of  this  won- 
derful c-iriosity  amply  rec(impensed  me  for  all  my  trouble.  In  the  centre 
of  this  vtUey  a  tine  large  stream,  in  her  unceasing  course  since  Noah's  flood, 
has  worn  away  earth,  slate  and  rock,  about  30  feet  wide  and  400  deep  in 
this  dark  and  hideous  looking  chasm ;  here  the  river  is  seen  from  above 
dashing  along  with  the  most  irresistible  and  tremendous  noise.  For  many 
miles  on  either  side  of  this  road  to  Inkononzo,  it  cannot  be  crossed;  but 
here  Nature  has  formed  or  rather  lift  a  permanent  bridge,  which  with  a  little 
assistance  from  art,  has  been  made  as  safe  to  the  j)assenger  as  the  solid  road. 
This  natural  bridge  of  Pandi  is  one  immense  solid  slab  of  stone,  40  feet  long 
by  20  wide;  from  6  to  10  feet  thick;  over  it  lies  the  artificial  bridge  of 
the  natives,  with  balustrades  ibr  its  security.  Over  these  balusters  I  liung 
in  mute  admiration,  now  convinced  that  the  verbal  and  written  accounts  of 
its  grandeur  were  not  exaggerated  in  the  least  degree.  It  is  the  impression 
of  many  that  the  great  cleft  through  which  Sumiir  Paz  rolls,  is  the  result 
of  an  carth(ju;ike  of  earlier  days;  but  after  a  careiul  examination  and  I  did 
not  stop,  until  1  had  traced  every  spot  ever  before  pressed  by  human  foot  — 
I  was  coujpellcd  to  dift'cr.  Every  indication  went  to  prove,  in  my  estima- 
tion, that  it  had  been  Ibrmed  by  the  constant  friction  of  the  water  over 
the  soft  rock,  which  has  s-unk  the  bed  of  the  bubbling  stream  so  far  below 
the  general  surface.  Each  new  examination  if  the  place  confirms  my 
ojiinion  :  the  lower  or  under  side  of  the  huge  slab  or  stone  above  that 
forms  the  upper  bridge,  as  well  as  the  perpendicular  sidi's  of  the  chasm, 
from  the  edge  of  the  precipices,  down  as  far  as  the  eye  tould  distinguish 
appeared  as  if  its  smoothness  hud  been  acquired  by  the  action  of  water, 
but  however  it  may  have  been  formed,  it  is  a  terrific  looking  hole.     The 


612 


LeOACY   of  IIlHTORrCAL   GLKANTNaS. 


i  I 


mtiia 


1  ^'!- 


stoneH  wliicli  fonn  what  \h  callod  flic  liiwcr  lni(l;.'o,  woro  iid  donht  in  times 
iotit;  piiHt,  IiiiiIimI  Iroin   tlioir  piiinilivi!   hcd.s  .iImivc   liy  t^oiiio  ciuivulHioii  of 
the  curt li  ami  liilliii;,'  Miniultaiiuously  down  thiw  iiiuiow  lismiro,  l»y  Htiikiii" 
iifjiiiiiwt  th(!  Hides  liuvo  hocoiiio  mo  firmly  wedj;ed  in,  that  notliinj;  but  fruri" 
powdor,  or  iimithor  violent   commotion  ciin    loosen    them.     ThiH  mass  of 
Ktoiu!  is  ahout  (i(>  feet  below  the  otlmr,  IVum  which  the  descent  i:,  not  very 
<lifli(!ult  oven  lor  a  youiij,'  la<ly.     In  the  centre  is  what  is  called  At  vnitdna 
tiio  window,  a  (rianj^ular  openin},'  throujrh  which  you  have  a  lino  view  of 
the  ■jur^.ding  Htreaii^  below      And  throuj;h  which    I  sent  many  a  weij;h(y 
stone,  then  se<!urely  lian-,Mnj(  over  its  ed;.^e  watched  the  proj^ress  of  these 
small   rocks,    boundin-,'  downward   from   one    projection    to  another  and 
shivered  in  still  smaller  pieces  whenever  they  struck,  so  that  when  they 
Jell  into  the  wat(!r,  they  appeared   like  mere   pebbles.     Their  noise  there 
was  drowned  amidst  the   thundering  echoes  they  had    awakened  above 
them.     This  extensive  crevasse  is  the  resort  not  only  of  the  nocturnal 
birds  that  haunt  in  f,'reat  numbers  this  sombrous  retreat,  but  of  a  species 
jieeuliar  only  to  such  dark  and  secluded  sites.     They  are  of  a  brownish 
color,  shape  and  size  of  our  pigeon  hawks,  when  disturbed  in  their  daily 
slumbers,  by  the  rattling  of  stones,  they  leave  their  solitary  hiding-places  in 
the  gloomy  recess  and  hover  about  in  large  flocks.     The  natives  have  an 
idea  that  these  birds  are  instantly  killed  by  an  exposure  fo  the  sun  ;  the  no- 
tion originates  in   the  circumstance  of  their  frequently  tinding  them  dead 
in    the  road  above.    They  have  no  other   name,   than    the  general  one  of 
Pa.nira  nolitan'o.     I  have  seen  many  wonilei  ful  works  of  art,  and  formations 
of  Nature's  ever  varying  band,  but  never  anything  to  eijual  this  imintu  dc 
Faiidi\  my  visit  to  this  real  curiosity  was  highly  satisl'aetory  and  1  thought 
my  trouble  attending  the  excursion  well  repaid.    I  returned  to  the  villa"o 
for  my  bieakfast,  and   then  mounted  my  hors?  for  Fusugazuga  which"[ 
reached  long  after  dark  the  same  evening,  "  fiint  and  weary  "  but  ex- 
ceedingly pleased  with  my  trip. 

During  my  absence  Mr.  Tayloe  had  received  a  few  lines  from  General 
Harrison,  that  as  Doctor  Oheyno  had  advi.sed,  and  he  ha'',  no  writing  of 
moiueiit  for  me  to  do,  I  had  better  remain  at  this  place  some  days  longer 
to  recuperate.  Under  those  circumstances  I  he,,'  not  the  least  objectl^on 
to  linger  in  this  the  most  delightful  and  salubrious  of  all  climates  I  ever 
was  in,  though  scarcely  considered  such  precautions  necessary.  My  late 
jaunt  however  convinced  me  that  I  did  not  possess  my  usual  share  of 
strength  and  vigor,  but  after  chasing  the  gauie  among  the  wild  mountains 
I'or  a  few  days  1  entirely  recovered  my  health  and  am  now  as  vigorous  as 
ever.  In  the  meantime  the  days  were  pleasantly  passed  in  riding  aliout 
and  in  gunning.  We  ibund  the  common  people  here  (|uite  as  horpitable 
as  any  in  Colombia;  as  an  instance:  in  one  of  our  hunting  excursions, 
Tayloe,  the  Count  and  my.self  were  overtaken  by  a  violent  rain  storm,  and 
while  plodding  along,  on  tiie  road  we  met  (juite  a  pretty  young  girl'wlio 
invited  us  to  take  shelter  in  her  father's  cabin.  A  fowl  was  killed  for  us, 
and  cooked  in  various  styles  :  one  leg  with  cabbage  and  onions  was 
converted  into  soup  ;  another  was  fried,  the  remainder  with  potatoes  atjd 
other  vegetables  was  served  up  as  a  stew.  A  plucked  sheep  skin  was  our 
talde  cloth,  and  the  cabin  floor  our  table,  around  which  we  gladly  sat  as 
well  a-  we  could  to  partake  of  the  feast.  A  solitary  wooden  spoon  was 
the  only  artificial  imiilenient  to  transfer  the  victiui'ls  from  the  dishes  to 
our  mouths.  But  by  agreement,  whicii  was  stiictly  adhered  to,  as  soon 
as  one  person  of  our  party  had  emptied  it  twice,  it  was  conveyed  to  the 


bilge  and  ouioiis  was 


LEflAcy  OF  Historical  Gleaninqs.  518 

V  0  iHude  more  expo,liti.M.M  w..rk  wid,  H.e  Holi.J  part  ,. '  tl.o  cntortiK nment 

iX«yL(^.^;;'  ir"  ""'"P!r»«  *■"•"•    •  """li^od  etiquette 

Jityioo  «n.l  the  Count  as  well  um  myself  wore  .Uhly -"iverted  by  our  nove 
repuHt,  and  alter  rewardinj.  our  kind  liost  ,.  '  ^  ^^ 

On  tho  seeond  oeea,sioa  each  one  of  us,  wiMi 
pulled  out  of  liiH  yuuiobag  a  Hpoon,  knifb 
ot  the  dinner. 


shly-'ivertod  by  our  novel 
rorui^c    as  wo  did  to  call  again. 


knowledge  of  the  other, 
Ht  tho  coiiimencenient 

With  tt  view  of  seeing  all  tho  belles  .f  Fu^-gazuga  together  wo  one 

ut  as  n  tl' a,  d  Tu  \  "",."*• '^  ''""V  "'^  -'"^'"  A^^y  prin,  and  decked 
out  as  neatly  and  styli.sh  as  thoir  Hin.pio  n.ean.H  ttdmittcd:     A  white  dress 

rZlir"'"'';"  '"'"'•  ^V"*  "  ''''''  ^'""  ^"•^•«»  short-gow  "irdled 
iretti^^i  In  'T']  r  «'''P^'<J  "''•"w  l>at  on  their  heads,  and  all"  uppoS  by 
pretty  httle  naked  leet  was  the  dla  »»«,/ecostun.eof  the  Ronton.    The  lc  tlo^ 

on  wore   no  coats,  shirts  and  pantaloons  were  universrexcer    son  e  of 

ose'Zfro.?"'"r" "'",  "^?  r'y  ^■'-"••--J  ^^^  the  ihi :'...! 

n   ?rify   luJTr    .       f^'"'';"-./'l>I''-«.   tattlers,   reeds   and   the  druni 
a     he  fee    ot  t  I'l     '"i:  ''f.''^'^''  ^'^^^  very  gallantly  placed  his  hat 
ut  n  the  mth    ,  ^        '^'"'■•'^.  "'  ^'"'''''''  ''''^"  i'""'eJiately  backing 
,!  i  M:r  T  »    ^  n''"  '■"""''  """'"'"^  "  ^""-d  t»  her,  frisked  about  alono 
w  m"bv  nl        ''  '.  'T  ^""•^«^'^"'Jini,'ly  implies'her  consent  to  22 

u.  nces  wi^h  £   ^^'     "  '?f  "'!  '^'^  ''"'^^  ""'^'"-     '^''^«"  ^^e  waltzing  com- 
uieuces,  v  itl   the  voices  of  the  dancers  joining  in  concert  with  tho  pTayers 
Ibe  e  people  dehght  in  dancing,  and  I  think  would  wear  out  two  set  of 
North  Americans  .n   the  exercise.     JJetween  dances  they  refresh  thorn 
solves  with  the  choice  nick-nacks  together  with  their  favorite  dishes  c     i^ 
and  country  anise-seed  brandy.     Tl^  frolic  seemed  to  give  gen  mUatS 
tion  and  was  kept  up  till  quite  late.  fei-neiai  sacisiac- 

nf  A !'^^^uf"'^ ''*"•"''?"■''''?' «^^^«  Generars  note,  on  the  mornin- 

of  Augus   Dth,  having  dispatched  a  load  of  game  and  oir  ba....a-ron    he 

previous  day,  we  left  this  peaceful  valley  and  its  kind  inhabk^nS      Soon 

Iv  Hr!  '^'T  '■"■7«««'"f=Vhe  craggy  mountain  and  once  more  overtaken 

y  a  tremendous  shower,  but  under  the  lee  side  of  a  towering  tree    we 

hound  shelter  from  its  greatest  fury,  and  the  after  drizzling  did    no   last 

I  sufficiently  Ion-  to  wet  our  overcoats.  ° 

0    Mow  !        .    y  ^"'7  '•  ^';'  'P'^''"^*'  S^'^vity  of  these  clouds  is  too  great 

Hvln  h    .T  t*l«""r  through  the  thin  air  above  the  mountain's  top^  but 
a.ven  by  the  wind  which  at  this  season  comes  constantly  from  the  south 
liuy  all  collect  here  and  keep  up  an  almost  continual  shower.     From  May 

the  farst  of  December  is  the  winter  season,  during  which  time  we  con- 
hantly  expect  the  rain  with  thunder  and  tempestuous  weather.     At  the 

lumit  of  the  mountain  we  again  encountered  the  fog-like  clouds,  arrested 

heir  course  by  the  towering  tops  and  hiding  from  our  view  the  beauty 

ot  the  surrounding  landscape.  •' 

The  Count  Zliskie  has  traveled  this  highway  six  times,  but  never  with 

\:  J  ''''f     ^  ^t'  "!'f  '""  ^°  "'''""  ''  •'''"•^""  ^^''V  ''  PC'-^^o"  not  accustomed 
«ciie  ciimate,  should  feel  so  uncomfortably  cold  when  the  thermometer 

'  65 


i 


(   I 


514 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


f    \ 


stands  at  55°,  which  is  the  mean  temperature  at  Bogota  at  present,  when 
at  home  we  think  such  a  medium  is  "  devoutly  to  be  wished."  Hut  I  ndw 
perceive  it  is  all  owinf;  to  the  extreme  thinness  of  the  air  in  this  elevated 
region.  Flannel  is  an  agreeable  addition  for  comfort  to  my  ordinary 
winter  clothing.  We  reached  home  at  Bogota  "  without  the  loss  of  a  sin- 
gle man,"  or  any  accident,  not  one  adverse  adventure.  The  day  after  my 
return  to  the  Capital  I  had  an  opportunity,  for  the  first  time  of  witnessing 
a  "  Bull- Fight,"  or  rather  a  teusiiuj  that  was  got  up  in  honor  of  the  an- 
niversary of  "  SL  Victorina."  You  no  doubt  will  be  surprised  at  the 
idea  of  asa/ii/'s  being  honored  in  this  brutal  way  and  that  too  on  Sunday  ; 
but  here  such  a  parade  is  but  a  common  circumstance.  It  was  preceded 
by  a  grand  Procession,  in  which  about  twenty  imngos  of  the  most  costly 
description,  some  as  large  as  life,  were  borne  about  on  the  shoulders  of 
men.  The  Hoyt  too  made  its  appearance,  and  when  at  the  several  tem- 
porary shrines  erected  in  the  Square,  a  halt  was  made  for  religious  cere- 
monies and  the  devout  crowd  knelt  in  the  dust.  On  similar  occasions  — 
or  when  the  Host  is  carried  to  administer  the  last  sacrament  to  the  dying  — 
its  approach  is  heralded  by  the  tinkling  of  the  bell  accompanying  it.  At 
which  time  all  foreigners  or  such  as  are  not  suiEciently  zealous  in  their 
respect  to  it,  to  risk  the  soiling  cf  their  clothes,  or  the  ill-will  of  the  sect 
to  which  it  appertains  —  always  seek  refuge  in  a  house  till  it  has  passed. 
After  viewing  the  grand  procession  of  St.  Victorino  from  a  balcony  and 
the  images  had  been  all  carried  into  the  Cathedral  our  party  retired  and 
quickly  were  mounted  on  their  horses,  in  order  to  have  a  nearer  and  better 
view  of  the  expected  pageant.  Upon  entering  the  square  our  little  squad 
being  as  well  mounted  as  any  in  the  gay  and  numerous  cavalcade  already 
assembled  there,  resolved  to  prance  around  under  the  balconies  to  make 
our  chu.iza  or  jest  to  such  of  the  belles,  collected  in  them,  as  we  might 
know.  We  had  only  passed  two  sides  and  in  the  act  of  saluting  the 
Hendersons  —  when  the  cry  of  "  El  Tdro,  torn" —  the  hull,  bull,  rose  from 
the  excited  crowd  and  warned  us  of  its  approach  ;  together  with  a  mass 
of  flyiiig  horBcmen  from  a  little  street  leading  to  the  square,  at  the  same 
time  told  us  of  the  bull's  vicinity.  Of  course  we  joined  in  full  speed  the 
retreating  host,  and  when  out  of  harm's  way  turned  around  to  gaze  at  the 
animated  spectacle.  This  disorderly  race  among  the  hundreds  of  gayly 
cloaked  horsemen  —  Spanish  cavaliers  —  mounted  on  s\nft  horses  is  indeed 
a  sight  worth  seeing,  and  the  only  one  in  the  barbarous,  ridiculous,  brutal 
show.  The  bull  came  dashing  along  just  at  our  heels,  but  finding  hiniself 
disappointed  in  flooring  an  equestrian  and  that  chase  hopeless;  ha  would 
ever  and  anon,  suddenly  make  a  bolt  among  a  motley  group  of  pedestrians. 
If  that  group  evaded  his  fury  by  dodging  in  a  friendly  doorway  or  by 
mounting  above  his  reach  on  the  latticed  windows,  he  would  dash  at 
another,  tnd  still  another,  until  exhausted  by  his  futile  attempts  he  would 
find  a  halt  necessary  for  a  fresh  supply  of  wind. 

The  animal  is  tied  at  one  end  of  a  long  lasso,  or  a  line  made  of  a  raw 
hide  twisted  with  a  noose,  the  other  end  is  held  by  a  man  on  a  fleet  horse 
Of  iastened  to  the  pommel  of  the  horseman's  saddle;  another  fellow  with 
an  iron  pointed  goad  follows  after  and  sticks  the  brute  to  make  him  li ac- 
tions. While  passing  in  this  way  through  the  crowded  streets,  the  two 
leggeu  rash  fools  present  them.selves  to  him,  with  nothing  in  their  hands 
but  a  red  rag  or  cloak,  and  when  the  maddened  beast  makes  a  plunge  at 
them,  they  dexterously  leap  on  one  side^  still  holding  the  rag  out  for  the 
bull   to  strike.     While   the  auimal  is  resting  the  crowd  by  throwing; 


lNINQS. 

Jogota  at  present,  when 
le  wished."  Hut  I  now 
the  air  in  this  elevated 
omfort  to  lay  ordinary 
rithout  the  loss  of  a  siu- 
ure.  The  day  after  my 
first  time  of  witnessinj; 
up  in  honor  of  the  au- 
ili  be  surprised  at  the 
nd  that  too  on  Sundii)/  ; 
ance.  It  was  preceded 
iigoH  of  the  most  costly 
5Ut  on  the  shoulders  of 
hen  at  the  several  teui- 
inade  for  religious  cere- 
Od  similar  occiisions  — 
crament  to  the  dying  — 
1  accompanying  it.  At 
cieutly  zealous  in  their 
r  the  ill-will  of  the  sect 
house  till  it  has  passed. 
ino  from  a  balcony  and 
il  our  party  retired  and 
have  a  nearer  and  better 
!  square  our  little  squad 
erous  cavalcade  already 
r  the  balconies  to  make 
d  in  them,  as  we  might 
the  act  of  saluting  the 
-  the  bull,  bull,  rose  from 
I ;  together  with  a  mass 
the  square,  at  the  same 
joined  in  full  speed  the 
id  around  to  gaze  at  the 
;  the  hundreds  of  gayly 
on  s\aft  horses  is  indeed 
•arous,  ridiculous,  brutal 
eels,  but  finding  hinK«eit' 
lase  hopeless;  he  would 
ley  group  of  pedestrians, 
friendly  doorway  or  by 
ows,  he  would  dash  at 
['utile  attempts  he  would 

r  a  line  made  of  a  raw 
y  a  man  on  a  fleet  horse 
le ;  another  fellow  with 
jrute  to  make  him  liac- 
owded  streets,  the  two 
nothing  in  their  hands 
east  makes  a  plunge  at 
ling  the  rag  out  for  the 
the  crowd  by  throwing ; 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  615 

missiles  of  all  kinds  would  endeavor  to  rouse  him  again  to  action.  Some- 
times he  would  only  notice  these  annoyances  by  a  t?s8  of  the  head  buTif 
an  adventurous  torjro,  bull-fighter  .n  foot,  came  very  near  with  h's  teas  n-I 
flag,  one  tremendous  plunge  indicated  his  desire  of  vengeance.  Bu't 
finding  himself  foiled  by  the  agility  of  his  tormentor,  he  would  aS 
resume  his  passive  bearing  until  roused  once  more  to  mischief  by  the 
Btee led  point  of  the  staff  or  pike  pole.  The  wounds  inflicted  by  the  goad 
would  again  arouse  .11  his  latent  anger  causing  horse  and  foot^  to  flf  tn 
one  mingled  rout  from  his  furious  onslaught.  Accidents  are  veJv 
common,  but  are  considered  as  trifles  and  the  life  of  the  sport  by  this 

'^A7t  r^^"'  r'  '' ''  f  ^""^'^••°"^'  «'-"^>  P^^^"»^'  more  particularly 
l.  ?i^?f     >  In  one  charge  of  the  bull  on  this  occasioS  I  saw  Jt 

least  ha  fa  dozen  of  them  knocked  down  under  the  feet  of  the  runnim' 
horses,  though  I  do  not  know  that  any  were  seriously  injured.     There 
was  one  occurrence,  that  afternoon,  that  completely  satisfied  ray  desire  to 
see  no  more  of  this  amusement.     The  bull  was  standing  in  the  cen    e  of 
the  square,  covered  with  foam  and  lolling  with  fatigue  -1  missiles  fla^s  no 
f^oad  seemed  to  have  any  effect  upon  him  ;  he  was^ronounced  "  goo"d  ?or 
nothing-done  ever  '-the  people  went  around  him  and  before  him 
he  even  allowed  himself  to  be  patted  without  in  the  least  noticing  it.     At 
ongth  starting   rom  us  lethargy,  he  made  a  dart  at  his  nearest  assailants 
but  the  cry  ot  oiro  toro  notified  them  in  time  and  they  escaped  the  dan  "er 
One  poor  lei  ow    however,  some  yards  ahead,  eitlier  deaf  or  so  petrified 
with  fear  as  to  disable  him  from  flying  -  was  overtaken  by  the  ra<^inIJ 
boast  and  thrown  up  in  the  air.     He  fell  without  a  sign  of  life  -wlien 
the  bull  having  passed  on,  the  unfeeling  mob  gathered  around  with  shouts 
0  laughter  and  mockery  at  his  misfortune.     He  was  picked  up  by  two  or 
three  of  {he  more  1  nmane  ones  and  borne  off  with  the  blood  streaming 
from  his  head  and  arm  and  I  neither  saw  nor  heard  more  of  him  ° 

I  am  happy  to  see  from  your  letters,  my  good  father,  that  your  trip  to 
n  ashington  was  so  satisfactory  ;  itis  cheering  to  learn  that"  Old  Hickorv  " 
IS  so  favorably  inclined  towards  you,  and  to  hear  of  his  promise  that  you 
shall  be  retained  in  your  office.  The  promise  too  of  JVIoore,  in  relation  to 
myself,  as  mentioned  in  yours  of  March  23d,  was  not  unacceptable,  but 
there  is  such  a  diflerence  between  JVIoore  and  Harrison  !  The  latter  has 
It  in  view  to  leave  his  son  here  with  Dr.  Bresson,  but  is  not  exactly  de- 
ermined.  I  wil  send  my  Journal  by  Gen.  Harrison  which  will  replace 
the  missing  numbers  of  my  letters.  I  suppose  Richard  and  Elizabct:i  are 
established  in  their  own  house,  and  so  much  taken  up  in  nurturiu-  'ittle 
Jeb,  and  the  other  stranger  tha^  I  must  be  satisfied  with  thefr  brief 
letters.     Love  and  remembrances  to  c  lo  and  all  at  home. 

Sincerely  Yours, 

(xen.  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany,  N.  Y.  R.  V.  RENSSELAEa. 


i     i3 


F',  '~A 


|[|.     j 


516 


LiiOACY  OF  Historical  Gleanings. 


I 


't    } 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

South  American  Letters  Continued. 

,  Rensselaer  Van  Rensselaer  to  Ms  Father. 

Dear  Father,  Bogota,  August  25,  1829. 

The  letter  dated  five  days  since  went  to  Carthagena  and  you  no  doubt 
will  wonder  at  receiving  another  so  soon,  but  I  send  this  by  Mr.  Gooding 
of  B  ton  who  leaves  this  for  home.  Your  No.  1  of  May  31st,  came  to 
hand  u  few  days  since,  the  detention  was  caused  by  the  mail's  having 
been  robbed,  below  Monipox  on  its  way  to  Bogota.  The  mail  boat,  having 
a  crew  of  bdgas,  besides  the  patron,  was  attaclied  by  another  boat  with 
a  similar  crew  completely  armed.  The  patron  was  killed,  one  man  badly 
wounded,  and  the  other  two  made  their  escape  by  swimmin<r  ashore.  The 
robbers  after  taking  out  the  trifling  amount  of  specie  contained  in  the 
mail  boat,  left  the  correspondence  unmolested  in  some  place  where  it  was 
subsequently  found.  Two  of  the  villainous  scape-graces  have  been  ar- 
rested and  sent  to  Gen.  Montillo  in  Carthagena,  who  ere  this  has  cured 
them  of  their  itching  propensities  for  other  peoples  lives  and  money.  My 
letter  was  among  others  moored  in  the  boat,  against  the  Magdalena's  bank, 
till  some  honest,  true  fellow  came  along,  and  put  it  on  its  right  track  for 
Bogota.  I  am  very  sorry  to  find  out  through  letters  to  the  General  from 
J.  Mac  Pherson  our  Consul  at  Carthagena,  that  no  letters  went  home  in 
the  August  packet  from  that  place  ;  the  latest  you  had  received  from  me, 
previous  to  that  time,  must  have  then  been  written  in  May  at  Barran- 
quilla  and  Monipox.  Knowing  through  them  that  I  was  on  the  river,  I 
fear  that  anxiety  to  hear  of  me  at  the  end  of  ray  route,  has  been  too  much 
the  "  order  of  the  d&y  "  at  home.  The  cause  of  the  delay  in  your  not  re- 
ceiving my  letter  was  this.  The  Government  here  has  passed  a  new  tariff 
law,  the  sure  effect  of  which  will  be  to  cut  ofi"  entirely,  I  fear,  the  valua- 
ble trade  of  the  United  States  ;  the  duty  on  flour  is  eiglit  dollars  per  bbl., 
other  products  of  that  country  in  propoi  tion.  This  new  tarifi"  was  to 
have  gone  ioto  operation  on  the  1st  of  July,  but  the  time  was  extended 
four  months,  at  the  representation  of  Gen.  Harrison,  in  order  that  the 
Merchants  at  home  might  be  saved  from  ruin,  by  timely  notice  of  it, 
Bunch  &  Co.,  together  with  others,  in  hopes  of  making  a  fine  speculation 
by  laying  in  a  large  supply  of  North  American  produce,  before  the  new 
decree  went  into  operation,  chartered  the  New  York  packet  —  then  in 
port  —  and  would  not  allow  the  Master  to  carry  a  single  letter,  for  fear 
that  word  of  the  extended  time  for  the  t!irift''s  going  into  effect,  should 
be  sent  home. 

AmonK  the  letters  thus  detained  was  Gen.  Harrison's  Dispatch  on  the 
subject  of  the  exten^i'in  and  my  two.  The  effect  of  this  abominable  tariff 
may  be  possildy  to  exclude  our  vessels  from  these  ports,  if^,so,  you  ot 
course  ^vill  know  the  iact  before  I  do,  in  that  case  our  correspondence 
will  Vjc  very  irregular;  but  be  assured  I  will  iivail  myself  of  every  known 
opportunity  of  letting  you  bear  from  nie.  The  General  is  daily  more  •,m\ 
more  pleased    with  "  blackey,  "  and  1  myself  also  fully  estimate  his  good 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  517 

Klif"''  J.!'.^^^'l^''^yonr/nrnds  aro  on  the  alert  to  save  your  office 
18  truly  patify.ng,  I  know  of  no  person  who  can  hoa.st  of  so  many^^;".  2' 
1  will  now  ask  you  to  return,  in  thought,  with  me  to  my  Southern  home 
and  accompany  the  parties,  that  every  fai;  afternoon  are^  sure  to  join  tl' 
Henderson  am.ly  in  their  excursions- the  older  people,  with  Gen  Harri- 
son, quite  frequently,  in  a  coach  and  four,  while  we^youn-^eroSes  take 
our  airing  on  horseback  in  company  with  the  young  ladfes    flavin"  now  re 

Tev  n'inrrlf '"'ir''  "^^-^1^  ^'' ""'  ^'^^"^'^  ^^  ^  trust  filly  acclhrted 
bv  ntr  tL  .  '•''  ''  ""''^f,'  '^'  ^'"^'"'^  were  always  highly  enjoyed 
C^nTtai  is  th!  r'";"f  I  7/'  "//^'^  fore\sr^evs  and  the  fashion'lbles  of  ^he 
Capital  18  the  beautiful  Alame<hi  or  public  walk.  It  is  the  prettiest  ro-.d 
n  the  vicnnty,  on  each  side  of  it  for  two  miles  is  the  hed-Vortrees  and 
hrubs,  among  the   astare  roses  and  blackberries  always  InCrin        It  it 

itTontheXi  T;  fi"%^^-«»'"g-  ^''«  other  avenues  from  the  cap- 
f  eauen?^rid^  H  """""^"'■"l*^  by  trees  or  hedges  are  too  monotonous  for 
Se  raue  towlJds  IITT  ?''  1^'"^'''^'^""^  »*  the  foot  of  the  Monte 
oeiratte  towards  the  fountain  head,  that  has  variety  enou-h  But  the 
most  romantic  of  all   is  one  leading  to  the  Monastery  or  hemitaoe  on    on 

On  h  s'lr  Mr  't 'l  '"""r"'  '\?^  '"'"^'^  ^^^°"^-''  "»  uTe  Guadeloup^^ 
Unthis  la^t,  Mr.   layloe,  Carter  Harrison    and  myself  rode  one  evenin- 

Ab"ut"S  w.:"'  ""^"'"i^^  ""i  ^°  ^"'^  *'-  ^-^  adventurous  mS: 
About  hal  way  up,  or  one  league  from  the  city,  we  halted  to  look  at  two 
wild  deer  browsing  within  a  pistol  shot  of  the  road,  tey   seemed  to  con 

^'liTfaXfeTl'*  ""^r^   -^'-.f -'  «fter  whi;h  tlfey  rernfed  thX 
satisfactory  employment  and  we,  without  molesting  the  pretty  creatures 
continued  our  way  to  the  sun.mit  of  the  mountain  rid-^e  ^  «'«^tures, 

<J>ving  to  the  circumstance  of  the  earthquake  of  182/'' bavin-  demolished 

^ti:cit?'"t  w'7"'~''  1"^'^  P/"^^  ^'"'^•^  ^--^g«  -.To  do  e 
n  t he  city  —  ,t  was  no  more  a  place  of  reso-t.     The  path  from  the  main 

ad  was  so  much  overgrown  with  weeds,  that  we  lost  it,  but  d  d  not  mTss 

he  pnnc.pa   object  of  our  ride,  the  extensive  and  grand  view  that  fix^d 

otl":iZ    "T-   ,'"'"  ""  ^"r""^^'  18«0feetT.hove  the  .ll^n  of  Ho 
KoUi,  we  had  a  .splendid  survey  of  the  lofty  Andes  with  its  in.mense  chain 

Citv  tW  I  %P.  '.  ^^'  '"' 1  ""'■  '^''  "^'''  '^''  '^^'^"■^'^•«  table  land  and 
Uty  the  last  had  a  very  sombre  appearance,  the  effect  of  the  dark  tiled 
oof  houses;  the  streets  are  all  at  right  angles,  and  throu-^h  the  centre 
flows  a  stream  of  water.  Some  of  the  summit^  around  t^w^i  to  a  Zd^- 
gious  height,  rising  far  above  the  clouds,  and  are  covered  with  perpetual 

S^r  l^'o"""'  "'^•""  ^^  '""•  ''  ■■''  ^^'^^^''^«'-  ^'-  •■'^--  ''^^  -   "t 

Ed  md    ^T^        !f  '"  T-^'r^''''  '^'^^'^  '^'''■'^'^  '""d,  but  the  climate 

wi  h  to  ''^'"^"""f  '\T^^'  '^  '^  n«^   Winter.     After  feasting,  our  eyes 

m       i' T    ""^  ■'^t'r'  'V'fT'^     '  ^"^'"'-'"^"^  by  a  still  more  difficult 

T.l    rT  ""'  b^^  "■^''«' •^'^^l  ""'^  '-^-^^-^  Hie  fine  (;>«mto  -  country 

oat-of  the  X^icm^or-General  Bolivar.    These  rides  I  fbund  very  essen^ 

mIT-  ''•^'■'•f  P°"^"°«^  «<;''^»-  Harrison  with  the  Colombian  Govern- 
on  1 ,        f  !  ""'      Z'  ' •'"'"  ^'  '""  '^""""■^''- '°'''  ^'  ^?«'"«t  the  oppressive 

w  Un  M  .  T  w  ""*''":"r  t«^^-''-  ^1^-''  citizens  &c  -gave  me  lo  much 
ntmg  that  I  was  quite  happy  to  seiz.  every  moment  for  exercise  A 
aiisnetion  has  just  now  becon.e  public  which  has  excited  the  indignation 
;  '  f'"^^/^'"f ''«''  =»'"1  Americans,      a  ap,ears  that  Nicholson  ami  T.a- 

^ei,se  —  the  two  persons  from  whom  ^  received  so  much  attention  in  Mom- 


ui 


1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

■>•  .A, 

1 

518 


Legacy  op  Histouical  Gleanings. 


.    i 


i 


pox  —  were  left  Executors  to  the  will  of  an  Englishman  who  died  some 
time  since  in  that  city.  Among  his  effects  was  eight  pounds  of  gold  dust 
(which  article  by  a  law,  issued  since  his  death,  is  made  contraband  there), 
the  executors,  who  say  they  were  not  aware  of  that  law,  sold  the  dust  to 
raise  funds  to  defray  the  funeral  expenses.  The  Governor  (Aldercrutz) 
having  heard  of  this,  sent  to  demand  the  dust,  but  they  of  course  coulJ 
not  produce  it  and  were  thrown  into  prison.  Richard  It.  Nicholson,  who 
had  been  long  sick,  and  then  laboring  under  delirium,  was,  notwithstand- 
ing the  remonstrances  of  several  physicians  against  the  rough  treatment, 
carried  off  and  as  predicted  died  in  a  few  hours.  Traverse  too  was  sick,  and 
after  this  tragedy  of  Nicholson,  was  removed  to  his  own  house  and  left  under 
charge  of  a  guard. 

After  trying  every  method  to  procure  his  release  without  effect,  (the 
amount  in  money  having  been  rejected  bv  this  Governor)  was  obliged  to 
run  the  risk  of  being  condemned  to  ten  years  imprisonment  and  the  loss 
of  the  eight  pounds  of  dust,  by  smuggling  that  amount  in  the  place  to  sat- 
isfy the  Governor's  cupidity.  Now  allowing  that  fraud  was  intended  by 
these  Executors  in  the  disposition  of  the  dust,  can  any  thing  justify  the 
brutal  and  tyrannical  conduct  towards  the  dying  Nicholson  on  the  part  of 
Aldercrutz?  No!  nor  is  this  a  single  case  of  such  treatment  towards  for- 
eii>ners,  nor  are  the  natives  themselves  exempt ;  they  are  often  made  to 
writhe  under  the  power  of  these  arbitrary  officers  who  carry  their  oppres- 
sive measures  to  an  infamous  degree,  and  it  is  not  at  all  remarkable  that 
there  are  so  many  disaffected  towards  such  a  Government.  This  disaffec- 
tion is  wide  and  fast  spreading  over  the  whole  country  ;  there  will  no 
doubt  be  great  political  changes  ere  long,  indeed  rumor  positively  declares 
that  the  President  Dictator  intends  assuming  that  power  for  life,  under 
the  name  of  Pre.tiiiUnte  Vitaluio  or  of  Emperor.  Rumor  also  says  that 
DeBresson  is  here  to  pave  the  way  for  a  Hourbon  successor  to  Bolivar 
from  France.  These  stories  all  tend  to  increase  d'saffection.  A  few  nights 
since,  placards  were  posted  in  the  streets  threatening  DeBresson  and  tin 
Duke  de  Montibello  with  assassination,  if  they  did  not  desist  from  their 
intrigues  to  effect  this  object  and  leave  the  country  This  proves  the 
existence  of  a  strong  feeling  and  many  fear  more  disturbances.  The 
Goodings,  who  were  here  and  witnessed  the  horrors  of  the  riot  last  year, 
are  collecting  all  the  debts  they  can  muster  and  the  one  brother,  for  fear 
of  another  event  of  that  kind  now  leaves  for  the  United  States. 

The  girls  I  hope  will  be  more  particular  in  the!:*  chit-chat  intelligence, 
it  is  only  through  them  1  can  expect  to  keep  the  trace  of  friends  dear  to 
me  in  youthful  days.  I  suppose  my  old  companion  —  Robert  Jenkins  is 
uiarr'.ed  by  this  time.  I  am  glad  that  my  young  friends  still  think  of  uie, 
the  Misses  Lansiugs  among  the  rest,  let  me  hear  more  of  thorn.  I  am 
really  happy  to  hear  'if  Aunt  Maria's  marriage,  she  must  know  me  well 
enough  to  be  assured  she  has  my  best  wishes.  The  note  of  Uncle  Kilian 
gave  me  great  pleasure,  it  is  characteristic  of  the  kind  feeling  he  always 
possessed  for  every  one;  the  enfeebled  state  he  was  in,  when  I  left  home, 
compelled  mo  to  think  I  would  never  see  him  again,  and  the  news  of  his 
death  was  not  uplooked  for.  If  ^practice  of  all  the  cardinal  virtues  i ' 
Christianity,  without  a  profession  of  them,  can  secure  the  transient  tenant 
of  this  life  an  after  seat  among  the  blessed,  his  soul  is  happy.  The  promise 
of  my  dear  Mother,  through  the  girls,  tiiat  I  should  have  a  long  letter  from 
her  as  soon  as  she  was  completely  well,  is  earnestly  desired  and  looked  for. 
Tell  Adeline  J.  have  written  twice  to  that  fine  fellow  Dr.  Van  Rensselaer. 


:m. 


riNGS. 

hman  who  died  some 
ht  pounds  of  <j;old  dust 
ade  contraband  there), 

law,  sold  the  dust  to 
irovernor  (Aldercrutz) 

they  of  course  could 
ird  K.  Nicholson,  who 
ini,  was,  notwithstand- 

the  rouj^^ih  treatment, 
verse  too  was  sick,  and 
</n  house  and  left  under 

so  without  effect,  (the 
vernor)  was  obliged  to 
isonnicnt  and  the  loss 
unt  in  the  place  to  sat- 
(Vaud  was  intended  by 

any  thin<:j  justify  the 
icholson  on  the  part  of 
treatment  towards  i'or- 
bey  are  often  made  to 
irho  carry  their  oppres- 

at  all  remarkable  that 
nment.  This  disaffee- 
DUhtry  ;  there  will  no 
mor  positively  declares 

power  for  life,  under 

Kumor  also  says  that 
1  successor  to  Bolivar 
ffection.  A  few  nights 
inji;  DelJresson  and  tho 
i  not  desist  from  their 
itry  This  proves  the 
re  disturbances.  The 
s  of  the  riot  last  year, 
e  one  brother,  for  fear 
tiitod  States. 

chit-chat  intelligence, 
race  of  friends  dear  to 
1  —  Robert  Jenkins  is 
lends  still  think  of  uie, 

more  of  thorn.  I  am 
he  must  know  me  well 
c  note  of  Uncle  Kiliaii 
kind  feeling  he  always 
3  in,  when  I  left  home, 
n,  and  the  news  of  his 
the  cardinal  virtues  of 
re  the  transient  tenant 
3  happy.  The  promise 
have  a  lorig  letter  from 
desited  and  looked  for. 
w  Vr.  Vau  llensselaer, 


gentlemen  dined  at 
ode  out  to 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  619 

hard   kiss  thenrho  h    •         ^'^^^^^^  K^own  very  much  and  are  studying 
la.a,  kiss  them  both  for  me.     Kemember  me  to  all.     Sincerely  Yourl 

Gen,  Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  Albany,  N.  y.^^^^Nss.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Margaretta  Van  Rensselaer  to  her  Sister. 
iJear  Sister,  a  ,,         o 

Yo„r  „„,e„„,„  Wter  found  „,e  at  Mou'^nMir^rhlV;  ,!f,..e 

grZei^i^Nf^ji^ 

Wh  m  w:r;P%'^  ^'"^•^"""  Southerners,  after  which    1   y, 

fin    ZpJcf  fl7r-"''?°"''i"'^''^«''^J  ■''  N»«  C^rove^o  view  the 

rmckerhoof  went  immediately  to  town  ind  brough  tout   h    D  cton    S 
he  meantuue  Papa  and  Catherine  came  walking  dong  on  t^'eirwv  to  fl^ 

ul  V  rnVh^i  '}  ''T'  ""P"  •  V''^  had  just  raise'd  the  DrTi^fL 
SI  ly,  and  he  laid  on  the  gras-  -^ith  his  head  on  John  Walsh's  Ian  vTl 
kdt  his  hands  and  then  se.  oai.  ,ine  to  Cherry  Hill  fb  a  cof  wh  ?h 
Grandma  soon  sent  as  also  :.,  at'    as.     Dr    McN    sepL^Jn         '.      • 

not  broken ;  h.s  ribs,  however  are,  and   his  leg  so  badly  fractal  red       Z 

wiui  mm.     ihe    I'atroon  !ias  again   inau  red  for  ih^m  nr.^  v  •  i 

J.»  .0  ae,,d  the,  up  „t  „,.ce  wia,  .ho  2i       M.„  ',  cold  h  &"'«: 

Miss  Adeline  Van  Rensselaer.  ^i  aiioaretta. 

Care  of  Jer.  Van  Rensselaer,  M    D.,  New  York. 

^'^'i- Daniel  Webster  to  Oen.  Van  Remsdnt 

'\  re^:;? Sceedingly,  that  before  your  letter  f^Tto  S  l^h^TuLe 
^n  appoiutment  to  goto  K  Hampshire  sooa  after  the  Sh  instan"'  on 


m 


520 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


t    1 


business  which  it  is  not  practicable  to  postpone.  So  long  an  interval  I'lad 
occurred  .'-iiice  I  sjiw  you,  that  I  liad  been  led  to  think  you  had  concluded 
that  it  would  be  best  to  leave  our  meeting  to  accident.  I  hope,  very 
sincerely,  it  may  yet  so  happen,  that  I  may  see  the  General  before  1  go 
South.  The  last  week  in  October,  and  the  two  first  weeks  in  Novr.  I 
expect  to  pass  in  New  York.  It  would  gratify  me  if  circumstances  should 
call  him  to  the  City  about  that  time.  The  opinions  v  '.lich  I  expressed  to 
you,  especially  such  as  relate  to  the  state  of  things  in  this  part  of  the 
Country,  have  been  much  confirmed  by  events  which  have  since  occurred. 
It  will  not  be  possible  to  repress,  for  many  months  longer,  some  public 
demonstration  of  the  General  Sentiment. 

I  am,  Dr.  Sir,  with  very  sincere  regard  Yours, 

Danl.  Webster. 
Glu.  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer,  P.  M.,  Albany,  N.  Y. 

Rensselaer  Van  Rensselaer  to  Ids  Father. 

Muy  sefior  mio,  Bogota  September  17,  1829. 

My  last  to  you,  dated  25th  ult.,  was  committed  to  the  care  of  Mr.  Joseph 
Gooding  of  Boston,  and  is  now  probably  with  him  in  the  "  Tampico  " 
wending  its  way  over  the  briny  deep,  towards  its  destination ;  if  so  you 
will  have  received  that  before  this  can  reach  its  port  of  debarkation.  I 
wish  your  letters' to  me  could  travel  so  speedily,  it  has  taken  your  quickest 
one,  nearly  three  months  after  its  date  to  reach  me.  A  cavalcade  of  about 
twenty  natives  and  foreigners,  among  whom  I  was  one,  went  out  with 
Sefior  Gooding,  as  far  as  Pu6nte  Grande,  to  see  him  thus  far  on  his  way 
home.  The  brothers  were  deeply  affected  at  parting.  The  cause  that 
leads  to  i\  .s  separation  between  them,  becomes  every  day  more  apparent. 
It  is  whispered  that  secret  meetings  are  held  at  night  by  the  Liberals  to 
concert  measures  for  counteracting  the  plans  of  Bolivar's  friends.  The 
mail  which  arrived  here  on  Monday  last,  brought  word  of  the  Tampico's 
arrival  at  Carthagena,  but  to  my  disappointment,  although  she  sailed  from 
New  York  more  thai  a  fortnight  after  Mr.  Moore,  brought  no  word  from 
home  for  me.  I  am  of  course  in  the  dark  still,  as  to  Mr.  Moore's  real  in- 
tentions respecting  myself,  but  am  inclined  to  think,  from  the  circum- 
stance of  his  not  having  brought  out  a  private  Secretary,  that  my  services 
in  that  capacity  will  not  be  unacceptable  to  him.  His  arrival,  which  is 
now  expected  hourly,  will  dispel  every  doubt;  and  by  him  I  may  look  for 
the  large  package  from  home  which  you  promised,  in  case  he  sailed  from 
New  York.  Gen.  Harrison  some  days  since  received  a  note  from  hiiu, 
dated  10th  ult ,  three  days  after  his  landing  at  Maracuybo,  in  which  he 
states,  that  he  will  leave  that  City  for  this  Capital  in  two  days,  and  calcu- 
lated upon  being  here  on  the  lUtii  of  the  present  month.  The  seven  days 
which  have  already  passed,  beyond  his  anticipated  time  for  performing  the 
journey  proves  that  lie  was  not  aware  of  the  difficulties  of  traveling  in  this 
country.  Gen.  Harrison  was  forty  days,  including  ten  days  stoppage  at 
Cuenta,  in  performing  the  same  journey.  We  are  under  some  apprehen- 
sion that  either  3Ir.  Moore  or  Mr.  Pickett  have  fallen  sick  on  the  road. 

It  is  Gen.  Harrison's  intention  to  leave  this  as  soon  as  possible,  after 
transferring  his  office  over,  in  order  that  he  may  pursue  his  route  towards 
Carthagena  at  his  leisure.  He  expects  there  the  arrival  of  the  Sloop  of 
AVar  "Natchez",  (that  brought  out  hi^^  successor)  from  Brazil,  to  wliich 
place  she  aas  gone  to  carry  Capt.  Cassiii,  and  expects  to  be  able  to  sail  tur 
the  United  States  about  the  middle  of  November.     Geu.   Harrison  will 


[NGS. 

)  long  an  interval  iiad 
Ilk  you  liiid  concluded 
cidont.  I  hope,  very 
J  General  before  1  go 
irst  weeks  in  Novr.  I 
'  circumstances  should 
V  aich  [  expressed  to 
;s  in  this  part  of  the 
1  have  since  occurred. 
!  longer,  some  public 


ours 


Danl.  Webster. 
.  Y. 

her. 

epteuiber  17,  1829. 
he  care  of  Mr.  Joseph 
I  in  the  "  Tampico  " 
estination  ;  if  so  you 
rt  of  debarkation.  I 
is  taken  your  quickest 
A  cavalcade  of  about 
IS  one,  went  out  with 

I  thus  far  on  his  way 
ing.  The  cause  that 
ry  day  more  apparent, 
^ht  by  the  Liberals  to 
olivar's  friends.  The 
ord  of  the  Tampico's 
hough  she  sailed  from 
Drought  no  word  from 
0  Mr.  Moore's  real  in- 
nk,  from  the  circum- 
itary,  that  my  services 

His  arrival,  which  is 
by  him  I  may  look  for 
in  case  he  sailed  from 
ved  a  note  from  him, 
racuybo,  in  which  he 

II  two  days,  and  caleu- 
)uth.  The  seven  days 
ime  for  performing  the 
ies  of  travelintr  in  thi.s 

ten  days  stoppage  at 
under  some  apprehen- 
en  sick  on  the  road, 
soon  as  possible,  after 
rsue  his  route  towards 
rrival  of  the  Sloop  of 
from  Urazil,  to  wliich 
s  to  be  able  to  sail  t(ir 
Gen.   Harrison  will 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  521 

leave  South  America,  carrying  with  him  the  best  wishes,  not  only  of  his 
own  countrymen,  but  of  all  the  Colombians  and  Foreigners,  who  had  tt 
honor  of  his  acquaintance.     He  is  heartily  sick  of  thi,-  tropci   America 
and  were  he  not   he  would  have   no  reason   to  regret  his  fee    1  \s  I  S 

h!  'tim  T:iuT'''t T""" "'" '^^^  ^'>"  -"^-^y eff:ct";rho„r- 

H  g  him      He  will  have  the  largest  escort  that  ever  graced  the  departure 
0    any  foreigner  from  this  Capital ;  not  a  military  escort,  but  a  ca?a  cade 

0  sorrowing  friends.  For  my  own  part  I  shall  not  leave  the  noble  man 
at  any  rate,  until  I  see  him  borne,  away  from  the  store  houses  in  Ho^da' 
by  the  waters  of  the  Magdalena.  M?.  Moore  write,  he  wHl  take  tt 
General's  furniture  if  he  does  so,  with  the  house  and  garden  he  will  noJ 
ouiy  acquire  a  supply  of  what  he  must  other  wise  procure  here  buTa  fine 
^^nety  of  Jirst  rate  vegetables,  and  this  arrangement  will  elieve  the 
beneral  of  much  trouble.  Mr.  Moore  also  mentions  in  his  letter  tha  he 
has^ia  hi,s  possession  Dispatches  from  the  Department  for  Genera  Ilarison 
Ty  undoubtedly  contain   the  official  notiJe  of  the  General's  rec    1     wo 

P  n  no  !  7  ""Tu  ^''''  ^^'  "°'^'  '''^^''  «f  *h«  Presentation  of  a  M  n  ste? 
Plenipotentiary  at  Bogota  by  his  predecessor.  I  am  doubtful  if  this  le  ter 
finds  a  passage  home,  before  the  General  leaves  this  Country  but  wil 
forward  It  on  to  Carthagena  in  hopes  that  it  may.  I  am  anxiouf  th^t  such 
should  be  the  case  as  I  see  published  in  tlJunited  StaZpape t The 
rumors  and  contradictory  statements  growing  out  of  a  war  be3„'this 
Colombia  and  Peru  which  may  possibly  give  rise  to  some  ureusine  s 
among  my  friends  at  home  ;  but  they  need  not  be  under  any  appXn  ioT 
The  War  is  an  offensive  one  on  the  part  of  Colombia,  and  is  about  siX 

ays  journey  for  light  mules  from  this;  then  too  any'occurrence  thcr/ 
produces  just  about  as  much  interest  among  foreigners  here,  as  does  the 
war  in  Eastern  Europe.^  Even  the  little  irfterest  we  lately  eceived  from 
the  military  operations  in  that  remote  quarter  of  the  Republic,  must  tZ 
another  urn,  for  Bo  ivar  having  obtained  repo.ssession  of  Guayaquil 
bj' capitulation,  seems  disposed,  if  not  obliged  for  want  of  funds  to  end 
this  famous  war  in  negotiation.  An  armistice  between  the  contending 
powers  has  aken  place,  „  May  last  for  sixty  days,  since  which  we  S 
just  heard  hat  Commissioners  on  part  of  Peru  were,  in  the  CoTombiln 
camp  treating  for  Peace.     Should^his  attempt  for  p;ace  p  ove  ab  rUve 

nd  should  the  Peruvian  forces  be  able  to  defeat  Gen.  Bolivar  in  the 

w  nld",    T'^%r'^   '•^'■'""'^  '"^^  '^'  impenetrable  passes  to  thisCty 
1  would  look  on  the  events  as  an  uninterested  spectator  ^ 

toe  ion  would  find  security  even  in  a  civil  commotion.     An  Ambassador 
an    his  family  have  always  been  considered  sacred,  even  in  the  moTbar- 
■uous    nations.     I   hope    therefore    no   one    will    give    way   to    useless 
pprehensmns  on  my  account.  _  Humor    they  say,  ,%ou,s  In  L  .wi," 
'at  lb  the  case  any  rumor  relating  to  this  country  must  be  a  monster  bv 
tiie  tune  it  reaches  you.     You  have  had,  and  undoubtedly  will  receive  more 
aaggerated  accounts  from  this  new  Republic,  but  again,  I  say,  let  my  sitSa! 
'  I.e.e.  be  a  sufficient  guarantee  to  you  of  my  personal  security,  and  let 
1"^  luid  contentment  in  knowing  you  have  no  anxiety  on  my  account    The 
'>  iiera    now  in   daily  expectation  .,f  the  arrival  of  Mr.  Moore    his  sue 

S'nerir't  ""'  't '"'  "^    K  I^"^'^"'"  ^''''  ^'"=^^"  ''  ^'«  «^"  «^^- 

1  ;n  ^  ^1     T'*"'"        "■""•'   Yr  "^3-'^'-"V^'>.  1>-  O.  Carr  is  stationed 
ll'cre)  in  order  to  acquire  as  much  knowledge  of  the  language  as  pos^sibl- 

GG  r  ^, 


522 


Legacy  of  IIihtorical  Gleanings. 


before  leaving  the  country.  Tn  a  few  weeks  the  Hendersons  will  also 
leave  the  city;  their  ostensible  reason  for  it,  is  to  jrive  the  workmen  iin 
opportunity  to  repair  damaj^es,  caused  by  the  eartluiuake,  on  their  house. 
When  they  have  gone  we  j)roposc  to  make  a  trip  to  the  Falls  of  Tequeu- 
dania,  "  one  of  the  most  remarkable  cataracts  in  the  world  about  15  or  IG 
miles  south  west  of  this  city,  on  the  river  Bogota,  a  branch  of  the  Meta. 
This  river,  which  passes  through  the  Capital,  is  compressed  (just  above 
the  falls)  from  140  to  35  feet  in  width,  and  rushes  down  a  perpendicular 
rock  at  two  bounds,  to  the  depth  of  574  feet,  into  an  unfathomable  gulf" 
Three  or  four  of  us  escorted  Consul  Henderson  and  I'amiiy  a  few  miles 
out  of  town  and  returned  by  the  light  of  the  moon. 

In  the  suburbs  we  met  a  patrol  of  twenty  men,  by  whom  we  were  in- 
stantly hailed  with  "  (^u/tO*  vivo"  (who  lives)?  ^'Colombia"  was 
answered  by  Dr.  Cheyene.  "  QuHncH  "  (who  is  there)  ?  "  Cludaddno" 
(citizen),  was  the  reply,  and  wo  passed  on  unmolested. 

While  on  the  subject  of  the  military,  a  word  or  two  for  future  remini- 
scence is  well  enough.  There  are  about  lOUO  soldiers  (juartered  in  this 
city,  and  more  or  less  in  every  place  of  any  consecjuence  throughout  the 
republic.  The  aggregate  number  of  the  regular  army  is  4U,0U0  with  70 
generals,  20U  colonels,  and  other  officers  in  proportion.  This  imnieua' 
standing  army  engrosses  all  the  revenue  of  the  country  for  its  support,  nor 
is  that  sufficient;  forced  loans  are  frecjuently  resorted  to,  in  order  to 
maintain  them  and  to  raise  funds  for  other  current  expenses.  The 
common  soldiers  here  in  the  capital  get  one  reAl — 12^  cents  yer  diem, 
without  rations,  which  is  quite  enough  to  support  them  here;  but  they 
are  poorly  clad ;  very  few  have  blankets,  none  shoes.  In  other  places 
the  pay  is  more  or  loss,  according  to  the  abundance  or  scarcity  of  provisions. 
The  common  soldiers  are  caught  on  market  days,  by  a  press  gang,  antl 
driven  to  the  cantonment  in  chains  —  where  they  are  enrolled  for  a 
number  of  years  and  axWn^  voluntario  —  volunteers.  The  dissatisfaction 
again,st  the  Government  has  now  become  so  manifest  that  those  in 
authority  begin  to  perceive  it  and  suspicions  are  awakened.  They  have 
arrested  Tenorio  under  a  charge  of  fomenting  disturbances  in  the  capital, 
and  have  thrown  him  into  prison.  It  is  supposed  that  advantage  will  bel 
taken  of  Bolivar's  advance  in  Peru',  on  the  part  of  the  Liberals  or  Consti' 
tutionalists  to  overcome  his  friends  and  those  in  favor  of  a  monarehyl 
in  every  part  of  the  country.  Such  suppositions  and  Teuorio'sl 
imprisonment,  is  the  cause  of  a  great  deal  of  distrust  in  the  city.  Cash 
people  bury  their  riches,  and  visits  are  scarce ;  people  are  fearful  of  com- 
mitting themselves  by  unintentionally  visiting  a  liberal  and  of  couist 
Bogota  is  now  a  dreary  hole.  Carter  and  the  Hendersons  are  very  mucli 
missed  by  all  at  our  Legation. 

Sept.  2\st.  A  little  before  dinner  to  day  Commodore  De  Kay  of  ih 
Braziliiin  service,  the  avant  courier,  sent  on  to  announce  the  approach  ol 
Major  Thomas  P.  Moore,  Minister  Plenipotentiary  to  Bogata  and  31r| 
Pickett,  arrived.  After  dinner  Mr.  Tayloe,  myself  and  one  or  two  of  tin 
General's  guests,  to  day  at  dinner,  rode  .out  on  the  Alameda,  the  nortli 
avenue  from  the  city  and  escorted  them  in.  They  had  been  forty  day 
traveling  from  Maracaybo  exclusive  of  resting,  were  completely  worn  oui 
with  fatigue,  and  shivering  under  their  Kentucky  cloaks  with  the  cukl| 
While  the  party  are  tolling  over  their  [lorils  b}  .-ea  and  land,  I  haste  ti 
bring  this  letter  to  a  close.  Mr.  Moore  mentions  having  seen  you  aiii 
two  of  my  sisters  in  New  York  and  that  your  health  was  good,  those  tW' 


e  Hendersons  will  also 
)  fi'ivc  the  workmen  an 
lujuuke,  on  their  liouse. 
to  the  Falls  of  Teqiieu- 
he  world  about  15  or  10 
,  a  branch  of  the  Meta, 
coniprejsed  (just  above 
;s  down  a  perpendicular 
)  un  unfathoniuble  }i;ulf." 
and  f'aujiiy  a  few  miles 
III. 

I,  by  whom  we  were  in- 
s)  '{  "  C()l()ml>!a  "  was 
here)?  "  Ciudadnm" 
csted. 

r  two  for  future  reiuini- 
ildiers  (juartered  in  this 
3(juence  throu^'hout  the 
irmy  is  4U,0U0  with  7U 
portion.  This  immense 
uutry  for  its  support,  nor 
-esorted  to,  in  order  to 
current  expenses.  The 
— 12^  cents  'per  diem, 
•t  them  here ;  but  they 
shoes.  In  other  places 
3  or  scarcity  of  provisions, 
^,  by  a  press  gang,  and 
they  are  enrolled  for  a 
ers.  The  dissatisfactiou 
manifest  that  those  in 
awakened.  They  have 
;turbances  in  the  cajiita 
J  that  advantage  will  be 
)f  the  J  liberals  or  Consti-I 
in  favor  of  a  monarchyj 
wsitious  and  Teuoriu'sl 
trust  in  the  city.  Cas 
eople  arc  fearful  of  com-j 
a  liberal  and  of  coursi 
iiidersous  are  very  muclij 

imodore  De  Kay  of  thd 
inounce  the  approach  of 
iary  to  Bogata  and  Jli'l 
elf  and  one  or  two  of  thaf 
:he  Alameda,  the  nortlj 
ley  had  been  forty  (la\| 
rere  completely  worn  oul 
y  cloaks  with  the  cuklj 
■ea  and  land,  I  haste 
IS  having  seen  you  aiiij 
alth  was  good,  those  in 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings.  523 

I  suppose  were  Adeline  and  Matilda.  Mr.  Mooro  is  an  active  little  m-in  'i 

Gen,  So,.  Va„  Re„«,aer,  P.  M.,  Albany.  /^'  Tv '£«,«..>„. 

^ietmela^r  Vtm  Ucnmtmr  to  hu  Father 
^l    1".    rt"'      .  OarthaRena,  November  17  ISW 

he  General  of  Moore's  arrival,  and  reriuested  to  appoint  an  ear  vTv  f 
.s  presentation.     Verg,.ra  called  with  Miranda,  his     hief  cler^  and  [n 
erpreter,on  Colonel  Moore  two   days  after  and  appointed     he  4  h  f 
lis  rneent  nn       Th,.  ■>?.i.  „i-  ti      .       i!         .  offoi'itea    ttio  Siilh  for 

iii>,  rLOeption.     llic    otii  o(  September,  however,  beinj;  tbe  anoiversirv 
.1  Bolivar  s  escape  from  tbe  conspirators  in  his  palace  mu\  ,,  .  ^ 

«.  witb  other  ceremonies  were  t'o  be  p.rforLd'^t     ,%,  a  te^  of'thcir 

s:::^"^"---5:Sc:;rt-!:±is-';:^^Sf^ 

costume.     This  llerrau   was  the  first  who  in  7Z\c  iLl^Zl       . 
from  Republicanism  to  a  Monarchy,  havio-   done    o  in  a  toa  t  .n  )    ''"^^ 
eompanying  speech  ;  and  from  that'discontentreum    mo  re      ue^ll"  Sn" 
f  evening  of  September  25th,  while  sitting  in  the  house' of'  "Send  i 

I   had  just  arrived  and  if  I  would  wait  for  him  there  one     our  he 
ould  give  me  the  news      He  shortly  returned  and  on  our  way  towards 

uJlf  T  /T-'"'^^  "^'"'^'  ^''«  ^••^^^  General  Cordova  was  an 
nu.rect.on.st,  and  in  arms  in  Antioquia,  with  the  determination  to  restore 
0  Colombia  her  Constitution  of  Cucuta  and  to  put  down  the  moim-chilts 
to  fall  in  the  attempt.  His  force  was  not  kiiown.  The  fJowTn  '  dav 
he  news  had  been  generally  circulated  and  created  an  intense  Stiof 
Fu-  plarly  on    the  part   of  the  Government   and   monarchist       ¥h^ 

h    ^nds  >f  nr  '"  ''''■'''  T^"^  '^  ^'^'''''  -'d  ^-  knoi    anion 
he  tnends  of  Liberty  against  the  Spaniards,  as  a  courageous  -allant  .nd 
fficent  commander.     It  is  less  than  a  yeai- since  he  prew'iled  ^Cof 
Obando,  then  at  the  head  of  the  Constiiutioual   Army.^to  lay  Iwn  Lit 


624 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


arms  nnd  thereby  .snved  the  Prcaidcnt  from  defeat  and  ruin.  Tn  the  In- 
tiiiiacy,  however,  that  ensued  in  consequence  of  this  service,  havini; 
oscertuined  that  Bolivar's  views  were  directed  to  a  crown,  lie  abundons 
him,  and  arms  in  this  holy  cause ;  he  is  the  dread  of  all  his  enemies. 
There  is  now  much  anxiety  and  commotion  among  all  the  Officials ;  all 
the  troops  they  could  muster  were  immediately  dispatched  to  put  it  down. 
Every  person  who  was  known  to  have  been  intimate  with  General  Cordova 
was  suspected  ;  some  were  imprisoned  and  one  was  extirpated. 

Well !  I  must  not  forj^et  to  tell  you  about  the  Presentation  of  Col.  Moore, 
Two  oclock,  Saturday  Sept.  2(;th,  beinjj;  the  hour  appointed,  the  Old  and 
New  Legations  from  the  United  States,  attended  by  Commodore  De  Kay 
adjourned  from  the  Huirto  (fe  Juj/nie,  to  the  Government  Palace  where 
they  were  received  by  Mr.  Castillo  the  President  of  the  Supreme  Council 
and  its  members  —  General  IJerrau  and  others  in  the  superb  saloon. 
After  a  speech  from  Gen.  Harrison  officially  introducinj;  his  successor,  and 
resigning  his  functions  ;  another  from  Col.  3Iooro  expressive  of  his  good 
feeling  towards  this  Government;  and  appropriate  answers  from  Mr. 
Castillo,  the  ceremony  ended.  It  was  laughable  to  hear  sjieeches  delivered 
in  such  a  grave  manner  as  these  were,  when  none  of  them  were  under- 
stood by  the  persons  for  whom  they  were  intended.  It  was  still  more 
diverting  to  hear  the  J'resident  of  the  Supreme  Council  felicitating  him- 
self upon  the  very  tranquil  and  prosperous  condition  of  Colombia,  at  a 
time  when  word  of  a  formidable  insurrection  had  just  been  communicated 
to  them  ;  and  when  the  interest  on  their  public  debt  had  not  been  paid 
for  years;  when  the  Government  Bonds  were  dull  sale  at  ninety-seven 
per  ct.  discount ;  and  when  there  was  not  one  cent  in  the  treasury.  Lord  ! 
save  the  United  States  from  such  a  state  of  prosperity. 

General  Harrison,  finding  himself  released  f'om  his  public  duties,  and 
knowing  that  if  he  started  homeward  now.  ho  would  be  detained  several 
weeks  in  Carthagena,  waiting  lor  the  arrival  ol  the  Sloop  of  War  Natchez 
from  Rio  Janeiro,  determined  on  gratifying  a  long  cherished  desire  of 
being-  for  a  short  time,  in  a  climate  more  warm  and  agreeable  to  his  con- 
stitution. Intending  also  to  make  short  excursions  and  see  more  of  the 
neighboring  county.  The  27th,  or  day  aiter  being  superseded  by  Col. 
Moore,  the  General  accompanied  by  Mr.  Tayloe  and  Dr.  Cheyne  rode  out 
to  Anolayma,  a  village  twelve  leagues  ofi  to  pay  a  visit  to  the  family  of 
Mr.  James  Henderson,  H.  B.  M's  Consul-General,  who  were  residing  at 
that  place;  leaving  the  keys  of  the  house  with  me  and  injuiietioiis  to  do 
the  honors  of  his  establishment  to  the  new  Minister  and  his  Suite.  The 
General's  son  was  still  in  Guaduas.  At  ten  oclock  the  following  day  I 
had  all  the  servants  of  both  families  drawn  up  to  give  his  Holiness  the 
venerable  Arch.  Bishop  a  suitable  reception.  He  called,  in  his  dark, 
heavy  coach  and  four,  attended  by  an  old  priest  and  six  servants  in  brown 
livery,  to  pay  his  respects  to  the  new  American  Minister.  I  had  the  honor 
of  introducing  the  eminent  gentlemen  to  each  other;  and  subsequently 
the  felicity  of  conducting  the  Arch  Bishop,  with  the  assistance  of  Com.  De 
Kay,  to  his  coach. ^  We  both  received  for  our  attentions,  as  many  sanc- 
timonious benedictions  as  would  have  been  rendered  any,  but  such  a  heretic 
as  myself,  invincible  to  the  shaits  of  a  legion  of  devils.  3Iy  services 
were  called  in  requisition  again  by  Col.  Moore  to  accompany  him  in  re- 
turning the  calls  he  had  received  since  his  arrival.  After  finishing  up 
more  than  twenty  —  including  all  the  Diploniutie  families  and  principal 
foieigners  and  escorting  him  home,  1  called  on  our  countryman  Gooding 


NINOS. 

;  aiifl  ruin.  Tn  the  in- 
f  this  service,  having 
)  a  crown,  ho  abaiulung 
ad  of  all  his  eneuiies. 
)g  all  the  Officials  ;  all 
patched  to  put  it  down, 
ewith  General  Cordova 

extirpated. 

jentation  of  Col.  Moore, 
appointed,  the  Old  and 
by  Commodore  De  Kay 

crnment  Palace  where 
»f  the  Supreme  Council 

in  the  superb  saloon. 
iicinji;  his  successor,  and 

expressive  of  his  good 
ite  answers  from  Mr. 
hear  sjieeches  delivered 
e  of  them  were  undcr- 
ed.  It  was  still  more 
'ouncil  felicitating  him- 
;tion  of  Colombia,  at  a 
ust  been  communicated 
lebt  had  not  been  paid 
ill  sale  at  ninety-seven 
n  the  treasury.  Lord ! 
ity. 

11  his  public  duties,  and 
uld  be  detained  several 

Sloop  of  War  Natchez 
i)g  cherished  desire  of 
d  agreeable  to  his  con- 
is  and  see  more  of  the 
ng  superseded  by  Col. 
id  Dr.  Cheyne  rode  out 
I  visit  to  the  family  of 
,  who  were  residing  at 

and  injunctions  to  do 
jr  and  his  Suite.  The 
ck  the  following  day  I 

give  his  Holiness  the 
[e  called,  in  his  dark, 
i  six  servants  in  brown 
ister.  I  had  the  honor 
her ;  and  subsequently 
3  assistance  of  Com.  Ue 
entious,  as  many  .sanc- 
1  any,  but  such  a  heretic  ! 
f  devils.     3Iy  services  | 

accompany  him  in  re- 
il.     After  finishing  up  j 

families  and  principnl 
r  countryman.   Gooding  | 


Legacy  op  IIistorioal  Gleanings.  625 

ihe^Hendlst?^  ^l!  ^^'  ^'"^  ^''""^  ""'"'^  ^'"''^  """ison  on  a  visit  to 
Gen.  Urdaneniinsorof  Wur   r    ^^o     ^'^''^^'r''^  dinpatehes  from 

In  a  coiiversution  that  evoniiH.  ■!.  n„/>,i;..         i        i         '''  "'  '*"H'*l"-y 
n.;.i.y  other  Ibroi-ncr/carr  Ztt.i   ,  ,     k    P'  "''"''''.'  "»'  P'""""'  "i"" 

Lew  to  bo  00  Irieodi    eriL  wi  h  r!j'  """',""""«.  P""™'  "■"""  ''° 

receive  pto„,o,i„„  .„/.£' ;;;;r!„^:  t^AidVo'lteS  o'j::r'"^ 

Gen.  Harrison   had  full  information  on  the  ^   Mo  M  i?!       ^  T,'^.  ^''^^ 
('•iif       oa  T  fi.      *v.     1 ,  Z""*^^"  ^  "a™  'elt  at  the  Colonel  for  m  s  ud"in<«- 

that  it  was  the  intention  of  Government  to  nXtlflffii^-l  ""thonty, 

patched  another  letter  to  the  General  bv  a  monntP.l  .,i  .         '•^''tiiwitli  di.s- 
.,.e,f  to  «„d  out  n-po^Mo  the  intc.lL'T.tt  i™    ^t'  ""'"■»'"= 

It     but  that  now  the  Genera    was  in  a  f.ir  wnv  nC  i-.       •  r,    ,.       '  " 

takes  another  breakfa.st,  I  wished  'to  know  w\YtlVrt?;u"   u  tn': i^ 

co-ieer4d  in   this   dfsLrbanc:  of  Cordovas  ;-'•  "jj^rthe'ir  ."^  T 
world."     u  Then  why  should  you  desire  to  embroil  v^u  se  f  1  v"i     '"     ^ 
Ppent  the  executi,.„  of  Hiis  Lvernment's  c't;  VinTefde^o  :^^^^^^^^^ 
lu.  correspondence  in  this  house  (and  you  don't  know  tS  h        s      he 


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Lboacty  of  Histohical  Q  leanings. 


General  is  not  answerable  for  him.     I  therefore  recorameod  yon  Ro  keeo^ 
a  bold  front  and  permit  them  unmolestedly  to  take  their  course  and  px 
amine  the  house."     Swelling  with  indignation  at  such  advice  — I  an<mlv", 
replied  that,  "  I  would  put  on  a  bold  front,  but  if  the  Government  troons 

enter  this  house,  except  over  my  dead  carcass  I'll  consent  to  be  d d  " 

He  was  terribly  annoyed  at  this  determination,  but  I  repeated  scain  that  ' 
while  I  lived  in  that  house  no  examination  of  papers  shall  take  place  in  ' 
It.     He  then  left  mo,  saying  he  would  go  out  and  make  some  inuuiriPH 
himself  about  the  substance  of  Carr's  affidavit. 

Cato  was  the  acting  porter  for  the  night  with  orders  to  call  me  if  an  v  but  I 
the  household  knocked  at  the  door  and  precautions  taken  and  preparations ' 
made  to  prove  how  fai-  man  can  go  when  spurred  by  duty.     I  threw  my  i 
self  on  my  bed  without  undressing,  with  lights  burning.     At  half  past  I 
eleven  o'clock  I  heard  footsteps  in  the  inner  square  of  the   bouse    and  i 
presently  the  door  of  my  room   opened,   when   Col.   iMoore  entered  and 
found  me  standing  by  my  table  facing  the  door,  with  sword,  dirk    "una 
pistols  &c.,  in  a  state  for  action.     "  Well  "  says  he,  "  I  see  you're  ready  "  1 
J  made  no  reply  to  that,  but  asked  him  what  he  had  learned.     "  It  is  all  i 
too  true,"  says  he, "  Henderson  is  implicated  over  head  and  ears      Tor 
rens  and  Leidersdorf  nearly  as  much.     Gen.  Harrison  less  than  any  bufcl 
all  badly  enough.     Carter's  name  is  used  too,  but  I  can't  find  out  in  what 
manner.     It  is  a  serious  affair  and  now  after  more  reflection  I  find  you  are 
right;  the  house  must  be  protected,  and  you  may  make  yourself  easy 
and  go  to  bed  with  the  assurance,  that  I  will  use  all  my  influence  to  do  so  ' 


the   house] 
Right  orl 


When  that  proves  unavailing,  I'll  use  my  arms  and  by  God, 
shan't  be  entered  for  an  examination  of  papers  while  I  live' 
wrong  the  General  shall  be  defended." 

Such  a  declaration  from  a  penson  of  his  authortiy,  and  one  whose  "ood 
will.  It  was  the  policy  and  hope  of  the  Government  to  conciliate,  operated 
upon  me  (as  it  was  uulooked  for)  in  this  moment  of  doubt  and  uncertainty 
as  a  reprieve  would  to  a  criminal  under  the  gallows.  I  involuntarily 
grasped  his  hand  in  the  agony  of  feeling,  and  if  my  eye  moistened  a  little 
It  IS  not  to  be  wondered  at,  while  muttering  something  about  his  takin"-  a 
correct  view  of  the  subject—  now  acting  in  character  as  a  Representattve 
of  the  United  States,  the  General  being  a  friend  of  mine  &c.  He  refused 
the  arms  I  offered,  as  he  had  plenty  of  his  own,  and  left  me  to  put  them 
in  order  before  going  to  bed. 

I  was  now  quite  relieved  —but  did  not  "  douse  my  lights,"  or  close  my 
eyes  in  sleep  that  night.  Next  morning  I  was  astonished  in  passing  a  shop 
to  .see  Its  owner,  whom  I  thought  at  that  time,  at  or  near  Anolayuiu! 
behmd  his  counter  at  work  as  usual ;  but  soon  discovered  that  he  had  been 
frightened  back  when  four  leagues  from  the  City,  by  a  swag<-erin" 
Colonel  in  the  Colombian  service  This  affair  loaded  me  again  with 
anxiety  and  trouble;  it  was  well  known  that  the  Republican  principles  of 
Gen.  Harrison  had  long  been  dreaded  by  this  Government,  and  that  he 
had  been  looked  upon  with  an  eye  of  suspicion  since  he  had  publicly 
contradicted  a  report,  which  they  had  industriously  circulated,  of  Presi. 
dent  General  Jackson's  intentions  to  crown  himself  King  of  the  United 
States.  Such  a  report  the  Monarchists  had  hoped  would  have  reconciled 
the  people  of  Colombia  to  such  a  change;  havin-r  been  thwarted  thus  in 
their  calculations,  there  was  no  doubt  that  they  would  if  possible,  get  rid 
of  the  man,  who  merely  in  refuting  a  slander  on  his  country,  had  been 
the  cause  of  their  mortification.     Knowing  all  this  and  feeling  that  any] 


Legacy  o¥  Historical  Gleanings.  527 

I  indignity  intended  General  Harrison  was  an  insult  to  my  country -mr 

plans  of  operation  were  speedily  formed.     I  returnJi?  hI,J     ^      ^ 

horse  — which  had  been  in  the  sb.Mp  Vl   r.i  l,"!"^  home  — ordered  a 

Uo  be  saddled  and   brSJfi  tt^wl^  f ' 'gr^!^??  ""l- "'"7- 

!  took  a  hasty  breakfast  and  gave  the  keyVof  the  ll     fl  r?^Z^  ^''""^ 

I  questing  him  to  be  his  ow^  enterS    .„  ifthe   Gen  erars  rlZl  ?' 

morrow  even  og.     "  Why  '  whprp  «r«  ,,««      •      ■>„  ^^°'^®/'"  «  ^e<^«rn  to- 

j  1  •.    T        "^  V  •  wuere  are  you  sroincr  r      aava  ha      a  t„    > 

going  on."       "You   will    h.  !1.    "TTJf,  «t''M^"«!:"?t    «f  ^^at's 


'You   will    be   sent   back 


too."       "But  I  have  a   pass- 


port  here,    showing  him  one  of  my  nistols  »nrl  n  ,u^i-      h-.    i,     1  i.-  .''"■■: 
indicating  that  they  would  not  carrrme  tl  "0  '.   .."-^"''^    ^^  ^^^^ 

have  no  right  to  stop  me  — for  the  General  i^  J\ul.  v.  •  ,  .'  ^'^^^ 
his  privileges  as  ever.  I  shall  teU  a^I  who  !,?  '  f  """'^  "°''*'*^'^  *«  «» 
thin'g-if^hey  then  peLst -I    m  Lny  deterS^  "'  *^^  ^"'"•^. 

possible."  He  then  left  me  withT  promise  todolu  I  T  "'^.  """^  ^ 
proceedings  put  oflF,  on  part  of  the  GoC^men  tfll  tV '  P  ''  %  ^'''  "" 
When  I  passed  the  parlor,  I  saw  C^r  ^W  ^f  1^     ^  General's  return. 

Uonversa^o«  with  M^lrand^ ;  thTy  bo^h  st^meT   my  tt^rSf  ^S 
«aw  me  mount  my    horse- but' the   supposition  Ztthi    Ail;  r.f 

,  jould  divme  my  designation,  and  report  it  to   tL  Secreta '     of  Sff^^i' 
did  not  in  the  least  tend  to  cause  a  diminution  of  speed  whe^undfr  h    7 

I  greater  security  ^•^pitdi  increased,  made  me  feel 

^£::^f^/rsi  r  i!f t^^t^^;^"«?^ 

sawnoone<,«  the  road  I  had  jus  left  n  ch.se  ilf  °  f"'''  *''"""'  ^ 
paoeitalongpretty  bri«klyover  thefine  pathTlf  w IITi!  ™^  T"'"  '"'^ 
than  a  ea  J  glarfce  at  the  majestic  spfendor  0  thTdL  T'  '"*^""'  '"•^'"'^ 
ains  covered  with  ylistenin-  snow    '^'77-  j  '*''°*  '""Sged  mount- 

and  .  hilly  road  w^^h  t  n^ec  ss^y  ^teZfTjTT  ''''''  '  "'J^^' 
my  hor^,  that  I  would  have  changed  hi^u  for?  fVesh  one  K'^'^  ^"»^" 
an    impossibility   as   none   could  be    nrocured  nf   S  t       ^      ^'"^ 

Shortly  after  Jving  Hipacon,  a  mud  h^eTc  n  d 'ffL  tl^rwt^^^^^ 
he  sunk  over  his  knees  in  the  stiff  day  too-ethov  w.^r  .■  i  "  i  ^'^ 
ble  pass,  near  the  edue  of  a  giddy  prednitr'  ^  '  ..T  ft'  i,  "T)''  ''r' 
up,"  he  would  not  be  excited  to  groat    Jed  bv^w  in  ''     '^""',  ""! 

along  leisuiely,  for  some  time  at  h  i  own^  'ate  ^  AtkZTI'  '  ""'^^'^ 
clattering  of  hoofs  behind  me,  I  turned  an^d  l^w  ctt'f  Itd'af  !X 


V.'V 


ill 


628 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 


■■    t 


in  the  road,  a  horseman  driving  along  at  a  furious  rate,  with  a  cockade  in  I 
Ills  hat  and, sword  by  his  side;  immediately  another  in  a  rapid  o,illon 
made  his  appearance.  The  idea  at  once  strucic  me,  that  they  had' been 
sent  at  the  instigation  of  Miranda  to  escort  me  baclc  to  the  metropolis- 
every  nerve  was  strung  for  action,  but  I  felt  quite  pleased  to  think  there 
were  no  more  of  them.  They  passed  by  me  without  checking  their  pro 
gress,  but  I  fancied  they  eyed  me  very  closely,  with  intense  surprise  and 
thought  there  was  something  satirical  in  their  salutation  which  I  returned 
and  they  were  soon  out  of  sight.  ; 

I  conjectured  now  that  they  might  have  been  dispatched  direct  to  the 
General  and  Consul   General;  and   I  most  cordially  cursed  the  whole" 
country  when  to  the  question  if  he  had  hay,  addressed  to  the  ow-^   ^  of  al 
house  by  the  wayside,  I  received  for  answer,  "  No,  Seiior,  no  hay  "     "  Ta 
there  a  fresh  horse  here  ?  "     "  No  Senor  there  is  not."     Then  givin<r  my 
poor  beast  a  desperate  spurring  with  all  my  force,  and  putting  the  whin 
in  play  at  tae  same  time,  he  went  flying  down  the  hill  after  the  two  horse- 
men, whom  I  now  discovered  at  the  foot  of  it  fixing  their  saddles     I  was 
about  passing  by  without  paying  the  least  attention  to  these  suspicious 
looking  personages,  when  they  very  civilly  hailed  me  and  told  me  that  as 
my  "horse  appeared  quite  fatigued,  I  had  better  stop  awhile  and  let  him 
blow.       Aha  !  thinks  I,  they  now  wish  to  commence  operations    and  do 
It  m  a  very  courteous  manner,  but  I  will  let  tiiem  see  I  can  match  them 
in  any  thing  if  not  check-mate.     Accordingly  I  stopped  and  replied  their' 
recommendation  was  a  very  good  one,"  and  without  appearing  to  have! 
the  slightest  mistrust  rode  up  near  them  and  in  a  gay  style  dismounted 
1  might  not  have  done  so  if  I  had  not  been  perfectly  sure  that  their 
horses  would  have  very  quickly  overtaken  me.     As  it  was,  I  had  no  other 
recourse.     I  was  well  armed,  and  they  could  not  know  it.  of  course  I  had 
every  advantage  on  that  score.   I  threw  myself  on  my  own  ingenuity  to  find 
out  their  intentions.     I  had  scarcely  alighted  when  one  of  them  bean  an 
interrogatory  with  "^^-oju/e"  (where)?     When   thinks   I,  the  pumpinJ 
must  be  commenced  by  mycelf,  so  broke  him  short  ofi",  by  maledictions  oS 
my  horse  lor  not  following  me  to  a  stake,  and  then  by  singing  out  "T'mv- 
</ame  canMa  muchacho"  (bring  me  fire  boy);  and  by  offering  cigars  to 
both  of  the  strangers.     I  beat   him  so  unexpectedly  off  his  track,  that  I 
could  now,  myself  very  naturally  interrogate,  and  did  so  by  askin- him 
where  he  Wiis  bound.     "  To  Anolayma,"  says  he.     "  How  far  is  it  from! 
here?        "  Three  hours  ride."     "  J)o  you  live  there  ?     "Yes!  I  am  the  I 
Commandant  of  Arms  there,  if  you  are  going  that  way,  we'll  ride  together. 
I  suppose  you  know  the  Consul  ?  "    "  Ofcou.se,  every  one  knows  the  Con- 
sul.      '  That  s  true     says  he.     Finding  him  so  prompt  in  his  answers,  I 
led  him  from  one  subject  to  another  in  way  of  chit-chat,  and  learned  that 
Gen.  0  Leary  and  suite  had  left  the  city  about  half  an  hour  after  I  did; 
that  the  Gov'ernment  had  sent  orders  out  to  collect  in  the  capital,  a  certain 
proportion  of  the  militia,  to  replace  the  regulars  who  had  marched  away; 
and  that  the  quota  from  the  district  of  this  commandant,  for  that  purpose 
would  be  fifty.    I  did  all  I  could  indirectly  to  discover  if  he  had  any  com- 
mission  for  Gen.  Harrison  or  Henderson,  but  for  fear  of  betrayin-  too 
much  anxiety  on  that  subject  was  obliged  to  drop  it,  satisfied  that  either 
he  hud  none,  or  that  he  was  too  good  a  politician  to  let  me  know  it.     The 
times,  his  manners,  and  the  mode  of  hi.  sorting  a  conversation  with  me, 
all  had  a  tendency  to  keep  my  vigilance  on  the  alert;  therefore  notwith- 
standing his  suavity  of  deportment,  I  always  kept  an  eye  upon  his  move- 


Legacy  op  Historical  Gleanings.  529 

ments  and  a  hand  on  a  pistol.     We  took  some  chichi  together  and  at  his 
instigation    gave   a  quantity  to  our  horses,  he  said  it  would  revive  them 

:n\  r't'the  ^o'm^'r'/'v?^  ^'^^«  pronored  S^i 
drunkard  by  the  Commandant.  Vie  then  mounted  and  I  was  nolitelv 
offered  the  lead,  and  ust  as  politely  insisted  upon  their  takZ  ifthlnf 
.Ives  alleging  that  my  nag  Luld^follow  bette'rthn     ad,  Sides ^W 

:iLTtal7mSon  t^.  T     ''''7  "^'^^"^'"^^'^  ^^^^^^^  «"  ahead  and  i 
licitated  myself  on  the  success  of  my  maneuver  by  which  I  had  escanad 

'     wrr^  '  {  "^"\'"ri  ^"  '^'  ^•«^^'  »"d  merril/pushed  on  after  thr 
Whether  the  chich.  had  the  efficacy  ;he  Commandant  ascribed  to  it  or 
whether  my  horse  was  fond  of  company  on  this  lonely  road  I  know  not 
bu   It  ,    certain  that  he  now  got  along  quite  as  fast  as  when  first  sLiS^ 

rehinr'Se";  ""  °T'V^^^  ^'>*^^"   their  furious  driving  leave  him 
behind.     The  commandant  was  quite  as  fond  of  society  as  my  horse  md 
very  communicative -he  told   me  he  was  CarracanianVbSh- talked 
much  of  commerce  -  shipping  and  steamboats.  He  had  o^noe"one  a Ihree 
daysjourney  from  Anolaymuto  Peiion  de  Conejo  to  see  one -and  was 
quite  astonished  when   I  told  him,  that  those  knd  of  vessels  on   soZ 
rivers  in  the  United  States,  were  as  plcnt^'ful  as  champin  Ttho  mZ 
alena.     He  gave  me  the  names  of  the   different  kinds  of  elegant  lar"e 
trees  by  the  road  side  -  pointed  out  to  me  a  spot,  marked  b/a  cro  s  0? 
rough    wood-where    u  countryman    returning  from   markerhaTbee„ 
murdered  and  indicated   the  site   in  a  deep  ravine,  where  hi     body  haS 
een  found,  almost  destroyed  by  the  .^^a^^miia  -  buzzard  ;  and  woundup 
by  intimating   hat  ,t  was  very  imprudent  for  a  stranger,  like  me,  to  travel 
«m«r-w,thout  arms.     I  gave  him  my  assent  to  his  posi  ion   with 
something  ike  a  contemptuous  smik       and  thought  how  disappSed  he 
would  be  If  he  had  any  simster  desig..s  on  my  perse,  provided  he  um'er! 
took  to  carry  them  into  effect,  to  find  me  so  ready  to  meet  him.     After  a 
while  we  came  to  a  halt,  on  a  little  flat  at  the  head  of  a  long,  dreary  steep 
and  narrow  pass  -a  place  well  calculated  for  any  "  deed  of  darknJss  ''2 
when  pulling  from  h-'s  pocket  a  short,  thick  ivory  whistle,  L  turned  rou^ 
nd  observed  that  it  was  necessary  to  carry  such  a  thing  in  order  to  warn 
rlT  U    "^'^  '"'  approach  at  such  narrow  defiles  or  there  w^u  3 
fi  a  difficulty  in  passing  each  other.     Then  giving  a  long  shrill  blast  he 
eld  his  head  down   ,n  an   attentive  position,  and  directly  the  peculiar 

\tTlt"  T"'  ""'^^'''^  '"  ^"^^^^  *"^«°'  ^he  deep  dell  beneath  us 
1  ieofficergave  twomore  blasts-  tworesponsive  whoopswere  heard,  which 
latisfied  h.m  that  the  mules  below  had  stopped  and%alling  out  Vme 
lAhdra  va^dmonos'  (htus  go  on  now),  he  put  the  spurs  in  his  na-^and 
way  he  went,  myself  at  his  heels -down  the  rough,  crooked  escafh-n 
staircase).  I  had  a  few  days  previous  read  a  well  .HtteTtale  in "nl  of 
he  magazines  of  the  adventures  of  Spoliano,  an  Italian  Bandit ;    he  scenes 

h.?  ^T      '^  ''  ™r ^^  'i''  -/"^^  "^y  P'««^»<^  '^'^-'^on  so  much 
to  that  01  the  victims,  who  had  been   lured  within  his  power,  that  I  now 

gave  up  the  idea  of  my  cicerone's  being  a  government  messenger,  and  nuT 
bm  down  for  one  of  Spohano's  occupation.  His  story  of  the  murdered 
tpano  (countryman) -his  allusions  to  my  defenseless  situation -h^ 
UTa-  ""'.'k  '"  ''  '""""v.^''^  confirmative  of  this  suspicion  -that  instead 
0  firiding  the  persons  who  had  answered  his  shrill  summons  with  a  shout 
Hmp  e  inoffensive  muleteers  - 1  expected  shortly  te  see  a  parcel  of  Zl 
whiskered  and  mustachioed  outlaws.     Kach  with  machettas  in  their  hands' 


■Pir  I 


h 


630 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings 


spring  out  from  their  hiding  places  among  the  rocics,  with  "  (far  me  su 
2il(ifa,"  (give  mc  your  money).  However  we  sallied  out  at  the  foot  of 
the  iscahra  without  an  adventure,  where  we  found  an  old  Indian  with  liis 
squaw,  mule  and  ox  freighted  with  hid'is  of  molasses  —  from  him  cauie 
the  whoops. 

All  doubts  of  the  Commandant  were  entirely  dispelled  only  when  wo 
came  to  the  great  square  of  the  romantic  village  of  Anolayma,  then  ho 
pointed  out  to  me  the  way  to  the  Consul  General's  residence  and  with 
"  Adios  Senor,"  turned  taking  another  direction  for  his  home  followed  by 
his  attendant.  It  was  now  sunset ;  all  the  ladies  and  gentlemen  except 
the  General  were  out  enjoying  their  evening  walk,  giving  nio  an  uninter- 
rupted opportunity  of  communicating  the  unpleasant  tidings  to  him. 
lie  could  scarcely  believe  in  the  reality  of  the  information,  that  Carr  for 
whom  he  had  done  so  much  could  have  proved  the  ungrateful  perjurer. 
Conscious,  however,  of  his  own  innocence  he  did  not  evince  the  least 
alarm  or  uneasiness  upon  the  occasion  but  very  unconcernedly  walked  off 
with  me  to  meet  Henderson  and  Tayloe.  I  had  borne  the  news  to  those 
so  deeply  interested  and  the  following  morning  Tayloo  left  for  Guaduao, 
while  General  Harrison  and  Consul  General  Henderson,  of  course,  repaired 
with  all  possible  expedition  to  the  capital  to  meet  any  charges ;  none  were 
preferred  against  them  —  but,  notwithstanding,  Henderson,  Torrens,  and 
Leidendorf  very  soon  received  tlieir  Passports  to  leave  the  Country  at  a 
short  notice.  The  friends,  whom  I  had  left  behind  me  in  Bogota  the 
morning  I  started  with  the  evil  tidings,  were  every  moment  looking  out 
in  the  most  anxious  expectation  of  seeing  me  brought  back  a  prisoner. 
Mr.  Moore  was  than  in  trouble  too,  lest!  should  come  in  contact  with  the 
"eprobate  Carr,  who  with  O'Leary  was  rlosc  at  my  heels,  he  told  thoso 
friends  that  if  we  did  meet,  it  would  be  "  a  bloody  meeting."  It  must 
undoubtedly  have  been  such  had  they  attempted  to  stop  me,  but  I  am 
very  happy  now  I  did  not  see  him,  it  is  far  better  for  both. 

When  Mr.  Tayloe  and  Carter  Harrison  arrived  the  hearts  of  all  parties 
could  beat  more  evenly.  Carr  reached  '^uaduas  the  same  evening  that 
Tayloe  did,  and  the  scoundrel,  supposing  that  Tayloe  had  not  yet  iioanl 
of  his  villainy,  went  up  to  him  in  a  most  hyjHicritii'al  manner,  aTid  oflered 
him  his  hand,  but  Tayloe  after  eying  him  scornlully  a  moment,  turned 
his  back  upon  him  without  saying  a  word  —  when  (^arr  siioakcd  out  of 
the  house  like  a  sheep  stealing  dog. 

He  met  young  Harrison  on  his  way  out,  but  passed  by  him,  with  liis 
eyes  on  the  ground,  without  opcni.ig  his  mouth  to  the  iutimuto  friend,  or 
companion  rather,  though  at  [\u\t'u  Aith  him  a  lew  days  before,  he  had  shed 
a  copious  flood  of  tears.  Geul.  J'licavy  when  told  by 'i'ayloe  oi'  Carr's 
shameful  conduct  declared  that  he  had  not  known  of  it  before,  and  that  lie 
had  been  put  in  his  staff  without  his  wish,  or  consent.  How  much  proba- 
bility there  was  in  that  statement,  may  be  inferred  from  the  fact  that  —  my 
authority  from  whom  I  first  heard  that  Carr  had  made  such  a  dejiosition, 
and  which  proved  correct  as  far  as  it  went,  stated  most  positively  thatGenl. 
O'Jjeary  and  Carr  were  together  when  it  was  made.  The  jealousy  of  the 
government  townrds  the  friends  of  Cordova  is  proved,  because  as  soon  as  the 
news  of  his  raising  the  constitutional  standard  was  heard  in  the  capital,  his 
own  nephew  who  was  quite  aboy,with  some  [  ersonal  friends  were  thrown  into 
prison.  It  was  manifested  also  in  the  exile  of  Nicholasa  Ibjra.  a  lady  of 
great  beauty,  wealth  and  accomplishments  ;  the  mother  of  six  children  —  ti 
great  Liberal.   Her  friendship  for  the  calumniated  and  unjustly  exiled  V^ice 


JQ8. 

6,  with  "  (far  mc  nu 

d  out   at  tho  foot  of 

i  old  Indian  with  ]m 

—  from  him  cauie 

ollod  only  when  wo 
Anohiyniu,  then  he 
residence  and  with 
is  home  foUowed  by 
i  geutlonion  except 
ving  mo  an  uniiitcr- 
ut  tidings  to  him. 
ation,  that  Carr  for 
ungrateful  perjurer. 
)ot  evince  the  least 
icernedly  walked  otF 
e  the  news  to  thuM; 
JO  left  for  Guaduao, 
I,  of  course,  repaired 
charges ;  none  wore 
lerson,  Torrens,  ami 
vc  the  Country  at  u 

me  in  IJogota  the 
iionicnt  looking  out 
lit  back  a  prisoner. 

in  contact  with  the 

heels,  he  told  those 

meeting."     It  must 

stop  me,  but  I  am 

both. 

hearts  of  all  parties 
3  same  evening  that 
had  not  yet  lioiird 
manner,  and  oflered 
y  a  moment,  turned 
Carr  sneaked  out  of 

d  by  him,  with  !iis 
3  ill ti mute  friend,  or 
s  before,  he  had  shod 
by  'i'ayloe  of  Carr's 
b  before,  and  that  ho 
How  iiiucli  probii- 
1  tho  fact  that  —  my 
0  such  a  deposition, 
positively  thatGenl. 

The  jealousy  of  the 
eeause  as  soon  as  tlic 
irdin  the  capital,  his 
ids  were  thrown  into 
asa   lb:;ra.  a  lady  of 

of  six  children  —  ti 
unjustly  exiled  Vice 


Lkgacy  op  llisToiircAL  Gleanings.  681 

Prosidont,  Santander,  had    drawn  upon  her  tho  8U.spicionH  of  govornmont 
and  she    was  accused  oi    holding  political  meetings  at    her  elegantly  Im- 
iiishe.1  ^^<;</a  (country  seat)   near  tho  city,  and  sent  off  under  a  guard  ot 
soldiers,  aeeompanied  by  u  crippled  son  ami  daughter.     The  expectations 
ot  the  perjured  craek  brained  Virginian  in  reward  for  his  unparalleled  vil- 
ainy  have  been  amply  rewarded  ;  ho  is  indeed  attached  to  the  ,-,   Mo  of  (Jen 
0  Leary,  but  with  all    this  honor    he  bears    the  most  cordial  contempt  of 
every  honest  man  of    all    parties.     Nor   does   any  person  attempt  to  sup- 
j.ross   the    feeling  at    his    duplicity   in    worming  himself  into  the  good 
opinion  of  individua  s,  „,  order  to  draw   from  then,  cireumstanees  whereon 
to  found  a  tale  which  so  far  imposed  on  a  distracted  and  credulous  govern- 
ment, as     o  elicit    Its  benef  in  his  voracity  ;  and    consequently  procured 
MS  promotion  at  the  expense  of  his  confiding  friends.     The  unpjinoiplod 
el  low  s  course  to  adva.ice  liim.self  was  this  ;  having  learned  that  last  year 
before  setting  out  on  his  successful  campaign  against  Col.  Obando  in  Pop. 
ayan   this  Ounoral  (..rdova  had  been   very  attentive  to  one  of  the  beauti- 
lul  daughters  of  Consul  Ceneral    llen.leison,  and  that   common  fame  had 
spoken  of  an  engagement  at  the  time,  (however  untrue,  the  young  lady  was 
but  thirteen  years  of  age),  and  knowing  how  suspiciously  the  Government 
viewed  all,  who  had  ever  been  on  tonus  of  intimacy  with  (Jen.  Cordova, 
this  perhdious  fellow  paid  a  visit,  uninvited,  to  this  unsuspecting  family  at 
Anolayma        le  was    kindly  welcomed  —  he  had  partaken  of  their  fUro, 
walked    talked  and  sung  with  the  young    ladies  —  he  had  boon  treated  us 
a  friend  but,  most  faond  like,  he  was  then  plotting  their  ruin.     On  his  re- 
turn he  invented  the  tissue  of  absolute    falsehoods  upon  which  only  rests 
he  apology  ol  this  government  for  its  outrageous  proceedings  against  tho 
Diplomatic  Agents  ot  other  countries. 

It  remains  to  be  seen  if  those  c.untries  will  accept  so  paltry  an  excuse 
lor  Its  insub'H.     General  (!ordova  had  been  exceedingly  pleased  with,  and 
very  assiduous  in  his  devotion  to,  Miss  Fanny,  the  third  daughter  of  Con- 
sul  lleuderson.      When  in  Uogotu  bis  leisure  moments  were  spent  in  tho 
society  of  that  family,  he  walked,  rode  and  was  ever  with  them  at  parties  • 
tlioy  owed  much  to  his  civilities.     Tlioy  described  him  to  be  the  handsom- 
est of  all  Co]..mbians,  rather  tall,  well  made,  dark  hair  and  eyes,  expression 
determined  and  dignified,  gentlemanly  in  all  his  actions,  above  all  a  man 
ot  tlie  strictest  honor,  bis  word  could   always  be   depended   upon.     They 
iKul  full  opportunity  of  judging  and  appreciating  his  character.      When  ho 
:md  Gen.  liolivar  left  the  capital,  to  put  down  Obando,  before  they  pursued 
their  expedition  against  I'oru—  Mr.  Henderson  rode  out  with  them  some 
oagues,  and  at  parting  asked  liolivar  to  write  often  to  lot  him  know  how 
ho  prospered      He  answered  in  a  laughing  way,  "  I  will  be  too  much  eu- 
gaged,  but  Cordova,  I  am  sure  will  tire  you  with  letters —  he'll  give  you 
Jill  the  news."     Cordova  did  write,  and  probably  did  give  all  tho  passing 
events  —  oftlus  many  people  knew  — Carr  too  must  have  heard  of  it,  which 
enabled  liim  to  weave  bis  diabolical  tale.     Cordova's  splendid  career  to  es- 
tablish the  liberties  of  the  country  and  cast  off  the  yoke  ofSpauish  oppres- 
sion and  tyranny  was  often  openly  discussed  j   the  peaceful  termination  of 
Lol.  Obando  8  insurrection,  was  attributed  to  him.     Mr.  Henderson  had 
conversed  (|uite  freely  with  me  on  the  situation,  history  and  affairs  of  Co- 
lombia and  (;V)lombians.      His  connection   with   Cordova  was   told  to  me 
openly  for  there  was  nothing  to  be  concealed.     After  Cordova  had  eon- 
cmded  a  pacific  nogociation  with  Col.  Obando  — he  by  some  means  became 
convinced  of  Holivar's  schemes  of  ambition  and  not  being  able  to  brin<'  Iiis 


Legacy  of  Historical  Gleanings. 

pure  principles  to  favor  them  —  tendered  his  resignation.  This  Bolivar 
refused  to  accept  and  knowing  his  vast  influence  and  efficiency  —  appointed 
him  Minister  of  Marine,  in  order  to  reconcile  him  to  his  own  measures. 

Cordova  understood  the  motive  of  this  favor  —  but  inatead  o*"  swallowing 
the  bait — instead  of  proceeding  as  directed  to  Bogota  to  enter  upon  the 
duties  of  his  new  office  —  he  returned  home,  as  events  have  shown,  to  oppcwe 
the  progress  of  monarchy  and  to  sustain  the  dearly  purchased  liberties  of 
the  country  in  her  struggles  for  independence.  The  circumstance  of  his 
difference  with  Bolivar  was  mentioned  in  one  of  his  letters  to  Consul  Gen- 
eral Henderson;  who  in  reply  regretted  it  —  and  advised  him  by  all  means, 
to  keep  upon  good  terms  with  the  Liberator,  but,  if  the  unfortunate  quarrel 
was  not  settled,  he  desired  that  he  should  not  be  written  to  more  on  the 
subject,  as  he  might  be  involved  into  difficulty  by  such  a  correspondence. 
In  consequence  of  this  discreet  and  proper  request,  so  decided 'y  expressed  — 
Cordova's  subsequent  letters  were,  as  his  previous  ones  had  been  of  a  gen- 
eral or  of  a  friendly  import,  and  Henderson  did  not  fear  publishing  them, 
entire,  to  the  world.  There  was  a  story  put  in  circulation  in  Honda,  of 
the  capture  of  a  servant  of  General  Cordova,  on  whom,  it  was  said  letters 
were  found  from  that  General  directed  to  Consul  General  Henderson,  ad- 
vising him  by  all  means  to  leave  the  country  at  once.  It  proved  to  be  a 
mere  rumor  and  the  family  were  so  strongly  impressed  with  the  idea  that 
Colonel  Campbell  was  at  the  foot  of  all  the  mischief,  that  a  confirmation 
of  it  did  not  excite  the  least  surprise.  Circumstances  favored  lue,  and 
through  them  I  learnt  that  the  enmity  of  Colonel  Campbell  towards  Mr. 
Henderson  was  the  sole  promoter,  if  not  the  origin  of  all  this  mischievous  ca- 
ballini 


END  OF  VOL.  I. 


m.  This  Bolivar 
ioncy  —  appointed 
8  own  'neasurea. 
tead  0*"  swallowing 
I  to  enter  upon  the 
'e  shown,  tooppcite 
rchaRed  liberties  of 
ircuniBtance  of  his 
ers  to  Consul  Gen- 
1  him  by  all  means, 
tnfbrtunate  quarrel 
;en  to  more  on  the 
I  a  correspondence, 
ded'y  expressed  — 
had  been  of  a  gen- 
ir  publishing  them, 
ition  in  Honda,  of 
,  it  was  said  letters 
ral  Hendertjon,  ad- 
It  proved  to  be  a 
with  the  idea  that 
hat  a  confirmation 
8  favored  me,  and 
pbell  towards  Mr. 
;his  mischievous  ca- 


Aaron,  Mr.,  112. 

Abraham  P.  Lott  to  Philip  Van 
RenB«iela(3r,  5S. 

Account  current,  cnrlous,  335 

Acogta,  Col..  4M. 

AdBiiio,  400,  410,  41.1. 

Adams,  Andrew,  57,  68 

Adams,  John,  .38,  81,  150. 

Ad'ims,  John  6.,  ,307,  :m,  308, 
403,  406,  416,  437,  404;  to 
Solomon  Van  R.jnsselaer, 
403;  president,  149. 

Adams,  Mr.,  54,  383,  416,  430. 

Adama,  Samuel,  38,  lilO 

Affrays,  167-1«8;  statiiment  of 
facts  of,  169 ;  speech  at  trial 
of,  170-182;  awards  In  re- 
spect of,  182. 

A  hard  Kallop,  527 

Ai.x-la-Chapelle,  treaty  of,  18 

Albany,  appointment  of  post 
master  at,  366. 

Albany,  first  mayor,  8,  first 
clerk,  8 ;  first  recorder,  8 ; 
first  pastor.  8. 

Albany  QiiUl,  the,  dreaded,315. 

Albany  made  the  capital,  183 

Albany  post  ottlce.  correspond- 
ence about,  ;i88-.392. 

Alexander,  Captain,  12, 

Alexander,  Joseph,  196,  197, 
199,  200,  201,  203.  205,  207, 
209,  219,  228,  229,  236,  242, 
243,  244,  266,  26>;,  273,  274, 
275,  27H,  278,  280,  288,  297, 
298,  300,  303,  486 

Allen,  Col.  Ethan,  41,  48. 

Allen,  Nathaniel,  378. 

Alligators,  extraordinary  num  • 
bers  of.  481. 

Alligator's  nest,  sleep  in,  490. 

Allyn,  Captain,  41i. 

Alye,  Capt,.  46. 

Ames,  Mr.,  ,344. 

Amhnrst,  General.  28,  33, 

Amsterdam,  incidents  in,  118 

Ancient  orders,  18,  19. 

Andes,  origin  of  name  of,  438. 

Andrews,  Capt.,  119. 

Andros,  Edmund,  8. 

Anecdote,  amusint;,  103. 

Aiinora,  Capt,,  116, 

Anolayama,  Adios  Seiior,  530. 

Anthony,  Charles,  420. 

Anthony,  Gen.,  90. 

Appling,  Lieut,  Col,,  ,325. 

Armistice,  news  of,  .306. 

Armstrong,  Capt.,  258,  263. 

Armstrong,  Col., 63. 

Armstrong,  Gen.  John,  216, 
231,  255,  2a5,  305,  308,  310, 
311.  316,  .318,  319,471,  472; 
to  Judge  Spencer,  471. 

Army  news.  111. 

Army,  number  of,  522. 

Arnold,  412. 

Arnold,  Col.  Benedict.  48. 

Arnold,  Gen.,  53,  70,  186. 

Arrest,  485. 


INDEX. 


Assassination,  horrible,  433. 
Atwater,  Hon.  (Jaleb,  431. 
Avendano,  Seflor  Martin,  497, 
498.  49tt. 

Babblngton,  Sarah,  51. 

Bacon,  ,John  P.,  354. 

Bailey,  Gen,,  385. 

Bainbrldge,  Com.,  351. 

Bainhart,  Mr.,  202. 

Baker,  Caleb,  *«. 

Baker,  Major  D..  424. 

Balcom,  Col,,  ,309 

Baldwin,  Ebenezor,  486. 

Ball,  Lieut.  Gen.,  141. 

Baricker,  Gerard,  83. 

Banyar,  George,  .36. 

Baptist,  John,  25. 

Barber,  Gen.,  107. 

Barbour,  Hon.  P.  P.,  268,  885, 
408. 

Barbour,  .Tames  W,,  356. 

Barnum,  P.  T.,  400. 

Barnum,  Stephen,  311. 

Barny,  Joshua,  .318. 

Barranqullla,  442. 

Barron,  .Tames,  350, 

Barry,  Wm,  P,,470,  487. 

Barten,  Judge,  2.36. 

Barton,  Mr.,  289, 292. 

Barun,  Lieut.  John,  66. 

Basset,  John,  152, 

Bates,  Stephen,  311. 

Battle,  after  tha,  230-2.S3. 

Battle  01  Queenston  Heights, 
238. 

Bayard,  Judith,  10. 

Bay,  Cornelius,  76. 

Bay,  Dr,  William,  156,  327, 
357,.367,  .377.    -s,  .381,4.36. 

Bay,  John,  of  C,    .orack,  404. 

Bay,  Mary,  427. 

Beard,  Mr.,  222,  223. 

Bearer  of  bad  news,  530. 

Beck,  N.  P.,  486. 

Becker,  Mr.,  432. 

Bedell,  Col  ,  .53, 

Beekman,  Caty,  428. 

Beekman,  Mr.  Jerard,  428. 

Beeldsnyder,  S.  C,  120. 

Beers,  f.  Wm.,  152. 

Belknap,  Lieut.,  3,35. 

Belli,  Juo.,  98 

Bellingers,  Lieut  ,  224, 

Benedict,  Col,,  199. 

Benevolent  Society,  the  Wash- 
ington, to  Cols.  Van  Rens- 
selaer andLovett,  281-283. 

Benson,  223. 

Benson,  Capt., 49. 

Benson,  Mrs.,  146. 

Benson,  Robert,  57. 

Bentou,  Gov.,  158. 

Berry,  John,  ,321. 

Beverly,  Mr.,  416. 

Bewel,  Col.,55. 

Bibb,  GeorgeM.,3n;  to  John 
J.  Crittenden,  317. 

68 


Blddle,  Major,  434. 

Blrdsall,  >IaJor,  333. 

Blanchard,  Judge,  388. 

Bleecker,  tlarmanus,  828,  867, 
415. 

Ble«cker,  John  James,  Mr.,  67. 

Bleecker,  John  R.,  486. 

Bleecker,  Mr.  Bareat,  158. 

Bleecker,  Solomon  Van  Rens- 
selaer, 418. 

Blenheim  House,  visit  to,  187. 

Blodget,  Mr.,  Hi. 

Blodgett,  Samuel,  38. 

Bloodgood,  178,  182. 

Bloodgood,  Col.,  418. 

Bloodgood,  Francis,  168,  190, 
48't. 

Bloodgood,  Mr.,  167, 175, 180. 

Bloom,  Col,,  2''1,  2;M,266,  257. 

Bloom.  Lt.  Col.,  267. 

Blue,  Lieut.  Wm.  K.,  to  Capt. 
Van  Rensselaer,  106, 128. 

Blue,  R,  W.,  123. 

Bogardus,  Gen.,  487. 

Bogardus,  Robt.,  .366,  367. 

Bogart,  Isaac,  ,327. 

Bogota,  climate  of,  473. 

Bogota,  recuperating  at,  512. 

Bolivar,  Gen.  Simon,  4.37,  440, 
454,  462,  499,  500,  517,  521, 
522,  52;j,  524,  HHl,  532;  and 
Cordova,  523;  president, 
4>15 :  to  assume  royalty,  499. 

Borland,  ,375. 

Bounties,  heavy,  to  soUliers, 
.32-1. 

Bowyers,  Capt.  Henry,  34. 

Boyd,  General,  321. 

Boyd,  Mensrs.  334. 

Boyd,  Peter,  131,  275. 

Boyd,  Robert,  Junr.,  .55. 

Braddock,  Gen , ,  18,  75, 136. 

Bradford,  Dr.,  327,  355. 

Bradford,  John  M.,  149. 

Bradley,  402. 

Bradley,  W.C,  408. 

Bradstreet,  General,  .32. 

Bradt,  Alida,91. 

Bradt,  Peter,  42. 

Bnunard's  bridge,  418. 

Brandt  Van  Hook  to  Philip 
Van  Rensselaer,  71. 

Brant,  Capt.,  53. 

Br.;nt,  John,  262. 

Brant,  Joseph,  3,  53, 128. 

Bratt,  Alida,  10. 

Bratt,  Maria,  17. 

Bray.  Mr.,  93. 

Breeks,  J.,  94. 

Breech,  Ens.,  124. 

Bresson,  M.  De,  503,  504,  508, 
510. 

Bresson,  Dr.,  515. 

Bridgen,  Mayor  T.  A.,  418. 

Bridge  of  Paudi,  a  party  visit, 
608. 

Brinckerhoof,  Geo.,  519 

British,  a  brush  with,  286. 

British  fleet,  capture  of,  ."20. 


:•! 


in 


684 


Index. 


k 


BroadBtroot,  John,  94. 

Brock,  (lull.,  aio,  ivi,  810,  217, 
•i\»,  !i«»,  '«!,  •ii-2,  -iati,  *i;), 
a;M,  •in^,  iii,  mi,  m;,  an, 

8ti7,  aiH,  a7(),  -271,  •^7!<,  ^7;), 
a7S,4«l;  tuOuii.  Van  (leiiB- 
BL'laur,  m ;  klllciil,  »1H. 

Brock,  Iwmc,ai5,  aW) ;  toOen. 
Van  UiuiHHulHur,  aAO. 

Brook,  110. 

Brook,  Col.,  8.31. 

Broom,  Mr.,  187. 

Brooiuu,  Caroline,  897, 

Brown,  Doctor,  88(1,  88.'). 

Brown,  Uv.it.,  171),  iii,  H44. 

Brown,  Hubbard,  M. 

Brown,  Jacob,  iXla. 

Brown,  Mr,.  li)3. 

Brown,  Mrs.  Senator,  368. 

BruBh,  Adjutant,  41H. 

Brush,  Mr.,  ;15,5. 

Brush,  Captain,  2SS. 

Brush,  John,  *i-». 

Bucktal  Is,  democrats  and  fede- 
ral ista,  388. 

Buell,  Major,  1 19. 

Buel,  Gen.  Nath.,  55. 

Bull  light,  a,  514,  515. 

Bunch,  Mr.,  44H,  4H,5. 

Burgoyne,  Gen.,  48,  69,  60,  81, 
(13,  «4,  06,  (Mi,  «7,  68,  78. 

Burke,  445,  44«. 

BurlluL'toi.,  Vt.,  407,408. 

Burr,  Aaron,  US,  186,  193,408. 

Butler,  Col.  Thomas,  140,  141, 
148,  143, 144 ;  to  Capt.  Van 
Kensselaer,  143. 

Butler,  Lieut.  Col.,  146. 

Cady,  Daniel,  408. 
Cady,  John  W.,  408. 
Calhoun,  JohuC.,  145,  338,  .362, 

368,  870,  378,  883,  408,  409, 

430. 
Cambreleng,  C.  C,  868. 
Cambrelling,    vice   president, 

387. 
Campaign,  journal  of,  194. 
Camp))ell,  375. 
Campbell,  Archibald,  .368. 
Campbell,  Captain,  103. 
Campbell,   C.tpUin  li.   M.  to 

Captain    Van  Kensselaer, 

9t). 
Campbell,    Capt.  R.  Ms.,  94, 

96,  112,  188. 
Campbell,  Col,  499,  50.3,  504, 

505  532 
Campbell,  Samuel,  ,368,  889. 
Canada,  invasion  uf,  253  ;  fail- 
ure of,  849. 
Canajoharie,  402. 
Canal  ball,  grand,  438. 
Carleton,  Gen.,  46,  47, 
Careltou,  Gov.,  48. 
Carleton,  Sir  Guy,  53. 
Carnival,  the  feast  of,  467. 
Carr,  525,  586. 
Carr,  D.  O.,  581. 
Carr,  Lieut.,  273. 
Carr,  the  Virginian,  501. 
Carter,  522,  rrM. 
Carter,  N.  11 . ,  357 ;  to  Solomon 

Van  Rensselaer,  357. 
Carthageni".,  a  glance  at,  443- 

448. 
Case,  Col.,  ?22. 
Case,  Cornelius  G.  V.  R..  427. 
Case,  Walter,  338. 
Cassin,  Capt.,  520. 
Castillo,  President,  624. 
Catharine,  10. 
Cato,  a  colored  sei  vant,  444 ; 

fails  into  the  river,  495. 


Center,  Cant,  411. 

Challenge  rrom  I'eter  B.  Porter 
to  Solomon  Van  Rensso- 
li.er,  287. 

Chamberllng,  875. 

Champion,  36. 

Cliampluiii,  John,  170. 

Chandler,  (Jen.,  301. 

(.'haplii,  Or.  CWrentns,  88$,  825 ; 
to  Col.  Van  Renssolaei, 
8»1. 

Charlotte,  (iueen,  8.38. 

Chester,  Rev.  Dr.,  419,  436. 

Chlpman,  Dr.  Daniel,  220. 

Christening,  a,  in  South  Ame- 
rica, m. 

Christie,  Lieut.  Col.,  348,  849, 
854,  856,  866,  860,  896,  873, 
886. 

ChryBtlo,  Col.,  2.'>8,  868. 

Church,  Mr.,  127, 

Church,  Mr.  and  Mrs.,  110. 

Church,  Mi-8.,  118. 

Cliurcli,  Mrs.  John  C,  116. 

Cltl/ens  of  Albany  to  post 
master  general. 

Clark,  Robert,  878. 

Clarkson,  Capt.,  186. 

Clarkson,  Gen.  M.,  835,  411. 

Claus,  D.,  note  from,  17. 

Clans,  Santa,  6,  6, 

Clay,  Mr.  Henry,  287,  297,  299, 
*«».  AM,  356,  860,  362,  864, 
365,  402,  405,  406,  408,  409, 
415,  420,  481,  ■145  ;  to  Solo- 
mon Van  Rensselaer,  405. 

Clinch,  Abraham,  76. 

Clinton,  487. 

Clinton,  Charles  A.,  377,  881, 
417,  418,  419,  472 ;  to  Solo- 
mon Van  Rensselaer,  377, 
381,472. 

Clinton,  Col.,  418. 

Clinton,  DeWltt,  168,  187,  .306, 
311,  820,  328,  8:iO,  8.31,  .'534, 
3;«,  :J4!I,  352,  .354,  3«i4,  367, 
368,  !i86,  898,  399,  400,  406, 
414,  419,  420,  421,  325,  4!J5  ; 
to  Solomon  Van  Rensse- 
laer, 349,  3,58,  a5.5,  a">8,  ;»9, 

362,  363,  369,  374,  :M) ;  a 
grand  reception  to,  420  ; 
visits  Ohio,  419;  death  of, 
4;ij  ;  honors  at  funeral  of, 
436. 

Clinton,  Gen.  James,  4.55. 
Clinton,   Gov.,   328,  329,    331, 
a52,  .355,  357,  358,  3.59,  862, 

363,  3ti9,  374,  .380.  402,  426, 
427, 436 ;  to  Gen . Talmadge, 
388 ;  to  Solomon  Van  Rens- 
selaer. 

Clinlon,  (}ov.  and  lady,  489. 
Clinton,  Gov.  George,  73,  81, 

88,  112,  151,  157,  161,  188, 

:344,  367. 
Clinton,  Henry,  6o. 
Clinton,  Lady,  the  canal  barge. 

425. 
Clinton,  Major,  3.59, 
Clinton,  Mr.,  :«1,  405,  409,  416. 
Clinton,  Mrs.  DeWitt.  425. 
Coffln,  Col.,  262 
Colden,  Cadwall&der  D.,  868, 

405. 
Colden,  Col.,  .321. 
Golden,  Gen.,  487. 
Colden,  Mr.,  488. 
Coldwell,  Mr.  James,   158. 
Coles,  Mr.,  32i. 
Collier,  Col.  James,  200. 
Collins,  James,  93. 
ColoniiU  History,  25,  58, 
Colombia,  disembarkation  at, 

445 ;  description  of,  440. 


rommorco  steamboat,  486. 
Comoromlso,    the     Mlssourt, 

344. 
Comstock.  Mr.,  899. 
Confusion,  political,  .316, 
Congressional  talk,  .'K)5,  308. 
(Congress,  members  of,  i)68. 
Congress,     representrtllveg  of 

New  York  In,  !J38. 
Conkling,  419. 
Conkling,  Alfred,  .3l«,  4<W,  121, 

488,  4^1,  486:  to  Solunum 

Van  Kensflelaer,  m,  U)l. 
Conversation,  thoughtleas,5;il. 
Cook,  Captain,  H38. 
Cook,  Jonnny,  :{00, 
Cook,  Lieut.  Job,  65. 
Cook,  Mr.,  868,  866. 
Cooper,  Col.,  414,  410,  418. 
Cooper,  Col.  J.  '[\,  418. 
Cooper,   Dr.  Charles  D.,  169, 

170,  190. 
Cocper,  Gen.,  167. 
Cooper,  Miss,  124. 
(.'ooper,  Mrs.,  167,  179. 
Cordova,  (len.,  531. 
Cordova,  the  fi'iend  of  liberty, 

523. 
Cornplanter,  the  Seneca  chief, 

205. 
Cornwallls,  Gen.,  68. 
Cortlandt  Catharine  V.,  46. 
Countryman,  a,  on  the  plains 

of  the  south,  .501. 
Covington,  110. 
Covlnt^on,  Cupt.,  119. 
Covington,  Lieut.  L.,  9-i. 
Cowards  conduct,  a,  630. 
Crennier's  co-martyr,  a  pater- 
nal ancestor,  11. 
Crawford,  378,  408,  409,  415, 

416. 
Cra'.vlord,  Mr.,  383. 
Crawford,  William,  .3.38. 
Crawford,  William  H.,  368. 
Crittenden,  J.  J.,. 317. 
Cumberland  Line,  130-150 
Cuming,  Mr.  James,  75. 
Cushing,  Thomas  H . ,  1.55. 
Cnshmau,  Joshua,  398,  399. 
Custis,  Mr.,  27?. 
Custis.  Mrs.,  86. 
Custom  house,  483. 
Customs,  Spanish,  445. 
Cuvler,  How,  225. 
Cuyler,  James,    116,   117;   to 

Capt.  Van  Rensselaer,  116. 
Cuyler,  Major,  323,  232,  2«i; 

death  of,  246,  247. 
Cuyler,  Mr.,  2;K. 
Cuyler,  Mr.  Henry,  108. 
Cuyler,  Mr.  Jacob,  48,  82. 
Cuyler,  William  Howe,  247 ;  to 

Colonel  Van    Rensselaer, 

238. 


Daniel   Hale   to  Philip  Van 

Kensselaer.  71. 

Davis,  Dr.,  487;  to  Solomon 
Van  Rensselaer,  507. 

Davis,  M.,400. 

Davis,  Major.  487. 

Davis,  Will.  M..506. 

Di  Aleazer,  Buenaventura,450. 

Dearboru,  194,  214;  to  Gen. 
Van  Rensselaer,  214. 

Dearborn,  Gen.,  200,  204,  205, 
2(16,  208,  209,  212,  213,  214, 
215,  216,  224,  225,  2;il,  ai3, 
2:56,239,  241,244,245,  2ol, 
272,  270,  280,  297,  308,  310, 
314,  319. 

DeCastro,  Diego,  474,  479. 


irco  stoamboat,  4!J5. 
)tnittu,    tlie     MlHHiiiirt, 

>ck.  Mr,  aw. 

I iioiitk'ui,  ats, 

hmIdmui  tuik,  am,  :m. 

HH,  mumlxirH  of,  .'XIH. 

»H,    rt)|)ri)iHjntnllvi!8  of 

w  York  la,  iSJS. 

IB,  410. 

If,  Allrod,  3l«,  -Ktt,  Wl, 

,  4^1,  i'ili;  to  Soluiiion 

ri  UeiiBHulaor,  -m,  U)l. 

HUtlcjii,  thi)it|{litluiiit,531. 

Juntiiiii,  H,')-j. 

lohiiiiy,  IKK), 

Uiciit.  Job,  BS. 

Mr.,45a,  2ftH. 

,  Col.,  414,  410,  418. 

,  Col.  J.  T.,  418. 

,   Pr.  Charles  D.,  1(19, 

,  lilO. 

,  G(ni.,l«7. 

,  Ml«9,  124. 

,  Mri<.,Hi7,  ITO. 

a,  Gen.,  531. 

a,  the  fi'ieiid  of  liberty, 

inter,  the  Seneca  chief, 

illlK,  Gon.,58. 
idt  Crttharlno  V.,  46. 
yman,  a,  on  the  plalni 
ho  doiith,  !K)1. 
ton,  110. 
ton,  Cupt.,  11!). 
ton,  Liuut.  L.,  it-l. 
1b  conduct,  a,  580. 
3r's  fo-martyr,  a  pater- 
ancestor,  11. 
rd,  378,  402,  409,  415, 

rd,  Mr.,  383. 
rd,  Williuin,  ,388. 
rd,  William  n.,  868. 
den,  J.. I.,  317. 
rland  Lino,  130-150 
;,  Mr.  James,  75. 
g,  Thoinas  H . ,  155. 
in,  Josliua,  398,  399. 
Mr.,  27?. 
Mrs.,  86. 
1  heme,  483. 
19.  Spanish,  445. 
How,  225. 

James,    116,   117;   to 
)t.  Van  Rensselaer,  116. 
Major,  223,  232,  216; 
th  of,  24ti,  247. 
Mr.,2;j2. 
Mr.  Henry,  108. 
Mr.  Jacob,  42,  82, 
William  Howe,  247;  to 
ouel   Van    Rensselaer, 


Hale   to  Philip   Van 
issclaer.  71. 
Dr.,  487;  to  Solomon 
1  Rensselaer,  607. 
M.,400. 


zer,  Bueuavcnttira,450. 

ru,  194,  214;    to  Gen. 

1  Rensselaer,  214. 

rn.  Gen.,  200,  204,  205, 
208,  209,  212,  213,  214, 
210,  224,  225,  2;il,  ««, 
23)',  241,244,245,  251, 
270,  280,  297,  308,  310, 
319. 

ro,  Diego,  474,  479. 


Decatur,  Com.,  351;  duel  of, 
with  Barron,  !!50,  a51  ; 
death,  351. 

Dafeatcd,  2M). 

Delrnse    of    G<  u.    Uarrlion, 

5aH  mi 

Deforest,  Major,  888. 
DuGrali",  (ia/ena,  78. 
DcOraff,  Mr.  Jusse,  74. 
Doltay,  Commodore,  529,  524. 
Delaiilaliie,    Joseph,    400 :    to 

Solomon  Van  ReusHtiiaur, 

400. 
Dennis,  Capt.  J.,  266;  to  Gen. 

Van  Uensselaor,  265. 
Dennlston,  379. 
Denidston,  Garrit,  :m. 
Dennislon,  Isaac,  ItiH. 
Dennlston,  Mr.  G.  V.,  346. 
Detroit,  Mich.,  city  of,  211,  424. 
Detroit,  speech  of  the  uiayur 

of,  423. 
DeWIlt,  Gov.,  IM. 
DeWiit,  Jacob  H.,  a'iH,  360. 
DeWitt  Major  R.,  418, 
DeWItt,  R.  v.,  486. 
Dewitt,  Simeon,  170,  426,  486. 
Dexter,  Samuel,   162,  153, 164, 

156;  to  William   U.  Van 

Rensselaer,  156. 
Diary,  extracts  from,  136,  140, 

141,  lla. 
Dickenson,  Julia,  504. 
Dickerson,  Mr.,  61. 
Dickinson,  370. 
Dickinson,  John  D.,  .338,  341, 

301,  368,  379,  380,  392,  393, 

897 :  to  Solomon  Van  Reui«- 

Belaer,31t2,  397. 
Dickson,  Mr.,  208. 
Dinner,  dii)l(miHtic,  505. 
Dinsmoor,  Mr.,  145. 
Ditches  used  for  fences,  503. 
Dix,  John  A.,  156;  his  famouc 

order,  150. 
Dobbins,  Col.,  279. 
DodL'e,  Gun,,  214. 
Dogfierty,  Capt,,  219. 
Dongan,  Thomas.  5. 
DoUj,:herly,  W.  W.,  393. 
DoHW,  Cornelius,  67. 
Douw,  Mr.,  126. 
DoHW,  Mrs.,  126. 
Douw,  Petrus,  Cai)t.,  32. 
Donw  Volkert  P.,  57. 
Dow,  Klisha,  ;^81. 
Dox,  Capt'tin,  204,  265, 268,  209. 
Dox,  Garret,  338. 
Duaue,  Col.,  172. 
Dudley,  Charles  E.,  3(;3,  371, 

374,  379,  ;i»4,  :«5.  4(16,  465 ; 

mayor  of  Allinuy,  374  ;  to 

M.  Van  Buren,  ;5»4. 
Dudley,  Mr,,  341,  373,  381,  ,382. 
Duel,  a,  proposed   and   frus- 
trated, 289-292;    between 

Smyth  and  Porter,  284-285. 
Duer,  Col.  William,  78. 
Duer,  William,  116, 
Duer,  Wm.  A.,  357,  436, 
Duke,  John,  of  Marlborough, 

Duncan,  110. 
Dunn,  Geo.  H..  94. 
Dwight,  Col.  Joseph,  18. 
Dyson,  Capt.,  233,  234. 
Dyson,     Samuel    T.,    extract 
from  letter  of,  233. 


Earthquake,  destructive,  477. 
Editor,  Mr.,  285. 
Egberts,  Aunt,  54. 
Ei''hts,  Dr.  James,  414,  418. 
Ellicotl,  Capt.,  361. 


Index. 

Klllott,  Hunjamln.  «18. 
KlUott,  Col. ,412;  to  Solomon 

Van  Rensselaer,  412. 
Elliott,  Lieut.  Jesse  D,,   240, 

247. 
Klllott,   Mr.  Roljert,  109,  870, 

3H2,  412. 
ElmenUorf,  Mrs.,  14(1. 
Klinendorf,  Peter,  116,  119. 
Klmendorf,  Peter  K.,  68. 
Elsie,  10, 

Elhworth,  Lieut,  Peter,  55. 
Ely,  Isaac  M.,  8««,  367. 
Emerson,  Mrs.,  24. 
Enmiet,  Mr  ,  166. 
Emmet,  Tliomas  Addis,  160. 
England  and  France,  war  re- 
newed between,  19, 
Erie  Canal,  celebration,   424- 

429 ;   opening  of  the,  400. 
Erwin.  John,ia. 
European  trip,  10!»  130. 
Eustis,  Wlliiam,  258. 
Evens,  Gen.,  Iil8. 
Evens,  Major,    alO,  260,    862, 

209. 
Bwing.  Tlionias,  420. 
Excursions   in    the    ■country, 

449-454. 


Fairlio,  James,  86. 

Fandango,  the,  460, 

Fay,  John,  838. 

Fayette,  De  La,  411,  419 ;  Gen., 
413. 

Federalism,  triumph  of,  184. 

Feu  wick,  Col.,  212,  214,  226, 
22«,  227,  229,  2;^l,  232,  2;«, 
248,  2-19,  250,  253.  267,  259, 
208,  275,  276,  288,  .325 

Feawick,  Col.  Juo.  R.,  317; 
to  Col.  Solomon  Van  Rens- 
selaer, 817. 

Fenwick  to  Gen.  Vun  Rensae- 
laer,  236. 

Ferris,  Benj  ,  ,360,  .307. 

Fever  and  a^ue,  505. 

Fish,  Capt.,  448. 

Fish,  Col.,3;i5. 

Fisk,  Mr.,  2".W. 

Fish,  peculiar,  493. 

Fisher,  Chrlstoplier,  60. 

Fishkil,  81. 

Flemming,  Col.,  203. 

Flores,  I'resldent  Gen.,  441. 

Fonda,  David,  SH. 

Fonda  Jellis,  83. 

Fonda,  Mrs.,  119. 

Ford,  Capt.,  140,  333. 

Ford,  Wm.,  338. 

Ford,  Wm.  D.,  352. 

Foreigners  become  rich,  474. 

Fonnan,  Samuel  S.,  211. 

Forney,  Col.,  464. 

FortChambly  (illustrated),  46. 

Fort  George,  head  quarters  at, 
233. 

Fort  Greenville,  110. 

Kort  Hamilton,  90. 

Fort  Massac,  95. 

Fort  Orange,  7;  changed  to 
Albany.  8. 

Fort  Oswego,  145,  146;  sur- 
render of,  146. 

Fort  Washington,  110  ;  merry 
making  at,  138. 

Fort  Wayne,  110. 

Fowler,  Mr.,  314,  345. 

Francis,  Col.,  00. 

Francis,  Dr..  ;«1. 

Franklin,  Benjamin,  81,  403. 

Franks,  Mr.  Moses,  24. 

Frazer,  Gen.,  00,  (i6. 

Frederick,  Col.,  73. 


586 

Freeman,  488. 

Freeman,  Capt.,  98. 

French  Revolution,  181. 

Frolhlngham,  Richard.  76;  to 
Philip  Van  UetiMKulaur,  76 

Fruit,  tropical,  489. 

Krver,  Capt,  John,  )i8. 

Fiillon,  Robert.  183. 

Funeral,  a.  In  Spanish  Ame- 
rica, 44i7. 

Fusugazuga,  the  bellet  ol,  613. 

Gage,  General,  86. 

Gales,  a  mlhchlef  maker,  800. 

Gansevoort,  Col.,  77.  311. 

Gunsevoort,  General,  81,  88, 
151 :  death  of,  193 ;  to 
Philip  Van  Rensselaer,  81. 

Gansev.jort,  John,  28fl. 

Gansevoort,  Leonard,  Jr.,  10, 
11. 

Gansevoort,  Lieut.,  989,  268, 
2M,  268,  2(a,  973. 

Gansevoort,  Maria,  128,  199. 

Gansevoort,  Peter,  4«,  198, 
3.38,  306,395,  390,  480. 

Gardenier,  Mr.  Harent,,  187. 

Gates,  Gen.,  66,  67,  08,  77, 141, 
180, 

Gates,  John,  884. 

Gebherd.  John,  iiOS. 

Geddes,  Judtje,  422 

Gelston,  David,  112. 

General  Orders,  198,  896,  235. 
3:«.  • 

Genet,  Citizen,  makes  a  state- 
ment of  his  purposes,  162, 
164 ;  unwarrantable  con- 
duct of,  KKi;  marries  a 
daughter  of  Gov.  Clinton, 
IPl ;  his  political  ellbrts,  95. 

Genet,  Edmund  C,  164,  166, 
171.  ' 

Genet,  Mr.,  160,  161,  162,  174, 
176.  ' 

Georgetown,  D.  C,  409. 

Gibson,  Wood,  Fenwick,  324. 

Giles,  Gen.,  321,  335. 

Gilston,  David,  155. 

Glen,  Capt.  Alexander,  18,  IB. 

Glen,  Captain,  13,  14,  IB. 

Glen,  Catliarine,  Miss,  149. 

Glen,  Col.  Jacob.  12. 

Glen,  Edward,  442,  440,  4,'),3, 
454,  456,  470,  476,  487,  498. 

Glen,  ilenry,  56. 

Glen,  Jacob  S.,  438. 

Glen,  John,  12,  76,  88,  440,458 
4,56,  401,  462,  405,  472,  478 
474,  477,  478, 

Glen,  John,  jr.,  12. 

Glen,  Messrs.,  439. 

Glen,  Mr.,  140,460,  485. 

Glen,  Mrs.  Jacob  S.,  74,  488. 

Godwin,  Capt.,  46. 

Gofls,  Col.,;« 

Gold,  Thomas  R.,  170. 

Goodhig,  Mr.,  516. 

Gorham,  402. 

Gorman,  Will,  98. 

Governeur,  Mr.,  82. 

Government,  jealousy,  530-531. 

Gracey,  Mr.,  35,'». 

Gray,  Gen.,  135. 

Gray,  Mr.,  290. 

Green,  Gen.,  80, 

Greenville,  letter  froji.  111. 

Gregory,  Matthew,  ,327,  334. 
418. 

Grldleys,  Mr.  Isack,  28. 

Grocsbeck,  Ed.,  SXi. 

Grose,  Ezra  C,  338. 

Grosvenor,  Capt.  Seth,  182. 

GroBvenoi,  Thomas  P.,  816. 


586 


Index. 


P    ! 


{; 


IlacklPf,  Anmri,  888. 

Ualimn,  ciiiiH   ((.,!«»,  m\. 
.'HIT  ;  ti)  ftiilotiio!!  V«ii  UuiiH- 
m>\nvr  !1M.  ;|.'W,  m\. 

IIulu,  Uniiliil.fta.  71.  I.to ;  iHMiii-H 
comnilHHioii  to  Huliiiiiim 
Vitn   lt«iiHHi>lHi<r  HH  A,  (), 

OrtllOMUtl!,    IMI. 

Ilille,  duoruK.  -m. 

Hull,  A.,  ^7;  to  (Icii.  Villi 
ItuiiHNelaer.  'iU\. 

Hall,  Ooii.,  *ili,  iM)l,  tM7,  Wl. 

HhII,  O.m).,  ,tw. 

Ilnll.  Mivlor,  IIT.'I. 

Hull,  Mnlor  (liiii.,ai3. 

IlitiDor,  lA..  M. 

Ilitnilltoii,  1(M. 

Iliuiillloii,  AluXAlutiM',  IIKI;  to 
MO(Tnliiry  olwiir,  Ifl'V;  lilrtli 
mid  duHi'uiit  of,  I  111. 

Hamilton,  t'ol.,  71),  IM. 

Uniiilltoii,  (Icii.,   117,  im,  MI), 

lea.  i.'>.'i.  111:1,  Hi. 

Haiiillton.  .iiidui!,  -.itlii. 

Huiiiiiioiiil,  Mr,  KM. 

Hail'  I'inniik,  Col.,  III. 

11,1'  .riimck,  (.'ol.  Joliii  K.,  !(«(, 
lU. 

Hi..diii,  Colonel,  95. 

Ilaniiur,  -ii'i. 

Harinor,  Oi'iiural,  111. 

HarrlHon,  lit), 

lliirrlKon,  Ciiitur.  4,15,  WIS,  ftW, 

lluniHon,  Oen.,  aa),  415,  !)10, 
4II(,  138,  4:tl),  m,  IM,  45.1, 
4(it,  4tl;i,  4t)4,  47)>  476,  41)H, 
BOO,  IM)I,  (KW,  ntM,  50*1,  r)<)7, 
8<tH,  510,  fiia,  516,  51tl,  517, 
6a),  581,  6*1,  625,  .'j)«l,  6«7, 
5!W,  5;i0. 

Hiirrlwon,  Gon.  William  II„  01, 
101,  487,  470 ;  to  Soloi  ion 
Van  UonxHolaer,  4.'1») ;  ap- 

fxiliitcd    inliilKtiT  to    Cu- 
omhla,  487;  iiows  of  IiIh 

removal,  401);    accnisud  of 

corre«i)oiidiii){     with    the 

ridit^lH,  5'i5. 
narrlBoii,  Lt.,4tl. 
hart.  Herman  V.,  48t!. 
Hart,  Col.  .'olin,  21. 
JlaHki'.l,  Major,  111), 
HattJu,  1 ;    reciuest  of,    for   a 

cliroiildo  of   Aunt   Cny'b 

life  e.\iierli'iiceH,  I. 
llawkiiiH,  Col.,  145,  3Jii. 
llawkH,  ,S75. 

Hawks,  .lamos,  StW,  381). 
lla.xton,  (>U', .,  15U. 
Hayloy,  *!. 

Hazard,  Adjntaiit,  41H. 
Itompctc'ftd,  Iwiac.  827. 
HenuerHon,  Col.,  878. 
Henderoon,  CoiihiiI,  504,  606. 

588,  681. 
Heiidoi>on,  Oen.,  580. 
Heuduri<uu,  James,  524,   631, 

5;«. 
HoiulerBou,  Miss  Fanny,  531. 
Hoiiderson,  rt'|)rimanded,  5(.)5. 
Hendrick,  10.  19,  27. 
Hendrick,  Oeiieral,  58. 
Hendrick,  King,  25. 
Hendrickson,  Capt.,  418. 
Henry,  James  M.,  125. 
Henry,  John  V.,  K5,  158. 
Henry,  Major  Suaton  P.,  418. 
Henry,  William  M.,  89, 
Herkimer,  Gcni.,  liO,  70,  72. 
Hernin,  Gen,,  523.  .')24. 
Hewett,  Lieut.,  2.S8. 
Hewit,  Lieut.  819. 
Hews,  Major,  109. 
Heydeu,  V.  D.,  373. 
Ueyward,  Dr.,  103. 


Hill,  Capt,  TtiomftH,  19. 
Hill,  Hcliuyler,  .'I'W. 
Iloimrt,  lllHliop,  .'i:». 
Ilodirdon,     Smniii^l    to    Capt. 

Van  Ui  iiMxelaer,  117. 
Holfniaii,  Gen,,  IH7. 
Hotrmaii,  iMr,  .Martin,  I4tl, 

llo^,'!'! 11,  .loliii  C,.  IHH, 

lloirH.  a  ^liiiipHe  at  wild,  4Nt. 
Hole,  a  fearful,  511. 
Holland,  news  from,  119,  tj|0. 
Holmex,  ('apt.,  76. 
HoiiieHteadat  Cherry  Hill,  131, 
Hone»,  Gen.,  I.S?, 
Honiywood,  Mr.,  800. 
Hopkins,  Mr.  um. 
Jiorses,  Hiire  looted,  609. 
Himaek,  l)r,,  3:11. 
Houillii,  Mr,,  1-41. 
HouKhtalhiK,  Wm.  I).,  ;W. 
Howe,  Gi^ii.,  litTi. 
Howe  Jmlt'o,  ii09,  .874,  :1S1. 
Ilowrll,  ;i.vi, 

lliihlmrd,  'I'liimiaH,  83,  2H,  ,80, 
Hnhhnrd Thomas  H,,  iXlH,  ,875, 

!W9. 
Hudson,  Henry,  (1;  i^xpedillon 
to  Allmiiy,  by,  1; ;  turned 
adrift  on  the  ocean,  7, 
Hughs,  W.,  tin. 
Iluuoiiin,  Lieut.,  8<l:i 
Hull,  (.'apt.  Wm,,  57,  88,  829, 

277. 
Hull,   Geii.   William,  68.  80:i, 
204,805,  aiMI,  "•;>8,  810,  81  <, 
818,  818,  814        •.,  217,  819, 
881,  Uti,  28.8,  «M,  231,  'ilU, 
25'2,  89(),  297.  ;)i;),  314,  42)1 ; 
surrender    ol,    215;    sen- 
tenced   to   he    shot,    314, 
317;    pardoned    by    Pros. 
Madison,  314. 
Humphrey,  (Jliauncov,  4.%5. 
Humphrey,  Major,  iVi,  413. 
Humphriiy  Mr.,  80. 
Hun,  Ahiaiiaia,  13l>. 
Hunt,  A.,  I)«. 
Hunt,  Mr.,  m,  108. 
Iliiiitiiur    451);    scene,    when, 
and  unexpected  game,  498. 
Hunt'n^jdon,  811. 
Hunt ington.  Gen.,  305,  816. 
Ilnntington,  Mr.,  2'27. 
Hutchinson,  Gov.,  38,  30. 
Hutton,  Mr.,  178. 


Incidents  and  events  of  the 
revolution,  77-78. 

Indians,  warfare,  barlmrities 
of,  202;  Cathi'lic  priest  es- 
capes Ironi,  1:1 ;  triulo  and 
niaiuifacturesof,  488;  lonj,' 
knives,  101 . 

IukIIs,  Mrs.,  rm,  505. 

Intrepidity,  conspicuous,  803. 

Ish,  ,i,  4. 

Isha,  3,  4. 


Jackson,  400,  411,  415, 464, 520. 
Jackson,    Andrew,    :W3,    408; 

anecdote  of,  403;  election 

of,  for  pres.  U.  8.,  403. 
Jackson,  General,  40,  410,  410, 

431,  470. 
Jackson,  Major,  80, 
.lackson.  Minister,  :j08, 
Jackson,  President,  485. 
Jacobs.  Capt,,  201.  2"'!. 
James,  William,  107,  181,  48ti. 
Jay,  Gov,,  148,   154,  155,  188, 

307 ;  to  secretary  of  war, 

164. 


Jay,  .Tohn.  6J.  81,  JOB,  loH,  l.W; 

nil  u  snccesitful  iie({otlHtiir! 

105;    elected   ({overiKir  of 

New  York,  106 
Jeflersof,  Mr.,  im. 
JeiriTn'in,  President,  198. 
■lelfreyii,  Geopfe,  81 . 
Jenkins,  188,  'lOO. 
Jeiiklii'',  (  Hilt.  Ira,  8'i«. 
Jenkins,  Colonel,  418. 
Jenkins,  Klisha,  108,  UVi,  tci!) 
Jenkins,  Mr,,  17;),  174,  175,17(1, 

189,  IIKI, 
Jt  ikliis,  Mrs.  Kllsha,  108. 
Jenkins,  Kobert,  518. 
•lennlnus,  Capt.,  881. 
Jereinlns,  10, 
iloaiis,  .lohii.  118, 
■lolinnnes,  1 1 
■lohiison,  87,  883. 
Johns Col.,  m\,  ;W0,  !i97, 

40'A  410. 
Johnson,  Col.  John,  74. 
Johnson,  Gen,,  19,  87. 
•loliiiHoii,  John   71,  78. 
JoliiiHoii,  John  '!.,  152. 
Jolinson,  Mr.  John,  83. 
.lohiHon,  llichard  M.IOll, 
•lohnson,  Uolieri,  ;i82. 
JoliiiHoii,    Hlr    John,    15.  41 ; 

marches  up  the  M.iliawk 

valley,  8.8, 
Johnson.   Sir  Wllllain,  8,  SKI, 

81,  25.  87,  ?;),  !I27. 
lolney.  Corporal,  141. 
.'ones,  Capt.,  111. 
Jones,  Cajit.  U;;nlel,  88. 
Jones,  Colonel,  410. 
Jones,  David,  06. 
Jones,  Gen,,  487. 
ilosiali,  (.'apt.,  7/5. 
Journey  by  bout  477. 
Joy,  A  rail,  859. 
Judson,  Capt.,  320,  338. 
Juliet,  M.,  446. 


Kauo,  M,,  119,  180. 

Kane,  Mr.  Jamei<,  170. 

Kane,  Mrs,,  119,  120. 

Kearney,  Lieut,,  803,  273. 

Keen,  Capt.,  88. 

Killer,  (ien..  8.80. 

Kelly,  Mr.,  445. 

Kent,  James,  8.87,  .807,  .8(i8. 

Kidd,  Capl.,0. 

Killaii,  10. 

Kin«,  ;i78,  :«8. 

King,  A,,  !1.')7. 

Kliij{,  (.harles,  .88;. 

KiiiK,  Mr.     m)i,  346,  373,  .'Ci, 

HSO,  .895.897, 
Klnn,  Mr.  Hiifus,  105,  ItiO,  a«K, 
381    888,  :i'i8,  :M1,  381,  ;iH7, 
388,389,  ;W8;  an  oracle  iif 
democracy,   301 ;   to  Salo- 
mon Van  Kensselaer,  ;i2a. 
Kinsella,  445. 
Kingston,  Col.,  06. 
Kiikland,  Joseph,  .868. 
Kirklund,    Lieut.  P.   H.  Van 

Valken  burgh,  418. 
Knickerbocker,  Col.,  ;m,  ;W4. 
K:iickerbocker,  Diedrich,  3. 
Knickerbocker,  Herman,  191, 

300,  3:«,  48;j. 
Kpcver,  Benj.,  .868. 
Knower,  Mr.,  374,  370,  385. 
Knowltou,  Col.  Lieut.,  418. 
Knox,  Gen,,  08,  70,  80,  91,  02, 
1)3;  to  Capt.  Uodgeis.  Di; 
Henry    to   Solomon   Van 
Hensseluer,  91. 
Knoxvllle,  140,  144. 
Kortright,  Miss,  353. 


Tohn.aj,  HI,  |(«S,  Km,  l.lfl; 
*  Ik  HiicciiHiifiil  iirtfollHIiir. 
IVi;    fliTtud   Kovuriiiir  of 
IfW  York,  1(« 
•Kon,  Mr.,  im. 
■BOH,  I'ruMiiliuil,  UhJ. 

lim,  \H%  'Km. 

Ill'",  <'H|»t.  Irn, !)«!. 

liiH,  ('oloriul,  •IIH. 

liiH,  Klixlia,  U\'i,  UV),  l.i!) 

iiiw, Mr.,n;),  174,  n&,m, 

Mi,  IIHI. 

liiH,  Mrn.  KllHha,  188. 

liiH,  Kdhort,  niH. 

lltJH,  ('ll|l(.,  ii^l, 
lIUM,  10. 

I,  .loliii   m. 

IIIIIH,    li 

loii,  -i?.  aas, 

Col.,  841,  !IHO,  ;)(17, 

la,  no. 

loll,  Col.  .John,  71. 

ion,  dm..  Ill,  87. 

Kill,  .loliii  71,  Ti. 

ion,  •loliii  'I.,  U)'i. 

ion,  Mr.  John,  Ml). 

ion,  Itlcliard  M.,<KMI. 

ion,  Uoliori,  JWa. 

ion,    Hlr    .lohn,    15,  <11 ; 

iircliiiH  lip  tho  Molmwk 

illoy,  «.•!. 

ion.  Hlr  VVllllsin,  8,  '1% 

1,  ar..  'il,  ?'.»,  !W. 

Y,  Corporitl,  141. 

,  Capt.,  111. 

,  ('aiit.  I};;nlel,  82. 

,  Colonul,  41U. 

,  Duvld,  fifi. 

,  ()en.,4M7. 

I,  (;apt.,  78. 

i^y  liy  bout  477. 

irad,  iini). 

n,  Capt.,  m),  ;m. 

,  M.,445. 


M.,  119,  126. 

Mr.  JnniuH,  170. 

Mrs.,  Ill),  ia<i. 

i-y,  Lieut.,  aU3,  273. 

Capt.,  «H. 

,  (itjn.,*^. 

Mr.,  445. 

.Jaiiiui",  837,  .3«7,  .SfiH. 

C'apl.,(l. 

,  10. 

372,  37H. 

A..  S1.57. 

(/hurluH,  32; . 

Mr.     mi,  345,  373,  im, 

),  .3i»5.  8i(7. 

Mr.  Uul'iiH.  Iti5,  IWi,  2liK, 

328,  a'iH,  ;M1,  8H1,  387, 
I,  3«>,  392;  an  orucluiif 
inocracy,   301 ;   to  S  ilo- 
in  Van  KuiiBselaer,  32ti. 
la,  445. 
on,  Col.,  65. 
id,  JosMph,  sm. 
lid.    Limit.  P.   II.  Van 
Ikenliiiixli,  418. 
irliocker,  Col.,  3.32,  XU. 
rbockor,  Diedricli,  3. 
rbockur,  llurmaii,  I'Jl, 
, ;««,  43;j. 
r,  BenJ.,  .368. 
r,  Mr.,374,  370,  385. 
:()U,  Col.  Lieut.,  418. 
Gen.,  68,  76,  80,  91,  02, 

to  Capt.  Uodfjers.  «'■! ; 
ury    to   Holoinou   Van 
i(<Helaer,  91. 
Illo,  140.  144. 
;lit,  Miss,  353. 


l-i  li/illo,  Mon«liMir.  41.'5 
Licy.  Huv.  Mr.,   I.I1 
U  Kayt'Uii,  OtMuirui,  871,  i\t, 
••18,  419:  •J.ir.iiil.do,  vUlt 
totlio  i:     '    '  sutoH,  411 
415;    (ravcln   rhroiiifti   tlio 
Ktiitt'H,   4(7 ;    oHcorled    to 
Albany,    111  ;    um.ort    to, 
onlhrMiMinrcrnlnK,  417;  de- 
imrtiiniof,  418,419. 
[.a  (Iraiiui-,  Limit.  Colonel,  833. 
I.iildllu,  MlnM,  MO. 
I.  iiiib.  Colonel  .lohn,  48. 
l.iiPid'iiark",  ancient,  U. 
i.iine,  Colonel,  !|))8. 
l.aiiHliii»,  371. 
].M\nUtK,  Alinilmm  A.,  10. 
l.aiiHliit,',  AbniliHin  (}.,83.  4H/1 
.aiixliiK,  Abraliam  .JaeobH,  28. 
l,aiiHliijf,  Captain,  tm. 
LaiiHlii^r,  Capt.  'r.tii  Kyek,  ;i;W. 
l.aiiHhiif,  Clianeello,,  872,  875, 

377,  ."Wl. 
LaiiHliiif,  (J,  Y.,  48(1. 
I.hiimIik,',  J.  Ir.,  62. 
[.lUi-diiK,  ,(o1ii,,  827,  81KI,  89«. 
I.aiiitlii^r,  ,MuJnr  H.,  1S7. 
LhiimIii;,',  Sandcrx,  85. 
l.aiiHlnir,  the  MImhoh,  B18. 
1. 1  TnnaHea,  4H1. 
jjiwreiiee,  (,'aplaln,  855,  8(10. 
Lawyer,  John,  17. 
Layman,  MeHHr»,  .349. 
Li'adcrH,  diMtriiMled.  !'S4. 
l-i^liaiion  Sprliij,'H,  418. 
Lie,  (leneral,  58. 
Le„,  Mr.,  78. 
I-ee,  W,  A.,  9,5,  98. 
Legacy,  the,  why  bequeathed, 

LeidurKdorf,  B«;. 

Leonard,  (!iipialii,806,  227,  8;«, 

235,  2,^■|,  269,  270;  to  Ueii. 

Van  KeiiHselrtor,  870. 
Leraiio,  Inrael,  68, 
Leioy,  Jaeob,  112,  306,  867. 
Letter,  ortlcial,  A5«. 
LetterH   from  Ge;i.  Harrison. 

498.  ' 

Letturw  from  home,  461. 
Li^ttern,  old,  throw  a  Hood  of 

ll«ht,  .381, 
Lewis,  110. 
LewiH,  Andrew,  18B. 
Lewis,  Col.  CharleH.  i;i«. 
Lewis,  General,   2:51.  810,  310 

.'128,  3.39;  to  Sol.  Van  Uuns- 

seluer,  328. 
Lewis,  Governor,  68,  157,  l.W 

15.S,  162,  171,  187,  280,  ,367, 

471. 
Lewis,  Morgan,  170,   185,  186, 

418;    t^    Sol.    Van    Kenu- 

s(ilaer,  ia5.  186  187,  339. 
Lewis,  Hainuel,  3.34. 
Lewis.  Thomas,  I(K». 
Lewiston,    211,   218,  215,   319, 

220,    284,    225,     288,    229; 

Kloomy  state  of  afl'-iirs  at, 

'mi, 

Lexington,  Kentucky,  1.38. 
Lilierty  and  equality,  KK). 
Lilire,  Antonio,  473. 
Liiiitiin,  General,  888. 
Lllchlleld,  Elijah,  ;i<!8,  ;M) 
Liule  Turtle  the  Miami  Chief, 

103. 
Livliij,'ston,  a,  .5;}.  371,  37.3,  381. 
Liviiijrstoii,  Chancellor,  411. 
Liviiifjston,  Col.   IJarry,   331, 

413. 
Liviiiijsfon,    Col.  Lewis,  330. 
Livingston,  Colonel,    76,    896, 

Livingston,  Dr.  John  IL,  118. 


Indkx. 

Mvlnifstoii,  Edward,  86,  48S 
186. 

MvlmrHtnii,  (li  iii'-al,  .'1.59. 

LIvlnuHlon,  .lames    l.'l,  H, 

LlvliijfHton,  John   U.,  '271. 

Llvliufsloii,  John    VV..  '195. 

LIvlMuHtoii,  Jiidi{e,  159. 

l.lvliiijHion,  Mr.,  51,  ;175,  .'HH, 
46.3,  470,  471, 

Mviiil'slon,  .Mr.  Waller,  .50.  57, 

Livingston,  riilllp,  40. 

Mvliii{Htoii,  lloliert,  L.,  418, 

Lockwood,  ,vlr.,  19. 

Loiitr,  Coloiifl,  6,1,61,  62. 

Loti,  Abraham  1»,,  52,  M. 

Loll,  Mrs.,  81. 

LovhII,  Capt.,  1!W., 

Lovell,  Mr,.  121, 

Lovell,  John,  I'HI,  197,  19)1,  800, 
•^»3,  207,  •am,  219,  821,  •*«», 
330,  213,  JJIW,  269,  '271,  27-2, 
274,  276.  '280,  28',  '2K3,  '293, 

298,  !Km,  ;ioi,  ;io8,  :vm,  )i05, 

814,  315,  316,  319,  .■)2.3,  8'25, 
8;i5,  IIJKI;  »o  Abraham  Van 
Veehteii.  2'29. ;  to  .rosi-ph 
Alexander,  196,  199,  8ill 
803,  20i'>,  218,  228,  2.'16,  2-12, 
21.3,  '266,  273,  '275,  878,  ,303 ; 
to  Solomon  Hoiithwick, 
WW;  to  Ho!  Van  Uens- 
<elaer,  .305,  311,  815,  816. 
■  19,  .'12.3,  ;W5;  to  A.  Van 
■  chteii,  '271  ;  loeates  at 
F'.'t  MeiKs,  .fill;  loses  his 
litn.liitr,  2-V2;  his  battery, 
8.52  ;  elected  to  ( 'ongress, 
'iXi;  lortraltof,  ;i2l:  death 
of.  :i:i»,. 
Lovelt,  iVaJor.  201,  205,  820, 
28H,  Uiili,  812,  2.55,  856,  266, 
873,  275,  278, 'ill I,  892. 

Lovett,  Mr.,  19,5,  217,  218,  '25'2. 
291, '29.5,  297,308. 

Lovett,  Mrs,,  237. 

Lovewoll,  Col.,  89,  31. 

I.ovewell  Col.  Zeehena,  28. 

Lowder,  Mr.,  1.36. 

Lowrle,  40'2. 

Ludlow,  Messig.,  86. 

Ludlow,  Mr.,  39. 

Ludlow,  Mrs.,  1'26. 

Ludlow,  Hev.  Dr.,  4!)6. 

ijiidlow.  Will.  II,,  10. 

Lush,  JVIajor,  855,  2,58,  863,  278, 
•286. 

Lush,   Stephen,  '266,  268,  3'i7, 
.3.'H,  113. 

Lush,  William,  2i;i. 

Lust,  Col.,  Iiil. 

Lyiian,  (Jmieral,  19,  87. 

Lyman,  Joseph  H.,  ;i'J8. 

Macconnel.  Jas.,  98. 

Mucked,  Capt.  Win.,   130;  to 
Capt,  Van  Rensselaer.  130. 

Macomb,  Robert, ,  15  ;  to  Solo- 
mon South wlci.,  895, 

Macon,  410. 

MacPherson,  J.,  516. 

MacPherson,  R.  IL,  19.3. 

McArtliur.  Col.,  im. 

McCarty,  Richard,  a«i8,  389. 

McCiiesney,  Capt.,  273. 

McClallen,  John,  151. 

McClean,  ,Tohn,  42 

McClelland.  C'apt..;i32. 

McClure,  Gen.,  410, 

McComb,  Mr   John,  890. 

McCrea,  Jane,  65, 

McDonald,  Col.,  252,  807,  274 

McDonald,  John,  .37. 

McDonell,  Col.,  218,  '271,  2T8. 
McElroy,  Sam.,  mi. 


687 

McRvori,  H'.M  Marr,  8fl. 
lWc(Je».  Mr.  WlllUm.  54. 
McMenry.  Jnines,  I'JA,  t«8.  I4T, 
'48,    IM;    to   Capt.    Vaa 
ReiisHulaer,  1S2,  147. 
iwcKeiini  V,  II'). 
McKesson,  J-ihn,  41,  57, 
MrKlii'lry,  <'apt,  John,  88, 
.\icKown,  .lamu«,  841,  351,  .'lf)9, 
370.  379,  ilHl,  418;  to  .Solo- 
moil  Van  Ker.Niiolaer,  361, 
870. 
McL(!aii,  John,  1«8,  4.'«),  •iSl. 
470  471 ;  ii>So|.  Villi  Uoni' 
selaer,  4!)0,  431,  470. 
Mc.NauKliteii,       I)r       Jamei, 

serious  accident  to,  819, 
McPhorHon,  446. 
Mcpherson,  Captain,  48. 
Madison,  416. 
Madison,  .lames,  ,101. 
Madison,  Mr,  itil,  '291, 897, 800, 

814. 
Madison,  Mrs,,  ,807, 
Madison,  President,  193. 
Magd  ''.iia,  expenses  of  boftt- 

ii.,  on  the,  488. 
Mahur,  456. 

Malcolm.  Captain,  868,  8«3. 
iMallay,  James,  8" 
Man,  Isaac.  .'2. 
Mapes  Jonr.s,  .366,  .167, 
Marcliinj,  orders,  l.')3. 
.Marcy,  Major,  ;j.S3, 
Marcy,  Win.  L    'W. 
Mariboroiujh      .u>ie  of,    128; 
Ills  mai;niticent  park.  1'28. 
Marquee,  General,  887. 
MarrUjfe,  181 ;   an  extraordi- 
nary, 84. 
Marshall,  John,  .308. 
Marshall,  Mr.,  150;  speech  of, 
151.  ' 

Martin,  Mr.,  88. 
Martinez,  Colonel,  .5011.  501. 
.Mason,  Rev.  Dr.,  3,35. 
Masters,  P.,  .3,52. 
Maiimee,  battle  of,  108. 
Mead,  Mr.,  3;13. 
Mediums   of  commerce  with 

the  Indians,  9. 
Meeting,  republican,  394 ;  fede- 
ral, :m. 
Meigs,  Henry    3'i8. 
Melfjs,  J.,  8I!>.  368,  371. 
Meigs,  Mr.,  376,  .380.  .383.  394. 
.Mela's,  Rclnrii  J.,  378,379,  388, 
3.89,    ,81H),      .392;      narrow 
escaiie  of,  ;)79,  ;iyO;  to  Vice 
I'resideiit    and    M.     Van 
Itureii,  ;i92. 
Meigs,  U.  J.,  jr.,  order  from, 
appointing  postmastLf  at 
Alliany.  379. 
Mercer,  402. 
Merchant,  George,  165. 
Military,  movements  of,   194, 
180;  orders  and  letters  of, 
19.  24. 
Militia,  cowardice  of,  256,  850. 
Miller,  General,  879. 
Miller,  MorrlB  8.,  315,  .350,  369. 
Miller,  MfB.  Catharine,  89. 
Miller,  Mrs.  Mary  R.,  168. 
Miller.  Peter,  34. 
Mills,  Captain,  98. 
Minturn,  Beiij.  G.,  860,  367. 
Miranda,  583,  5'27. 
Missouri,  admisfclon  of,  ae  a 
Btate,    805;    compromise, 
»i4 ;  constitution,  354,  356, 
300. 
MiaunderBtanding       between 
Henderson  and  Col.  Camp- 
bell, 5U4. 


iii 


!!iP 


538 


Index, 


Mitchell,  Lieut.  Colonel,  325. 
Witcl  ill.  D(]ti<ir,  4!iH, 
Miteliilj,  Siiiiiuel  L.,  8Ji«. 
MoliHMk    IndiiiiiB,   and  tlieir 

CuHtoniH,  la. 
Mompox,  deeciiption  of,  48^. 
Monroe,  James,  Uba,  a38,  389, 

416. 
Monroe,  Mr.,  .388  385. 
Monroe,    President.  S.'ia,  301, 

381.   406;    adnijnlfclratio'i 

of,  ;«1. 
Montcalm,  General,  14H. 
Montgomery,    Captain,  fi3,  64. 
Montgomery,    (ieneral,  43,  44, 

4t>.  47,  48,  4(1,   !)(),   140,  1S« 

332,833,  335,  414;  liis  re- 

niHini*  removed  from  (Que- 
bec, ;«0 ;  boi  ors  paid  to 

remains  of.  :«a.  335. 
Montgomery,    Mrs.    Jlichard, 

413. 
Mont{;omery,     Richard,    .323, 

330,  ;«1,  334,  335  ;  lionors, 

824. 
Mouilbello,  Diikoof,  503,  508, 

510. 
Montillo,    General,   445,    457 

477,  51«. 
Mooney,  I  aptain,  03,  05. 
Moore,  Colonel,  526,  520  ;   pre- 

BL'iitatiou  of,  524. 
Bioore,  (jeneral,  345. 
Moore  Major,  506. 
Moore,    Major     Thomas     P.. 

522,  623.  524. 
Moore,  Minister  'i'homas  P 

arrival  of,  520.  522.  ' 

Moore,  Mr.,  470,  471,  487,  520, 

521,  524,  530. 
Moore,  Thoniiis,  235, 
Morgan,  375,  379. 
Morgan,  Colonel,  00. 
Morgan,  Jotin  J,  368. 
Morgan,  Major,  195. 
Morrell,  Roliert,  3.18. 
Morrii^on,  Major,  253,  2.50,  279. 
Morrow,  Jeremiah,  419,  420. 
Morton,  General,  332,  487. 
Mosely,  Major,  272,  293. 
Mountainous  regions,  511. 
Mount   Hope,   sold,  132;  the 

faun  ol,   i)r<)speclively  in 

»h(^  mcon,  324. 
Mo'iit  Vernon,  147. 
Mower,  J.    B.,    409,    410;    to 

Solomon  Van  Kensselaer, 

4U9. 
Muhlesiberg,  Gen  .  80. 
Mullauy,  ,1.  R,.  250;  to  Gen. 

Van  Rensselaer,  250. 
Mullany,  Major,  253,  257,  268, 

268. 
Myers,  Cant.,  195. 
Myers,  Col.,  209,  210,  237. 
Myers.  Major,  211. 


Naples  and  Mount  Vesuvius, 
account  of,  346,  347,  ,348, 
349. 

Newman,  Col.,  825. 

New  York,  defenae  of,  .320; 
officers  of  government  of, 
338,  368;  church  record, 
marriage  notice,  in,  10. 

Nicholas,  10,  49. 

Nicliolas,  St.,  4,  5,  6 ;  dav  of.  4. 

Nicholson.  Mr.  Richard  R., 
483,  518. 

Nicoll,  Mr.  Harry,  79. 

Noon,  Capt.  Darby,  290,  207; 
an  energetic  officer.  297 

North,  Gen.,  3;j5. 

Norton,  Mr.,  418. 


Nott,  Mr.,  K2. 
Nugent,  >1it-s,  126, 


Oakley,  Gen.,  487. 
Oakley,  Mr.,  2119. 
Oakley,  Thomas,  3C6. 
Oakley,  Thomas  J.,  388. 
Oliando,  '.  ol.,  ,^23,  581. 
Ollicers,  proposed  council  of, 

Ogden,  Copt.,  48. 

Ogden,  Mr.  Henry,  437. 

Ogdensburgh,  201. 

OL'ilvie,  Capt.,  203,  273. 

O  Leary,  Gen.,  525,  ,'528,  530. 

Olmsted,  (apt.,  326. 

Oolhout,  Abraham,  88. 

Oothout,  Henry,  50. 

Oothout,  Mr.,  33. 

Order  appoindng  Solomon 
Van  Rensselaer,  major 
general  of  militia,  330. 

Ormsby,  0..98. 

Orton,  Joseph,  4.32. 

Osborn,  Capt.,  418. 

Otis,  402. 


Pacific  ocean,  voyage  across, 

442. 
Padilla,  Gen.,  446. 
Parish,  Mr.,  202.  298. 
Parker,  Col.,  276. 
Parker,  Mr.,  .396,  404. 
Parker,  Philip  S.,  331, 395, 486 
Patroon,  the,  to  Solomon  Van 

Rensselaer,  .341,   3.50,  3.55, 

372,  400,  402,  408,  409,  410, 

415. 
Patterson,    Walter,    368,    370, 

;387,  397  ;  to  Solomon  Van 

Rensselaer,  387,  397. 
Paulding,  Col.,  33.3. 
Pearson,  375. 
Peck,  Harmanus,  ,3.38. 
Peck,  Judge,  2i->7,  207. 
Peiraon,  Jer.  H.,  ;M) 
Pell,  Col.  Ferris,  331,  358,  359, 

302,  374 ;  to  Solomon  Van 

Rensselaer,  359. 
Pefion.  Bajo,  480. 
Peopcr,  Calvin,  432. 
P  .^y,  Karl,  270. 
Perry,  O.  H.,  3im. 
Peters,  Ca])t.,  .54. 
Plielu,  Miss,  54 
Philadelphia,  147. 
Philip,  10. 

Philology,  ignorance  of,  18. 
Pickens,  Gen.,  145;  marriatre 

of,  145. 
Pickering  Timothy,  80.81,  95 

117,120,  125;  secretary  of 

war,  117,  120. 
Pickett,  Mr.,520,  522,  5a;j. 
Pierson.  Jeremiah  H.,  ms 
Pinckney,   General,    147.    148 
Pinckney,  Thomas,  307;  invit- 
ation from,  147. 
Piper,  Colonel,  302. 
Piracy,  416. 
Pirates,  preparations  to  meet, 

442. 
Pitcher,   Nathaniel,   338,  368, 

Pittsfl'eid,  418. 

Piatt,  Colonel,  411 . 

Piatt,  General,  196 

Plutt,  Jonas,  337,  .368. 

Pleasants,  Lieut.  Isaac,  119. 

Political  dishonesty,  307- 
meet  ings  of  federalists  and 
democrats,  163-166;  sur- 
mise's, 158,  159. 


Pollard,  Wm.,  76.  fO,  HS-  to 

Philip  Van  Rensselaer'  (-0 
Porter,  Aguslus,  314. 
Porter,  General,  205,  213.  222 

230.  231.  232,  279,  281,  awl 

S90,  291,  292,  205,  405. 
Porter.  Judge,  204, 
I'orter,  Mr.  Augustus  B., ,317 
Porter,  Peter  B.,  208,  215  223 

227,  H31,  244,  287,  28K,  2Wl' 

296,410,430;  a-saults  John 

Lovetl,  296,  297. 
Posada.  Governor,  498. 
Posey,  General,  255. 
Posey,  John,  96,  98,  112. 
Posey,  John  Cornet,  112. 
Posey,  Lieut.   John,  11!,   to 

Capt.  Van  Rensselaer,  111 
Post,  Dr.,  3.31,  403. 
Postmaster  general,  letter  to 

380 ;  rascally,  352,  .357       ' 
Potomac,    the   enemy's    fleet 

coming  up,  305. 
Preparations  for   u  skirmish 

626. 
Prescott,  General,  48. 
President  U.  S.,  petition  to, 

Preston,  Capt.,  38, 

Preston,  General,  48. 

Preston,  Major,  47. 

Prevost,  General,  817. 

Prevost,  George,  320. 

Price,  Capt.,  46, 119. 

Price,  Gen.,  50. 

Price,  Major,  101. 

Prldeaux,  Gen.,  29. 

Prior,  110. 

Prisoners,  atreement  to  ex- 
chanL;e.269;  of  war,  pro- 
posals to  relieve  264. 

Proceedings,  hasty  sketch  of. 

Proclamation  by  Gov .  Clinton, 

u8o. 
Productions,  tropical.  .510 
Proposals,  military,  244,  245 
Provost,  Geo.  211,  214. 
PantaGorda,  480. 
Putman.  Capt.,  Garret,  74 
Putman,  Victor,  74. 

Qiuickonboss,  Major,  81 . 

Quackenbush,  Nicholas,  M). 

Quai  termaster'sbook,  absiracl 
from,  94. 

Queenstown,  the  hero  of  MT ; 
interesting  a'-  ount  of  at- 
tack on.  249,    MQ ;  heights 
of.  interesting  account  of  I 
niilitary  operations  at,  2«(i, 

Quincy,  Joslah,  38. 
Quincy,  Mr.,  302. 

Randolph.  .John.  186, 

Randolph,  Lieutenant,  258, 
263,  273,  280,  287. 

Randolph.  Mr.,  .3;^!). 

Rathbone,  Lieut.,  253,  2,54, 268, 
203 ;  mortally  wounded, 
253. 

Ray.  Cornelius,  70,  82 ;  to  Plii- 
lip  Van  Rensselaer,  75.  W; 
fears  the  shii)  Luzerne  is 
taken  by  the  enemy,  TO; 
shipment  of  tea,  70;  for- 
wards bills  per  ship,  75. 

Ray,  Mr.,  39,  112,321, 

Hay,  Richard,  20,  26,  34, 

Ray,  Roberl.  31,  40.  41,  52  ;  to  j 
Philip  Van  Rensselaer,  40, 
51. 


•d.  Win.,  76.  f>0,  H8;  to 

hilip  Vail  Rmsufclai-i,  Mj 

r,  Afiiii'tiii',  314. 

r,  Gwieral,  SOB,  213.  22a 

».  231.  838,  879,  SH4,  8m; 

0,  291,  898,  21)5,  405. 

r.  Judge,  804, 

r.  Ml.  AuguBtii8B.,,S17 

r,  Peter  B.,  80H,  815,  m 

7,  S31,  244,  287,  888,  2N)' 

6,  410, ■ISO;  a^^saulttJolin 

n-etl,  290,  897. 

B.  tioveriior,  498. 

,  General,  855. 

,  John,  90,  98,  112. 

,  John  Cornet,  118. 

,  Lieut.   John,  11!,  to 

iPt.  Van  Rensselaer,  111 

Dr.,  331,  403. 

aster  general,  letter  to, 

) ;  rascally,  352,  367 

ac,    the   enemy's    fleet 

niing  up,  305. 

■ations  for   u  skirmisb, 

'tt.  General,  48. 

ent  U.  S.,  petition  to, 

u,  Capt.,  38. 

n,  Genorul,  48. 

n,  Major,  47. 

't.  General,  817. 

't,  George,  320. 

Capt.,  40, 119. 

Gen.,  50. 

Major,  101 . 

ux.  Gen.,  89. 

110. 

ere,   agreement   to  ex- 

inf;<'.  209;  of  war,  pio- 

?alH  to  relieve  264. 

dings,  hasty  sketch  of. 

I. 

nation  by  Gov.  Clinton, 

tions,  tropical.  ,510. 
als,  military,  844,  245. 
t,  Geo.  811,  214. 
Gorda,  480. 
II.  Capt.,  Garret,  74. 
n,  Victor,  74. 


inlwss,  Mnjor,  81 . 
iUbuBh,  Nicholas,  Ml, 
rmaster'sbook,  ahstiacl 
ni,  94. 

nown,  the  hero  of  MT ; 
erestiug  a'-  ount  of  at- 
k  on,  849,   -^OO ;  heights 
interesting  nccouiit  of  | 
litary  operations  at,  M, 


ph.  John.  186. 

ph.     Lieutenant,    358, 

,  273,  28ti,  2.^7. 

ph.  Mr.,  Sii'j. 

me,  Lieut.,  853,  8,51, 26S, 

;    mortally    wounded, 

Jinclius,  70,  88;  to  riii- 
Van  Rensselaer,  75. 7«; 
rs  the  shii)  Luzerne  is 
en  by  the  enemy,  TO; 
pment  of  tea,  70;  lor- 
ds bills  per  ship,  75. 
r.,39,  118,  ;W1. 
chard,  20,  2ti,  34. 
:)l)erl.  31,  40,  41,  58;  to  I 
lip  Van  Rensselaer,  40,  ' 


Koceiptg  for  military  supplies, 

fl4,  !t5,  90,  98. 
Ituoreatlons  iu  old  times,  85. 
IJi:ed,  Capf.,  185. 
Ueed,  Colonel,  79,  .S2.".  419 
Uetiirn  to  Albany,  28l' 
Rfyuolds  Joshua,  344 
Kichard.  Col.,  ,379 
Uichmond,  Jonathan,  IViS. 
Kules  among  the  hills.  517, 518. 
Kiedesel,  Gen.,  tX). 
Kiver,  preparations  to  cross, 

Roads  dangerous,  498 
Robbers  attacking  mail  boats. 

610. 
Robert,  26. 
Robinson,  J.,  283 
Robinson,  Josiah,' 284, 
Uobinsoc,  toCol.   Van  Rens- 
selaer, 883 
Rochester,  Wm.  B.,  3(58    ,377 
p,  389;    to     Sol.  '  Vaii 
Rensselaer,  377 
Rochfontame,  Colonel,  124 
Kodgers     Capt.  Jodediah,  92, 

Rodgers,  Com.,, 351. 

Rodgers,  Dr.,  331. 

Rodgers,  Mr.,  178 

Roeloffesen  Catharine,10 

Romain  as  speaker,  373. 

Root,  410. 

Root,  Erastus,  .350. 

Root,  Mr.,  famous  mathemati- 
cal speech  of,  ;j56. 

Rose,  Gen.,  884. 

Rosecrantz,  George,  311 

Ross,  Major  Gen.,  319. 

Ross,  Thomas  R.,  872 

Ross,  William,  811. 

Route,  interesting,  las,  1,14 
135.  ' 

Rowland,  Alderman  T.  424 

Riiggles,  Chis  S.,  368. 

Rush,  410. 

Rutufers,  Anthony,  112 

Uyckman,  Wilhelmus,  334. 

Sage,  Ebenezer,  3,38. 
Sailors,   impressing  into  Bri- 
tish service,  182. 

Salstonstall,  Col.,  33,  34. 
Sanimons,  203,  203. 

Sauilers,  Har^nt,  80,  ^03. 

Sanders,  Catharine,  15. 

Sanders,  Elsie,  12,  80. 

Sanders  family,  reside  in  Hol- 
land, 12 ;  moved  to  Ame- 
rica, 18;  bought  land  in 
Glenville,  12. 

Sanciers,  Gen.  Lyman,  27, 

Sanders,  Godfrey  Smith,  34. 

Saudoi-s,  Johannes,  12. 

Sanders,  John,  11, 15, 51, 79, 83. 

Sanders,  Lieut.,  17. 

Sanders,  Margaretta,  10,  11 

Sanders,  Maria,  10,  11,  37,  130 

Sanders,  Miss,  146. 

Sanders,  Mo.ses  Emerson,  2t 

Sanders,  Mr.,  15,  98. 

Sanders,  Mrs,,  15,  36. 

Sanders,  Rev.  Lawrence,  11, 
15.  '      ' 

Sauders,  Robert,  11.  1H,  17,  18, 
19,  !M,  2.5,  86,  87,  -^s,  89,  30, 
•3.',  34;  birth  of,  17;  mar- 
riage of.  17  i  a  meml)er  of 
the  Albany  convention, 
17;  pays  curious  items,  17; 
to  Richard  Wibird,  v!l,  38, 
33;  to  Sir  VVilliura  Johu- 
Bon,  82,  84,  36;  to  Cham- 
pion &  Mayley,  36 ; 


Index. 

Sanders,     Robert,     to    New 
Hamjishire     commiasioa- 
ers,   2,S;    1,0  Peter  Miller, 
.34;  to  Sir  Thomas  Hub- 
bard, 88,  30,  33  ;  to  Abra- 
ham J.    Lansing,   Ho;    to 
C()!..lacol>\Ve.n(lell,  30,  87, 
88 ;  to  John  M.   Wendell, 
35 ;  death  of,  Hli. 
Sanford,  Mr.,  119. 
Sanford,  Nathan,  191,  338. 
SangerBeld,  Oneida  Co.,  401. 
Santander,  Gen,,  444. 
Savage,  John,  368, 
Saxe,  Marshall,  263. 
Schenectady,    destruction    of. 

13,  15. 
Schermerhorr ,  179. 
Schermerhorn,  HenryV.R.  386. 
387;    to    Sol.    Van  Rens^ 
selaer,  ;386. 
Schermerhorn,  Mr,,  167.  183. 
Schuyler,  Ariaantie,  43,  58,  78, 
Sch:iyler,  Colonel,  14,  425. 
Schuyler,  Cornelia.  124. 
Schuyler,  Elizabeth,  17,  37. 
Schuyler,  Gen . ,  -"S,  44,  58,  54, 
55,  56,  61,  62,  63,  tU,  65,  69, 
74,75,77,82,11,5,  118,  127 
148,   1,51;    ;o   Philip   Van 
Rensselaer,  40;  a  ruuaway 
marriage  in  family  of,  116. 
Schuyler,  John,  17. 
Schuyler,  Mr.,  369. 
Schuyler,  old  family  records. 

.37. 
Schuyler,  Peter,  17,  2.<(,  26,  35, 

37. 
Schuyler,  Philip,  17,  37,  59,  87, 
157;  to  secretary  of  war, 
118;  death  of  157;  funeral 
honors,  158. 
Schuyler,  Reuben,  235. 
Schuyler,  S.,  66. 
Scotia  mansion,  the  old,  16 
Scott,  Col.,  !>,61,  868,  263,  270; 
takes  charge  of  troops,  261. 
Scott,  Dr.,  103. 
Scott,  General,  111,  363. 
Scott,  Wintleld.  260. 
Sea  voyage,  112. 
Secretary  of  war  to  Capt.  Van 
Reusselai-r,    117,    1-80;    to 
Sol.  Van  Rensselaer,  125 
Seley,  Mr.  M.,  420, 
Sentences,  the  art  of  dividing, 

littl    understood,  16. 
Sergeant,  Mr.,  .393. 
Seth,  Col.,  60. 
Severs,  Mr.,  458. 
Sharks,  Capt.,  143. 
Shaw,  ileiiry,  ;i35. 
Shaw,  ,Tohu,  ,381. 
Shaw  &  Ludlow,  Messrs.,  65. 
Shaw,  N.,  98. 
Shaw,  William,  143. 
Shaws,  Mr.,  89. 
Sheatle,  Gen.,  209,    210,  213, 
214,  215,  219,  286,  256,  258, 
201,  268,  803,  8(4,  86,5,  268, 
269,870,271,274,  280,  288; 
to  Gen.    Van  Rensselaer, 
264,  865 


689 


Sheatfe,  Margaret,  271. 
Sheatle,  R.  H.,  to  Gem.  Van 

Kensselaer,  269,  870. 
Sheldon,  William,  71. 
Shepherd,  Messrs.,  334. 
Sherbrooke,  John,  330. 
Sherburne,  Henry,  89. 
Shettleworth.  Lieut.,  40. 
ShiiigletoM,  Lieui,,  69. 
Sibley,  Judge,  42!. 
Sible.v,  Solomon,  422. 
Sim,  Lieut.,  249. 


Sinmnns,  Mr.,  198. 

Simmons,  William,  190,  191. 

Skinner,  Judge,  373,  316. 

Slingerlandt,  W.,80. 

Sloop  of  War  Natchea,  684. 

Slough,  110. 

Smith,  110,  3,52,  368,  878. 

Smith,  Capt.,  113. 

Smith,  Col.,  M6. 

Smith.  Geu.  Alexander,  289, 
840. 

Smith,  Gen.  Samuel,  810. 

Smith,  Lieut.,  224,  27"^. 

Smith,  Miyor,  374. 

Smith,  Mr.,  116. 

Smyth,  Alexander,  275. 

Smyth,  Gen.,  239,  240,  241, 
242,  245,  S43,  247  218,  262 
278,  876,  277,  878,  279,  288, 
284,  285,  305,  3:39,  860;  to 
Gen .  Van  Rensselaer,  289 ; 
is  rebuked,  210,  242;  his 
pretended  attack  on  Ca- 
nada, 884,  885. 

Snelling,  Col.  J.,  421 

Snow  ball,  489 

Soldier,  an  old  deaf,  802. 

Song,  a  new,  277. 

South    America,    interesting 

letteij  from,  4»i-532. 
South  wick,  370,  375,  879,  887: 

affairs  of,  870. 
Southwick,  Mr.,  872,  376,  889, 

Southwick,  Solomon,  293,  295. 
896,    373,    ,378,   380,    881; 
portrait  of,  387. 
Spencer,  ,306,  375,  379. 
Spencer,  Ambrose,    188,   ,337 
*t4,  ,367,  368,  412.  418;  to 
Solomon  Van  Rensselaer, 
344. 
Spencer,  Capt.,  417,  418 
Spencer,  Elijah,  368. 
Spencer,  John   C,    175,    2S1 
340 ;  speaker  in  the  assem- 
bly, 340. 
Spencer,  Judge,  844,  857,  425. 

471,  472. 
Spencer,  Mr.,  20. 
Spicy  discussion  in  congress 
relative    to    the    Canada 
campaign,  ;100. 
St.  Clair.  Gen.,  59,  60,  65,  80. 

69,96,07,135,422. 
St.  Martha  and   the   country 

around,  456. 
St.  Nicholas  Day,  festival  of,  4 ; 
toasts  and  speeciiesat, 5  6. 
St .  Regi8,an  Iiulian  village,  302 
Staats,  Abraham,  8. 
Starts,    Col.     Nicholas,    162. 

163,471. 
Staats,  Dr.,  455. 
Steamboat,  the  llrst,  183. 
Stearns,  Dr.,  248. 
Steele  Miss,  176 
Stephen,  Colonel,  66. 
Sterling,  Lord,  78. 
Sterling  Micah,  368. 
Sterry,  Peter,  186. 
Stevenson^  Mr,,  390.  ,519 
Stewart,  Qlllbert,  803. 
Still  well,  4B6;  artillery  of,  826. 
Stillwell,  John,  881.  ' 

Stopford,  Major,  46. 
Storm,  Mr.  Thomas,  122. 
Storrs,  388,  881. 
Storrs,  Henry  R,,  415. 
Story,  a  thrilling,  ,589. 
StranaUan,  Colonel,  i^ii. 
Strang,  Jesse,    4,33,  434,  4.35; 
arrested  and  executed  for 
the   murder  of  WhipDle. 
432,  486.  ^^    ' 


t 


I  I 

I-  i . ! 


-4 

I' 

f 

1 

1 

- 

1 

%. 

& 

•■" 

>  -.j 

■f       -!5 

640 

Strort,  Uandcll  8.,  888. 
Strllo,  b«Kliiiiliii?<)f  the,  681. 
Strong,  KIIhIih  H.,  341. 
Strong,  Jiimun.  aS8,  861. 
Strotlwrg,  4(W. 
Stunrt,  J.  B..  415,  lit!;  to  Sol. 

Van  KonsBolaor,  4l5. 
Hiilllvan,  Capt.,  lli», 
Siiimimry  procutit*.  ft'iSS. 
Sunday  sports  In  Hogofn,  007. 
Survellliinco,  tonder,  i;i(). 
SuHjilcionB  and  foarx,  5^8. 
Snthorland,  Mr.,  371. 
Swan,  Mr.,  Sid, 
Swarthout,  ».  Mr., 
Swarts,  Dick,  M. 
Swift,  Colonul.  8I!»,  8H«. 
Swifts,  Ouorgo,  ai!». 
SwittB,  CoL.sil. 
Swinton,  Isaac,  8. 
Sword,   a    priwontatlon   that 

was  not,  iSi.'i. 
Synion,  14. 
Symondu,  Mr.,  .370. 


Talmad™,  Gimi.,  8'i8. 
Tannehlll,  Gen.,  3()-j. 
Taylor,  182,  ;)!«>,  415. 
Taylor,  Governor,  1(17,414,470. 
Tayler,  Jolui,  Kid.  KiS.  18!t.  .'I'W, 

894;  totliopnblic,  l(i7;  to 

Sol.  Van  UonsHcliior,  107. 
Tnyk-r,  Jiuli,'is  Kill,  178,  180. 
Tayloo,  (;a|)t.,  111. 
Tayloc,  Col.,  148. 
Tayloe,  John,  117. 
Vaylou,  Mr.,  WM,  508,  510,  51;!, 

517.  5-j-t. 
Taylor,  .John  W.j  a"J8,  D.'VI,  .'^is; 

lilccted  epoaker  of  H.  K,, 

3.M. 
Taylor,  Jonathan,  i)5,  !)8. 
Taylor,  Mr.,  357. 
Tea  party,  old  lashlonod,  12<l. 
Ten  Hroock,  Gen.,  77,  151 
Ten  Broock,  Hon.  Abraham, 

157. 
Ten  Hroeck,  .Tohii  C,  68. 
Ten  Kyck,  377,  434. 
Ten  Kyck,  ADra.,  3;«. 
Ton  Kyck,  Jacob,  217. 
Ten  Kyck,  Major,  *)4. 
Ton  Kyck.  Myndt.  ri..  88 
Toneritre   and   Its   cathedral, 

481. 
Thanks,  exprcnsion  ol',  .'i!)3. 
Thayendan(  fjea's  exploits  and 

massacres,  122. 
Thayer,  Co!.,  412. 
Thayer,  8.,  407;  to  Solomon 

Van  Kensselaer.  407. 
The  brig  Tampico,  4:i!). 
The  whistle  of  the  mnletocr, 

529. 
Thomas,  Col.,  315. 
Thomas,  Gen.,  52,  .3*1. 
Thompson,  Jonathan,  374. 
Thompson,  Judjro,  .'iOS. 
Thompscm,  Mr.  James,  330. 
Thompson,  Mrs.,  413. 
Thompson.  Smith,    .308,    378, 

;180, 3Si»,  400. 
Thorn,  \Vm.,  57. 
TIbbits,  George,  391. 
Tillman,  John,  00. 
Tillton,  Capt..  119. 
Todds.  Gen.,  10,5. 
Tompkins.  223.  306,  378,  379. 
Tompkins,  Caleb,  338,  805. 
Tompkins.  Daniel  D.,  100.  170, 
183.  224.  208,  311,  820,  338, 
339,  ;M,5,  ;i-.2,  3(K).  373.  ;i81, 
3H:j,  ,389,  390,  392,  390 ;   to 
Mr.  Thompson,  373. 


Index. 

Tompkins,  Gov.,  124,  154, 
157,  188.  189,  1!«1.  199,  204, 
205.  22.5,  2.30.  274,  275,  277, 
893,  291.  29,5.  309.  310.  313. 
.322.  !Xi7;  iinlV'elitigco?i(lnct 
of.  895 ;  to  Hoi .  Viin  Itens- 
selaer,  3(HI,  313. 

Tompson.  .Mr..  373. 

Torrons.  ('ol.,  503,  526,  626. 

Torroy,  Daniel,  iMI. 

Tolter,  Matliow,  88,  327,  334, 
8im. 

Tower,  Reuben,  402;  to  Sol. 
Van  I{(!nsselaer,  402. 

Townsend,  Isaiah,  486. 

Townsend,  Mr.  John,  418. 

Towson.  Capt.,  201. 

Tracy,  415. 

Tracy.  Albert  11.,  105. 

Tracy,  Robert  II.,  338. 

Traverse,  Mr.,  485,  I.S7. 

Trubont,  Capt.,  JUW. 

Tribiito  of  respect,  360. 

Trimble,  Alden,  431. 

Tronblons  times,  150,  170. 

Trucman.  Major,  95. 

Trnmbml,  33,5. 

Trumbull,  Col.,  411. 

Trumbull.  Governor,  41.  42 

Turner.  Capt.,  107,  119;  to 
('aiil.  Van  Rensselaer  97; 
to  Lieut.  Visscher,  107. 

Turni'r.  Meiit..  97;  to  Capt, 
Van  Rensselaer,  97. 

Tuthill,  Silas.  308. 

Tyler.  John.  39,3. 

Tyson,  John,  08;  to  Gov. 
Lewis,  68. 


ITncIo  refer,  489. 

Union      I    illcge      to     Philip 

Schuyler.  87. 
United     States,      ofllcers     of 

government  of,  338,  ;168. 
Urdenata,  Gen.  510,  625. 


Vale,  J.  L..  480. 
Valencia,  Monsieur,  444. 
Van  Alstyne,  Jacob,  00  .107. 
Van  Benlhuysen,  Jacob.  22. 
Van   Bunschootens.    Domine 

8-1. 
Van  Buren.  370.   378.   378.  379 

4lKI.  407.  4,S7. 
Van  liuren,  Klsie.  10. 
Van  Huron,  (iovernor,  4,55. 
Van   Huron,    Leonard.   41,  42 
82;  to   rhlli])    Nan    Rens- 
selaer. 41,  42. 
Van    Buren,    Martin,  337.  319 
;i.58.  .301.  .303.  370,  3T7,  3,S1 
381,  ;!85.  387.  38S,  ;iH9,  ;l!»0. 
392,   ,390;  to   Mr.    Knower 
and    others.  ;)7I.  .375.   370; 
to  Mr.    Dudley.  .3,S2. 
Van  Buren.  Mr..  -10,  3T1.  373, 

371,  380.  ;i82.  39.5,  463. 
\^an  Burirh.  ,57. 

Van  t'ortlandt.  (Jeneral,  428. 
506.  ' 

Van  Cortlandt,  Maria,  10. 
Van  Cortlandt.  Pierre,  111,  487 
Van    Cortlandt    to    Sol.    Van 
Rensselaer.   487;  to    Sol. 
Van  Rc^nsselaer.  ,5(16. 
Vanderpott.  Captain.  42. 
Vanderput.  Captain,    13. 
Van  Hook.  Brandt,  71. 
Van  Home.  Gen.,  151.  157. 
Van  Munickliousen.  104. 
Van  Ness.  Cornelius   P.,  1il3, 
107 ;     to     Solomon    Vaii 
;en8solaer,  485. 


VanNpBB,  Oon.,a"W. 
Van  Ness,  Gov.,  485, 
Van  Ness,  John   P..  191,  1il,3, 
430;  to  Jiult,'e  Van  NcskJ 
191 ;     to     Solomon     Van 
Rensselaer,  192, 
Von  Ness,  Jmlge.  1,58,  183,  mi 
281,325,  3*1.337,  319,311, 
.•M4,  !)63,  .302.  .iOTi.  307.  liHl  ■ 
to  Col.  Solomon  Van  Rens- 
selaer.  18:1,  IHl,  281,  ;i25 
837,  .340,  341,  314,  ilOO,  ;|(y 
307,  ■((«),  107.  •108. 
Van    Ness,   William  P.,    1!)2 

193 
Van  Ness,   \V.   W.,  159,  1K5 
326,  ;)35,  312.  345,  352,  IWi! 
3(H).  .30,S,  403.  4(M.  407.  108; 
to  Solomon   Van  Rensse- 
latir,  1.58. 
Van  Rensselaer,  8.  6,  8.  43,  111), 
149,  1.53,    1,55,  107,   172,  171, 
175,  17(1,  177,  178,  1H2,  1S3 
180,  191,  207,  209,  215,  218 
221.  227.  2.31.  231.  270,  .'iUl, 
329,  340,  ,310,  307,  377,  .'iT!), 
(184,  518 ;    ancient   family 
papers  of,  8. 
Van  Rensselaer,  Abraham,  i:i2. 
Van  Rensselaer,  (,'ai)tain,  ."I't, 
97,98,  99,  101,102,  103,  lIH, 
10.5,  109,  111,  110,  121,  132, 
1.34, 137,  140,  141,  112.  1  W, 
141,   188;     wounded,   1(12; 
receives  the  giftof  .Mwoid, 
from   Capt.  Campbell,  de- 
ceased, 102 ;  to  Lieutenant 
Visscher,  10-1 ;  to  (ieneral 
Wayne,  105  ;  to  his  cou^'in, 
125;  to  his  wile,  132,   IJB, 
131.  137,  138,  142,  141. 
Van   Rensselaer,   Colonel,  27, 
•13,    02,    (H,    140.   2(H).    201, 
802.  208,  2,52,  25.3,   251,  25'i, 
269,  261,  263,  268,  27(1,  272, 
881,  282,  283,   291,  292.  2!«, 
29.1,  295,  302,  308,  320.  314  ; 
riddled  witli   bullets.  2,'>4; 
to  (iei.eral  Wilkinson,  311; 
to  Abraham  Van  Veelilen, 
226;  to  Gen.  Lewis,  2;ll. 
Van  Rensselaer  Dr.,  475. 
Van     Rensselaer,     Elmahcth, 

428. 
Van  Rensselaer,  Gen.,  5,  Ki-l, 
160,  170,  180,  181,  19,5,  l!lit, 
204,  206,  210,  214  210,  217, 
221,  831,  233,23.5,235,  2;iti, 
2;i8,  239,  240,  211,  212,  213, 
844,  246,  247,  248,  249,  ffltl, 
856,  864,  206,269,271,  271, 
275,  878.  279.  280,  288,  S.-^ll, 
290,  297,  298,  332,  342,  .'B!, 
350,  358,  ;i(H),  :j()2,  300,  .3(111, 
372,  374.  .382.  387,  3S8,  31(1, 
395,  396,  397,  398.  11  J.  415, 
416,4:18,485,  487;  benevo- 
lence of,  77  ;  to  (ien.  Brock, 
220,  8(H;  to  Gen.  Dearborn, 
2.33,  244;  to  Lieut.  Cel. 
Fenwick,  848 ;  to  Major 
Mullany,  250;  to  Gen. 
Sheafl'e,  865,  26.8.  209;  to 
William  Simmons,  lilO:  to 
Alexander  Smyth,  210,  242; 
to  Gen.  Hall,  247;  to  (Jov, 
Tompkins,  2.36;  to  Solo- 
nion  Van  Rensselaer.  280  ; 
to  the  pul)lic.  187-190;  to 
Col.  Willet  1.341  ;Mar;:aret 
Schuyler,  tlrst  wife  of,  77; 
Stephen,  the  tlfthpatroen, 
77;  in  comnnml  of  I'orri'ii, 
191;  visits  the  II]  itish  side, 
248. 


WpBi,  Oon.,.3S8. 

^(■su,  Oov.,  4W). 

NcMs,  John  I'.,  ifll,  iii,-)^ 

iO;  to  .Iii(lt,'(i  Vim  N'chk| 

ill ;     to     HoldiiiDH     Villi 

ciiHHi'liKir,  Ida, 

>J«!<B,  JikIl'o.  iriH,  18!),  mi, 

n,tm,  m.am,  ;mo,  :iii, 

11,  JW!),  3(K,  ,!(;:>,  8(17,  ItKl  I 
)("ol.  Soloiiioii  Van  KciikI 
iliior,  18:j,  IHl,  SKI,  ;«r), 
17,  ;)tO.  Hit.  ;m4,  ;i(io,  ;«;;>, 

i7,  KK),  107.  UW. 

Ni^BB,   Wlllliim  I'.,    li)!i 

NoHH,    \V.   W.,  ir>!),   IH.'i 

!(i,  ;i:w.  ;n2.  ;iir>,  Jtr.a,  ;wi' 

0,  .•IHH,  Id!),  4(H,  .107,  KW; 

i  Holonion  Vim  Uciichc- 
vr,  I.W. 

tciiHMfliU'r,  2.  (i,  H,  I!!,  Ill), 
!»,  ir>!),  I.-W,  lti7,  172,  ni 
ri,  1711,  177,  17H,  1H2,  is:!, 
II,  1!)1,  a07,  200,  2i:.,  218, 
■».  227,  2!11,  2!H,  27li,  :«ll, 
i>,  IMO,  :).lti,  !)tl7,  !J77,  !1T!», 

4,  niH ;  ancient  liiniily 
ipoi'M  of,  iS. 

cnHKoJiuT,  Abratniiii,  i:i2. 
ItensBolaer,  (.'aiiliiin,  ,"i!» 

,  !W,  0!>,  101,102,  IIH,  llH, 

5,  I0<»,  111,  llli,  121,  V.i-i, 
■I,  1!J7,  140,   141,  142,  I  W, 

1,  1H8;  wdiiiidud,  102; 
i;«lvoM  the  gil'l  of  sword, 
>m  Cant.  Oaniplioll,  de- 
aHod,  102;  to  l.ioiitciiant 
nacluT,  10-1 ;  to  (iciiuial 
ayno,  105;  to  hin  cousin, 
) ;  to  hiw  wile,  l;)2,  1!B, 
I.  1!W,  1!«,  142,  Ml. 
{oiiuselaur,   Colonel,  27, 

02,  M.  140,  2(K),  2111, 
!.  208,  2.52,  25!},  251,  2.",, 
»,  2(il,  20!),  2(W,  270,  272, 
,  282,  28!),  201,  21)2,  2!l!i, 
I,  205,  !J02,  :m,  !i20.  <M  ; 
died  with  tmllctB,  2,51; 
(J(!r:crul  Wilkinson,  lill; 
Abraham  Van  Vcdilen, 
i;  to  Hen.  Lewis,  3:!1. 
Jiisselacr  Dr.,  475. 
lleiiBseluer,     Eli/.ahetli, 

ensselaer,  Oen.,  5,  llil, 
I,  170,  180,  181,  105,  IIW, 
,  2110,  210,  214  2111,  217, 
,  2!^l,  2!«,  2:),5,  2!i5,  2:iti, 
I,  2:^0,  240,  241,  212,  21!), 
,  240,  247,  248,  24il,  -m, 
,  204,  200,200,271,  271, 
,  278.  270,  280,  288,  2.MI, 
,  207,  208,  !J!J2,  !il2,  IK!, 
,  M58,  !i00,  !j()2,  !iOO,  !ii;il, 
,  H74.  .'182,  :^87,  :)S8,  ;i!tl, 
,  !)!)(),  :!07,  !ai)8.  412,  ll.-i, 
,  4!J8,  485,  487;  beiievo- 
wof,  77;  toCien.  Hrock, 
,20-1;  toCiun.Dearburii, 
,  244;  to  Lient.  C'el. 
iwick,  248 ;  to  Major 
llaiiv,  250;  to  (ieii. 
■afl'e,  205,  208,  2(1!):  lo 
lliaiii  Simmons,  I'.KI;  to 
.\aii(l(>rSinylli,2UI,  242; 
len.  Hall,  247;  to  (iiiv. 
niikins,  2.'i0;  to  Solo- 
II  Van  UensBelaer.  280  ; 
lie  public,  lft7-liltl;  to 
.  \Villett,241;Mai>riirft 
uyler,  tirst  wile  ol',  77; 
:)lien,  the  fifth  piitiinui, 
in  comniiml  ofl'iiicrs, 
;  visits  tile  liritislisiUe, 


V.in  lleiiimidaer,  lleniv  K.,  10, 
II,    01,    o:i,    00,    102,    100; 
(N.'illli  of.  ;I20;  fniiiial  snl- 
eliinilics  of,  !)20.  !i27. 
\!in  KiiiHselaef,  lleiiiy  !{.,  !l|. 
Van  l{eiisBelaei',.lereniiah,  417, 
I2.S;    clilldicii    ol,     10;     to 
Sol.    Van  IteiiHselaer,  !145, 
410. 
Vim  UeiiBBclaer,  .lolin,  (2H. 
\  iiii  KoiiHHi'Iaer,  Killlan.  7,  10, 
•ir.    4!l.    78.    70;    ae.Unow- 
li'i|i,'ed    piiinion,    7;    dia- 
mond       niiTclmnl  of 
Amstenlnm.  7;  a  (lireetor 
ill     We>t     India    Co.,    7; 
selects  land  at  l''oil<)r«ii''e 
7;    death   of,  7. 
Van    HetisBelaer,    Killiaii    II,. 

i:!0,  150. 
Vim  Keiisselaer,  Killiiiii  K..I1, 
107,  108,  120,  I2H;  lo  ('ai.t. 
Van  Keiisselaer,  107;  1^2; 
lo  I'hilip  Van  Konssulaer, 
78. 
Vim    Kcnsselaer,     Klllian     I', 

Ili'Ws  (dhls  deiilli.  .Ml). 
\:in   Ifensselaei-,    l.inly,    iiiiial 

liiune,  425. 
Van    Uensseliiei-.    Major.    Its 

152.  1.57,  21!).  2-JO.  ' 
Vim    lienssinaer.     .MurKarellii. 

510;  to  her  sisli'r,  510. 
Van  Keiisselaer,  .Maria  .M.,  510. 
Van  HensseliK  r.  Miss,  120. 
Van  Uenssciiier.  Miss  A..  4!)0. 
Van  Keiisselaer.  Misn  Arrietl, 

115,  110,  no,  1.5,5. 
Vim     Keiisselaer.     .Mrs.,     170 
225,       120,       1117:      to     her 
husband,  227. 
\iin  Keiisselaer,  .Mrs.   A..   128. 
Vim  Keiisselaer,  .Mrs.  ]!..  85. 
Van   Keiisselaer,    .Mrs.    Jiicoh, 
to  .Mrs.   riiilip   \iiii   Keiis- 
selaer, 1 10. 
Van  Kensseliii".    Mis.   I'hiliii 
!)0.  ' 

\iili  Keiisselaer,  .Mrs.  Sol..  11 1, 
127;  toiler  dail'diters.  127] 
120. 
Van  Keiisselaer.  Nancy,  !)27. 
\iiii   Keiisselaer,  N'icliolas,   10 
11,  l.i,  11.  47.  07.   llil,  !i:i;l. 
:i!H  ;  to  I'hili])  Van  Keiis- 
selaer, 47. 
\im  Keiisselaer,  Philij),  10,  11, 
:I5,  .18,  40,  II,  12,  44,  40.    17, 
10,  .50,  5 1,. 52.  5!),  51.  .v..  .50. 
02,  00,  71,  7.5,  70.  78.  70.  80. 
81,  82.  8;!.  ,ss,  112,   li;i,    i.'io, 
i;7,   114,  4:i2,    I!!!!;  to  Cor 
iielius    Kay,    S2 ;  to   (;ov. 
<;eo.  tMinton,  88;  to  'rinio- 
tliy  I'iekeriiif,',  81  ;  lo  Col. 
Van    Keiissidaer,   248  ,    to 
Kichard  \  arick,  S8;  to  his 
vvitc.  .■i8. 
\:iii     Keiisselaer.     Keiisselaer, 
2.    112,   451,  4.55,    IO:i,     170, 
172,    170,  500,  510,  510,  52:i: 
rollects     material    lor     a 
history  of  .Albany.  2;  sails 
to    South    Amorieti,     l:i7 ; 
portrait   o;.    151:    to    his 
lather.  4:!0.    111.    142,   4.55. 
104,  472.    171,    1IS7.  ,505,  510. 
.52.). 
Van  Keiisselaer,  Kobert,  Cdl., 

5!). 
Van  Keiisselaer.  Jtobert  S  . 
112,  IKl,  11.5.  128;  m 
London.  115:  to  his  sister, 
II!!.  11.5,  117.  120:  to  Col. 
I'hilipVan  Keiisselaer,  112. 


rNDBX. 

Van   Kensselaer,  Solomon,    1. 


lOli, 
120, 
151, 
18.5, 
221, 
280, 

:iOO, 


5,  12,  01,  02,  0!),  KHI, 
II  '  117,  122.  124,  125, 
i:il.  i:!0,   i:i8,  1 1.5,  151, 

158,  1.50,  104,  108,  181, 
1!M),  102,  100,  108,  212 
22M,  2;|0.   2!|2,  27!).  277, 

2lS  I,  2.S5,  287,   !10!i,  :105, 

!lll.  !li:j,  :;i4,  !ii.5,  :)io,  ;il7," 

:)I0,  !120.   !121,  !!2!1.  !)25,  ;!27. 

!128,  !!!!(»,  !!;il,;i!12,  !^•H,  :i;!0, 

:i!)7,  !)!!8,  :!;iO,  ini,  :!|!),  ;i.|.-,, 

!ilO,  !1.50,  ;|5I.!1.52,  !1.50,  ;)04, 

!«i,5,  :«i8,  :no,  !17I,  ;i7!).  :i78, 

:!MI.  WX,,  .•!87.   !iO!),  !1!H  :,00 

100.  IIII.    III!!.  407,  408,'  lOO' 

110,  111,  lia,   4!:t,  114,  117 

418,  ll!l.    fit),   |0|_  |.^._,  |._,, 

125.  i::o,   i;i<i,  no.  ipj,  Lf,.! 

155,470,    ni.  170.  ISO,  .-,00, 
.507   51.5.  .520.  52!! ;  sliol,   1  ; 
r(.(-ov(.ry   of,   -JNO:    to   |)r 
Hay,   .M^S;    to    J  hilip    liar 
lioiir.  ;1S5;  to  K  C.  (Jeiiet. 
101 ;  to  Ills   wife,    |!i,s,  211 
217,2118.   ;i20.  !i21,  :i;i8,  ;U0. 
:il2,  :!50,  :i.5:i.  !i.-,o,  ;i5M.  ;ioo, 
!!01.    187 ;  lo    llii^  palroon, 
!;ilO:  to    Ills   son,    I.V,,    170, 
lo  (Jill.  Ilaiiisoii,    l.'ls;  to 
-eeretary  ol   war,    121  ;    to 
(ien.  I'oiter,  201  :  iipplica 
lion  for  post,  inaslt'i  at  .VI- 
bany,  !(7I  :  appointed  cor- 
net      (if      (liiii.'iioiis,     01  ; 
elecled    meiiilier    of    con- 
^'K'ss,   !iS17;    re-(.|e(!teil     lo 
<oiij,'iess.      :i07;     n. moved 
Iroiii      ad.jntaiit       (;eiieral 
ol  slate.  :107:  speieh  of,  in 
reply  li>  miiyor  of  Di'troit. 
I2:i:  pniiii(.  diiiiii  r  in  De- 
troit,   honor   of,    121;    ap- 
pointed  Albiiiiv    postniiis- 
ler,  ;170:  re^ieiiiuion  ns  a 
membc.r  of  c,oli<.'ress,  :i,SO; 
proinoled  to   Maj.  (ien.  of 
•Militia,    .!,     II;    to    (ien. 
St(.pln.|i    Van    K(.|iss(.la(r, 
:i.'!0  ;  receives  coiimiission 
as     ni  ijor     L,'(Mi(.ral.     :i;i7  ; 
Van  Keiisselaer,   Stephen,    111 
101.  100.  211.  21.5.    2.'..S.    200' 
200,  ;ilo,  :»'>.  ii'io,  :)2,s,  ;i7o 
:i88,  101,  102,    107,   lOK,    ia.r,; 
.507;    lo   (iov     'ronijikins, 
100,    2(M;    resifxiiation    of, 
200;     lo    Sol.    \iin    Itens- 
selaer,  !)20.  :i28,  .•l.'iO;  (.led. 
ed  to  Congress.  :i80,  :io:!. 
Van  Scliiiack,  Slajor.l,  li.,  I18, 
Van  Stapliors'.  .).  (i..    !•.;(;;  |,', 
Kobert  S.   Van  Jtenssidaer 
121. 
Van  slyck,  Cornelius,  88. 
Van  Twiller,  Udiiter,  7. 
\'aii  Vechti.ii,  Kpliin.  08, 
Van   \ecliteii.   .\brahiiiii,    l,-,,s 
170.  IM,  185.  108,  220,  221 
2:!0.  2.50, -251.  271,  272.  :i2.5. 
:!.57;    lo    Sol.    Van    Kins- 
s(.laer.  2!i0.  2.50.  271. 
Van  Veih;en,  Mr.,  217. 
\aii  V(.(lit(.n.  .Mrs..  227. 
\aii  \'ei;lileli,  'reimis    'I's    .50 
51,  00,    100;  to  I'hilip    Vaii 
liensseliKir.  .50.  Oil. 
N'aii  Vechten,  Walter.  20,'-:. 
Van  Wyck,  Win.  W..  .iw.  :i75 

.•)S!I. 
Varick.  Colonel.  88,   .'iiKi.    in- 
to I'hilip   \  an  KeiissiliKsr! 
140 
Varick.  Richard.  .54. 
Veeder.  .Nicholas.  8.s. 


541 

VejfetnbleB,  ccjmiiioD,  iincom- 
inoii,  ,503. 

VerKarrt,  52!!, 

VlBHcher,  Capt.,  72.  78,  74. 

ViHscher,  Fiederlck,  (10,  75 

\  iHBcher.  John,  4!),  44,  104. 
:i!i!l,  !):)4. 

\  issclier.  I,leut.,  107,  108,  KM). 
12!),  124;  lo  Capt.  Van 
KeiiBNflaer,  109,  110. 

VissclK^r,  Mr.,  140. 

Vlsscher,  MrH.,  -KM,  470. 

VIsscher,  Mrs. Naiinlngl.,418, 

N  isscher.  .Nannlnif  I.,  1(7,  {in 
!«l.  KH).  101,  110,  110.  145 
140,  118.  418;  marriiiL'e  of, 
110;  to  Capt.  .Sol.  Van 
Kiiissi'laor.  I)H.  101.  18;), 
121,  115;  to  Major  Van 
Keiisselaer.  14H  ;  portrait 
of.  Il!i;  death  of,  !j»)8. 

Vissilier.  (;ol.  SelmMtlan,  387. 


WadsHortli.  (ien..  20!),  200, 
2!!0,  2.50,  2.57.  2H1.  804,  20.5, 
2117,27!),  270,  420;  to  Gun. 
Van  Kenssidaer,  205. 

Wiiiianar.  (Jol.  INter.   (10. 

Wallace.  '1',,  .jiw. 

Wall,  C(d  ,  117. 

Wall.  .Mr.,  .M(5. 

Walsh.  Dudley,  85. 

Walsh.  Win..  510. 

Wiihvorlh,  l{(.ubeii  1 1 . , .•!(18. .'(SI). 

War,  betwi^en  Colombia  and' 
I'erii,  .521. 

War  in  |Kp.>,  declaration  of, 
1!M  21!). 

Warlleld.  loa. 

Warn. 11.  Daniel.  20. 

Warren,  Sir  l'(.ter,  H. 

Washington,  city  of,  15!);  (aii- 
liireof.  !ilo.  .•i20:  the  Dil- 
lisji  threaten  lo  attack, 
!)05. 

VVashiii'.iton.  (Jeor-^c..  commiH- 
sioii  from,  appointiii),'  .Soi- 
onion  Van  Keiisselaer, 
l.i(^iit.  of  draKOoiiB,  .si); 
interestiii};    letters    from, 

Wasliiiifftoii,  (ien.,  ^a  .57  .58 
71.  80,  81.  0.5.  08.  l"0!1,  m', 
1!)5,  147,  148.  150,  151,  1.5!), 
2!!8,  2.50,  :i20,  411  :  to  Johii 
I'ayloe.  147;  death  ol,  1.5(1 ; 
bis  fiim.ral  pioce.ssioii  m 
Albany,  l.-,i. 

Wa''hin;;toii.  (Jeorgc,  10.  !«, 
1.5.5,  ID!),  411;  tile  man  of 
war,  155. 

Washiii;;toii,  MrB.,8(i;  levce, 

80.  ' 

Wasliiiiv'lon,  President.  ,so, 
01,  104. 

Wayne,  Anthony,  mi. 

Wayne,  (apt.,  117. 

Mayiie.  (ien.,  HH,  8(i,  80,  05, 
!I7.  100,  101,  102,  108,  104 
105.  lai,  180,  13.5,  188,  2.5.5, 
•IIO.  868,  419,  422:  cam! 
pai-n  of,  89-108;  puBhes 
lorwart,  100;  erectw  mill- 
laiy  wrks  at  Port  Defl- 
aiice.  JBl ;  the  war  horup 
"f.  la ;  returns  to  Fort 
DeUance,  104 ;  ia  neglected 
by  coneresB,  104 ;  his  burial 
place,  104 
Webb,  110. 

ebb.  Cart.,  105,  111,  181;  to 
Capt  Van  RensHelaer. 
10.5,  181. 


!?■ 


542 

Webb,  John,  laa. 
Webb,  J.  Jr.,  94,  IWi. 
Webb,  Lieut,  las. 
Webb,  Lieit.  J.  W.,  424. 
Webster,  C.  R  ,  8. 
Webster,  DaDiol,  405,  520,  51!) : 
to   Sol.    Van   Rensselaer, 
519. 
Webster,  Cleiit,,  41S. 
Webster,  Mr.,  899  486. 
Wedding    inviution,    m;   of 

1776,  139. 
Weraple,  Col.,  70. 
Wendell,  Col.,  2.3,  27,  .31. 
Wendell,  Jacob,  «>,  28  29,  HO, 

.3.3. 
Wendell,  John,  88. 
Wendell,  John  H..   1(W.    ;«?. 

884.  412. 
Wendell,  John  MIco,  «i.  31 

84. 
Wendell,  Madm.,  8(). 
Wendell,  Marin,  17. 
Wendell  Mr.,  83. 
Weudovcr,  Peter  H.,  3;i8. 
Westerlo,  General.  .331. 
West  Point,  ideas,  124:  Mili- 
tary Academy  at,  407. 
Whaley,  Horcules,  95. 
Wheeler,  John  W.,  342 
Whipple,  John.  432,  433,  434  • 

murdered,  432. 
Whipple,  Mrs.,  43;j,  434. 
Whipple,  Mrs.  Rlsle,  4*3. 
Whistler.    J.,    2;ii  ;    t„    Gen. 

Van  Rensselaer,  2.30. 
Whitehall,  Gen.  Montgomery 

buried  at,  .331. 
White,  Henry,  40. 
Wlbird,  Richd.,  20,  ,31,  34. 


Inoex. 

Wilkinson,     110;     appointed 
deputy    adjutant  general, 
141;  to  Crtjit.  Van  Rens- 
selaer,  140;  to  Maj.   Van 
Rensselaer,   155;    to   Sol. 
Van  Rensselaer,  l.S<i. 
Wilkinson,  dipt.,  .53. 
Wilkinson,  General.  Hi,  (W,  'Mi, 
!H),  102,  132,    1.34,   1.37,  UiH, 
140,  ill,  142,  152,  15.3,  1.54, 
155,  im,  212,  265,  2.58,   :«)8, 
318,    321  ;  to  secretary  of 
war,  1,53. 
Wilkinson,   James,    14.5,    152, 

187,  313,  31(i,  326. 
Wilkinson,  Mrs.,  1.55. 
Willard  Ellas,  *34. 
Willett,  Col  ,  71,  241. 
Willett,  Lieut,  Col.  M..  2.39. 
Willett,  M.,  tm. 
Willett,  Col.  Marinus,  79,   80, 
2*8,  242,   411 ;  to  (Juncral 
Van  Rensselaer  2;J8. 
Willianjs,    Captain.   .3.31,  :m 
Williams,  Colonel  325, 
WilliainH,  Col.  John,  ;«2.  333 

334,402. 
Williams,  D.  R.,  310. 
Williams.  Elisha,  170, 182,340- 
death  of,  182.  ' 

Williams.  Lewis,  409,  410:  to 

Sol.  V'an  Rensselaer,  409. 
Williams,    Major  J.   R  .  4o» 

421,  422. 
Wilie,  Walter,  15. 
Wilson,  Dr..  244,  288,  289,  290 
291,  292;  to  Maj.   Lovett, 

Winchester,  Gen.,  143, 145. 
Winder,  Col.,  268,  269,  270.  279 


W  nder.  Gen.,  .301,  .319,  320. 
Winne.   Wra.   B.,  :i82;   Hlljv 

the  penny  post,  ,388. 
Winston,  Major,  112,  119 
Wirt,  Mr.,  !380. 
Wisner,  Henry,  55. 
Woodcock,  .375. 
Woodcock,  David.  .368  m't 
Wood,  Ellas,  388. 
Wood,  Silas,  ;168  406. 
Wootlstock,  the  birth  place  of 

the  Black  Prince,  129. 
Woodw'orth,  C'apt.,  482. 
Woodworth,John,170,  \m  :m 
Wool,  Captain.  252,  258    273' 

286 ;  report  of,  272;  to  Col" 

Van  Rensselaer,  872. 
Wool,  Capt.  Gen.,  885. 
Wool,  John  E.,  868,  872,  481 

422,  424. 
Woolsey,  Capt.,  288. 
Wooster,  Gen.,  48,  49  .50 
Wolfe,  Gen.,  31,  3:10.  ' 
Worth,  Major,  :i33. 
Wright,  Gen.,  299. 
Wright,  Mr.,  464. 

Vankee  dinner  party,  487. 
Yates,  Christopher,  56. 
Yates,  Col.,  33.3. 
Yates,  Gov.,  409,  414. 
Yates,  John  Van  Ness,  432 
Yates,  Joseph  C,  108,  ,337  368 
Yates,  Judge,  108,  ,341,  400. 
Yates,  Mr.,  51. 
Yates.  Peter  W.,  1,58. 
Yates,  Richard,  52 ;  to  Philip 

Van  Rensselaer,  52. 
Yates,  Robert,  48,  57. 


r,Goii.,  301,319,  8ai. 
.   Wm.   B.,  :«a;   Hiliv 
I  penny  post,  mi. 
m,  Major,  lia.  li!». 
Ar.  !M). 
■,  Itucry,  55. 
ocK,  375. 

ock,  David.  3(i8  38!) 
Elias,  338. 
Silas,  ;m  405. 
lock,  the  birth  place  of 
Black  Prince,  129. 
•orth,  Capt..,  48a. 
^orth,John,no,  im.im 
Captain.  252,  258,  2T3' 
;  report  of,  272;  10  00]' 
1  Rensselaer,  272. 
:;apt.  Gen.,  2*5. 
John  E.,  2«3,  272,  421 
424.  ' 

y,  Capt.,  288. 
r.  Gen.,  48,  49,  tyO. 
Hen.,  31,  330. 
Major,  :i33. 
,  Gen.,  299. 
Mr.,  4(i4. 


dinner  party,  487. 
'hristopher,  56. 
!ol.,  ,33.3. 
>ov.,  409,  414. 
olin  Van  Ness,  432 
i)i»eph  C.  108,  mi.  .%8. 
iidfje,  las,  ,341,  400. 
Ir.,51. 

'eter  W.,  1,58. 
[ichard,  52 ;  to  Philip 
Rensselaer,  52. 
Robert,  42.  67. 


